World Rivers Day- Mussels: A Shell of Indiana’s Rivers

Event Details

The past, present and future of Indiana’s water can be told through our 75-plus species of freshwater mussels, which places Indiana in the top ten of U.S. states for mussel diversity. From Native American use to Indiana’s thriving pearl button industry to the cultural pearl trade, Indiana’s freshwater mussels and bountiful rivers have sustained life and livelihoods. As filter feeders, freshwater mussels can only survive in clean rivers, and inversely, their filter feeding also cleans water. The history of people and mussels has left a mark on the health of our rivers. At this program, you will learn about the positive choices for water that can keep the story of mussels in Indiana alive and well.

This talk will be followed by a luncheon discussion. Attendance and lunch are free, though registration is required as space is limited. Registration is possible at the link above starting on 9/7/23 at 8am.

Cassie Hauswald is the Director of Freshwater Programs for the Sam Shine Foundation and previously has worked on conservation issues for The Nature Conservancy in Indiana for over twenty years. As a freshwater ecologist, focusing on aquatic habitats leads Cassie to think about the intersection of rural land use and water quality impacts to Indiana’s river and streams. Cassie is particularly concerned about freshwater mussel populations and their response to improved water quality.