The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and Friends of Crystal Springs invite you to participate in Crystal Springs freshwater mussel survey

Thursday, September 9th & Friday, September 10, 2010
10 a.m. -- 2 p.m.

Volunteers will work with the Xerces Society and Friends of Crystal Springs to conduct baseline mussel surveys along Crystal Springs.

The morning will begin with an introduction to freshwater mussels and training in survey techniques. Mussel surveys will be conducted by teams in the late morning to early afternoon. To show our appreciation, volunteers will receive a copy of the field guide, Freshwater Mussels of the Pacific Northwest, 2nd ed.

Why Monitor Mussels?

Freshwater mussels are one of the most at-risk animal groups in North America. These amazing and important animals are seriously threatened by habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and loss of native host fish species, on which larval mussels depend for development.

Johnson Creek is home to freshwater mussels, but little is known about their populations in this urbanized waterway. Data from this project will help increase knowledge about the presence, distribution, abundance, and age structure of freshwater mussels in the creek, and add to our understanding of these vulnerable organisms.

To Volunteer:

For more information or to register for one or both survey days, please contact Janet Johnson (janetjohnson1@mindspring.com or (503) 736-3207, Friends of Crystal Springs.

Location:

September 9th: Meet at 10 am the west end of the Reed College parking lot (across from the Rhododendron Garden on 28th street).

September 10th: Meet at 10 am at the south end of Westmoreland Park (near the playground on the creek)., Friends of Crystal Springs.

Be Prepared!

Dress appropriately for a day in and around water. Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and boots or water sandals if you have them. Morning refreshments will be provided.

Acknowledgements

Funding for this project is generously provided by the East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District Partners In Conservation program and by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

OUR MISSION
The Xerces Society is an nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. Established in 1971, the Society is at the forefront of invertebrate protection worldwide, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of citizens to implement conservation programs.

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If you are not already a member, please consider joining the Xerces Society. Membership funding helps to spread the word about the vital role that invertebrates play in our lives.

As a member, you will receive two issues of our member magazine Wings each year. Wings is a full color magazine that highlights essays on invertebrate conservation and is a great addition to your home library. For more information on membership please visit the membership page on our website.

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If you are not sure when your membership expires, email suzanne@xerces.org or call the office (503-232-6639). We want to make member renewal as easy as we can for our members, so please let us know if you have any suggestions.

PHOTO CREDITS
Western Pearlshell (Margaritifera falcata) by Marie Fernandez.

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