Putting Some Mussel into the Conservation Program
Freshwater Mussels are First Topic in Fisheries and Wildlife Series

RALEIGH, N.C. (Jan. 29, 2008) – So go freshwater mussels, so goes the world.

A Feb. 13 program at the Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education will examine the conservation status of freshwater mussels in North Carolina and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s efforts to sustain these fascinating animals as residents of our state’s waterways.

North Carolina is home to more than 60 species of freshwater mussels, with half of those species designated Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern status.

Presented by fisheries biologist Scott Van Horn, the 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. program will be the first in this year’s Fisheries and Wildlife Seminar series at the Centennial Center for Wildlife Education.

“We’ll talk briefly about the current plight of mussels and then focus on the Commission and its collaborators’ work to track mussel distribution and status, understand mussel life histories, and manage mussel populations and habitat,” Van Horn said. “This will not be a highly technical presentation. It’s designed to take a broader look at mussel conservation in North Carolina.”

The free presentation is preceded with a networking session and refreshments from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education is located on the first floor of the N.C Wildlife Resources Commission’s administrative headquarters, 1751 Varsity Drive. A free parking pass is available by e-mail request, with name and mailing address included, to centennialcenter@ncwildlife.org by Feb. 5. For more information, call (919) 707-0203.