Most freshwater mussels live in runs and riffles on beds of cobble, gravel, sand, and silt, their existence dependent on water quality. But mussels themselves make a contribution to the water's purity with their method of filter-feeding.
Adults spend their lives straining out silt, one-cell algae, microscopic animals, and debris.
The combined work of entire beds of mussels can be significant downstream. Eclectic anonymous discussion forum for Dickenson County, Southwestern VA, the Mountain Empire, the Appalachians and beyond. Dickenson County Online - Internet portal for Dickenson County and surrounding area. Dickenson County, Virginia - One of the most comprehensive sites on this corner of Southwest Virginia, this web site has extensive information, links and pictures of 'Virginia's Baby'. Learn the history of the Scottish and Irish settlers in the area, find information on the budding ecotourism industry, and read about the fight to preserve this gem of the Appalachians for future generations.