28 of 48 mussel species in MN are threatened, endangered, or a special concern
How Many Species are there?
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Click on the photos to learn what mussel is in the photo!
About Our Goals
"To provide a head start for young mussels to reestablish their historic population density in our local rivers.
The Minnesota Zoo is joining the Minnesota DNR’s efforts to restore native mussel populations in Minnesota. In our main lake and in the neighboring cabin, we’re rearing mussel species including fat muckets, muckets (a state-threatened species), and the Higgins’ eye pearly mussel (a federally endangered species). The plan is to rear juvenile mussels on-site at the Zoo for eventual release by the DNR into Minnesota rivers and streams."
- MN Zoo
How can you help?
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Conserve energy
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Remove all aquatic plants from your boat and trailer & drain all water from it.
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Plant a rain garden, redirect gutters away from hard surfaces, limit chemical use in your yard, etc. to reduce pollutants entering lakes and rivers.
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Properly dispose of all hazardous chemicals and medicines.
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Do not purchase clothing containing buttons made of mussel shells.
Mussels are friends not food!
FIND US
OPENING HOURS:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm
Saturday: 9am - 6pm
Tickets: $18.00
#ShowUsYourMussels #MNzoo
Why are Mussels Important?
Ecosystem Engineers
Habitat for Others
Cleans Water
Remove phytoplankton, and the bacteria & fungi that are attached to nonliving organic particles. Other undesirable particles and chemicals are attached to mussels' feces and deposited on the river bottom.
Provides an important substrate for insect larvae and algae to attach to. The abundance of algae and insect larvae attract fish, which in turn reduces the algae and insect populations .
Takes in Nutrients, uses them, and excretes them for plants, invertebrates, and fish to consume.
#ShowUsYourMussels #MNzoo
Are you strong enough to help?
Make sure to vote for Orono High School by completing the simple two-question survey you can find by clicking on the vote tab at the top of the page!
You can vote once every day!