St. Croix River’s marvelous mussels are focus of Feb. 18 presentation

Mark Hove (second from left) directs Grantsburg High School students helping with mussel research on the Willow River. Read St. Croix 360’s article about Hove’s studies.

This winged mapleleaf mussel lives in the St.Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The turquoise tag indicates that it is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's project to restore the endangered species. — This winged mapleleaf mussel lives in the St.Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The turquoise tag indicates that it is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s project to restore the endangered species. (USFWS photo)

Although looking at mussels might seem about as exciting as watching rocks, they are actually amazing animals with many secrets yet to be learned. Native freshwater mussels, sometimes called clams, continue to surprise and astonish those who study them. Join the National Park Service and the St. Croix River Association for a presentation on the lives of these remarkable creatures.

“The Surprising Lives of our Native Mussels”
Presentation by Mark Hove, University of Minnesota
Saturday, February 18 at 10 a.m.
St. Croix Falls, WI

Freshwater mussels spend most of their lives filtering gallons of water through their bodies to strain out food. When it comes to producing offspring, mussels transform into tricksters, luring fish to supply nutrients and transportation for their young.

Almost two-thirds of all mussel species in the United States are threatened, endangered, or already extinct.

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is a refuge for many of these rare and surprising animals. Come explore little-visited reaches of our rivers through photographs, videos, and lively stories that reveal the secret lives of mussels.

Mark Hove is a research biologist for the University of Minnesota and Macalester College. His work includes identifying host fish species for freshwater mussels, often working with local high school students.

The presentation is free and open to the public. It will take place at the St. Croix River Association office at 230 S. Washington Street, Unit 1, next to the public library, in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.

Space is limited and reservations strongly encouraged. RSVPs will be honored until 10 a.m. To reserve a space, go to www.stcroixriverassociation.org or call (715) 483-3300.

This presentation is part of the 2017 Riverway Speaker Series, an effort to raise awareness of the heritage, natural wonders, and communities of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway – a national park that includes the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers.

Save the date for these upcoming presentations:

“Hidden Thunder: Rock Art of the Upper Midwest”
Saturday, March 18 at 10 a.m., St. Croix Falls, WI
Presented by Geri Schrab, award-winning artist
“Conservation of Minnesota’s Orchids and Rare Plants”
Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m., Stillwater, MN
Presented by Dr. David Remucal, Curator of Endangered Plants, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum