Freshwater mussels of Minnesota

Freshwater mussels and other bivalves are among the most overlooked yet ecologically important organisms in lakes and rivers. This talk explores their unique life cycles, their role in filtering and improving water quality, and what their presence reveals about ecosystem health. We’ll also discuss the threats they face—from habitat loss to invasive species—and why protecting native mussels is essential to sustaining clean water, biodiversity, and resilient freshwater systems.Register Here Presented by: Dr. Bernard Sietman is a malacologist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs in Lake City, where he works on native mussel conservation and recovery. His past and current projects include statewide mussel surveys, long-term monitoring, assessing mussel responses to stream restoration, and studying the life history of rare mussel species. * Would you like to leave a legacy of clean water for future generations? If so, then Itasca Waters has the series for you. The “Practical Water Wisdom: A Virtual Learning Series” runs for an hour beginning at noon (Central) on the first Thursday of most months. It is FREE, online, open to all, and includes an interactive Q&A session. Check out this year's lineup and register here: https://itascawaters.org/water-wisdom... The Practical Water Wisdom series is the brainchild of Itasca Waters, a nonprofit organization located in Itasca County Minnesota, whose mission is to ‘team up’ with other organizations and concerned citizens to maintain abundant, clean water for our continued health, enjoyment, and a strong economy. This series is supported by Itasca Waters’ members, Minnesota Sea Grant, Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations, Itasca County Soil and Water Conservation District, KAXE/KBXE, Rapids Radio, and Grand Rapids Herald-Review. * For more about this and other subjects related to our beautiful natural waterways, visit https://itascawaters.org/ To subscribe to our newsletter: https://itascawaters.org/subscribe To help support continuing education: https://itascawaters.org/donate Thank you and enjoy our full playlist on YouTube!