Project: Volunteers will help AWS with a wild freshwater mussel survey at Nash Run! Last year, in 2020, we released freshwater mussels into the restored section of Nash Run, upstream from our Nash Run Trash Trap. Volunteers will help us to survey the location to see if we can spot any of the mussels released from Fall 2020!

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 

• 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. Register here: https://anacostiaws.salsalabs.org/91521freshwatermusselsurveynashrun/index.html?page=register