Mussels: A Shell of Indiana’s Rivers

Explore the history of Indiana through river mussels with Cassie Hauswald, a freshwater ecologist at the Nature Conservancy.

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, 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 cleans water. Join Cassie Hauswald to learn about positive choices for water that can keep the story of mussels in Indiana alive and well.

Hauswald 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 rivers and streams. Cassie is particularly concerned about freshwater mussel populations and their response to improved water quality.

This event is one of several classes and events that are part of the Water/Ways tour as it comes through La Porte County. The La Porte County Soil and Water Conservation District and La Porte County Public Library are excited to share the Smithsonian’s Water/Ways exhibition and to dive into water—an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally, and historically.

This event is part of Water/Ways – La Porte County. It is made possible with support from Indiana Humanities, the Museum on Main Street / Smithsonian, the Lake Michigan Coastal Program, and the Kankakee River Basin and Yellow River Basin Commission. 

We are excited to offer in person programs! LPCPL asks that all unvaccinated individuals wear a face covering inside library facilities or in situations where social distancing is not possible. If you or anyone you have had close contact with is experiencing COVID symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, or others, please follow CDC guidance.