Article provided by Kennekuk Education Center
Did you know the Vermilion River basin is home to over 30 species of freshwater mussels? Have you ever wanted to know more about what goes on beneath the water’s surface? Come learn about these lovely critters from mollusk experts from the Illinois Natural History Survey on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Experts will be available at the Kennekuk Education Center, Kennekuk County Park, from 10 am – noon, with a Seminar at 10:15 am. The Illinois Natural History Survey now has grant funding to sample streams in the Vermilion River basin to find new (or old!) populations of rare mussel species. Bring your questions or concerns about how we search for freshwater mussels!
Freshwater mussels are important animals in the riverine ecosystem and serve several roles. They actively filter sediment and bacteria, they stabilize and aerate substrates, and they deposit nutrients and food for other bottom-dwelling species. Unfortunately, many species of mussels – over 60% – are imperiled. The Vermilion of the Wabash River basin in east-central Illinois and western Indiana supports populations of several rare and imperiled mussel species, though researchers need updated information on the size and age structure of these populations to accurately conserve them. A new study funded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources will provide updated population information for this basin. If you’d like to learn more about these efforts, email lead investigators – Alison Stodola or Sarah Douglass.
This public education seminar is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP for the seminar at go.illinois.edu/MusselTalk.
Kennekuk County Park is located at 22296 Henning Road, Danville, IL 61834
