Volunteers will help Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) with a wild freshwater mussel survey at East & West Kingman Lake! We will split into 2 groups on site. We will be walking in mud that can be very mucky in waders (AWS can provide you with a pair if you don't have your own). If you're not comfortable walking in mud using waders, we recommend joining us at a different event. If you need to borrow waders from AWS, you will want to make sure they are a snug fit, so if you're a half size in shoes, we recommend rounding down. Please be aware that most of our sizes are "men" sizes. 

In 2015, we started surveying the native species of freshwater mussels in the Anacostia River to understand their diversity and abundance. In 2018 we started a mussel propagation project partnering with the Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Virginia collecting local broodstock from the Anacostia River. Volunteers are critical to keep this project going and to meet our goal of enhancing mussel populations to increase their water filtration capacity to help clean our river.

Physical Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (leans more towards difficult)

• This event will involve lifting, bending, and walking in mucky mud for a fourth of a mile. Participants will be expected to wear waders and masks for the duration of the event. If you think any of the physical requirements will be problematic, please let us know.

Registration is required. Please register at least 2 days prior to the event date to receive additional information about the event. Anyone who doesn't register online will be denied access to the event.