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MADISON, Mo. – Fawnsfoot, monkey face and fat pocketbook are a few of the fun names of Missouri’s 69 freshwater mussel species. Found throughout the Show-Me-State, mussels provide food for animals, and work hard to keep our waters clean.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites families to discover nature and learn more about the mighty mussel at a workshop from 1 to 2 p.m. on June 15 at Woodlawn Access near Madison. All ages are welcome, but youth must be accompanied by their parent or adult mentor. The program is free, but you must register by June 14.
The workshop will cover the importance of mussels in aquatic habitats, life history, connections between mussels and people, regulations and identification. A large portion of the program will be spent in the water searching for mussels to identify. Appropriate clothing and footwear for wading in water and getting muddy is required.
“Nearly two-thirds of Missouri’s mussels are of conservation concern,” said MDC Naturalist Amanda Moore. “This workshop will help people learn more about this important aquatic species and what they can do to help protect our mussels.”
Discover Nature programs are designed to help adults and children explore nature and master outdoor skills together. To register, or for more information and directions to Woodlawn Access, contact Moore at Amanda.Moore@mdc.mo.gov, or 660-785-2420.
For more information about this and other Discover Nature programs, go online to mdc.mo.gov.
