When qualitative studies are done, shells are usually included in the species list, even if you don't find anything live. When looking for endangered species many times this is the only thing we can find, especially if the species is rare. This species is threatened in Iowa. While this mussel is common in Missouri and Ohio it is uncommon to rare in other states and it s a species of special concern in Illinois. The Huron River has about 33 species.
Mussels are one of the most imperiled groups of animals.
Mussels are harvested in the south and shipped to Japan for the pearl industry. Mussels used to be harvested from The Huron River for the button industry, however taking mussels for commercial purposes was outlawed in Michigan in 1988. Unionid clams have been declining throughout the U.S. because of water quality problems caused by dredging, damming and pollution, decline of their fish hosts and most recently, the zebra mussel invasion. After brief instruction, participants will gather with their team and head to the Creeks. The event runs from 10am - 4pm.