Greetings Mussel Monitors!

I hope this message finds you and your family in good health.

I'd like to draw your attention to some opportunities to stay engaged with mussel-related topics, including mussel monitoring through virtual (online) formats. UW-Extension Lakes recently held its annual Wisconsin Lakes and River's Convention. Due to COVID-19, the convention was held completely online and nearly all presentations and video recordings are available online, including the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program (WMMP) Wednesday morning workshop. Please visit the link below to view any agenda item from the 2020 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention.

I also want to invite you to visit the new Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program website. The new site design and layout provides more resources and guidance for anybody interested in learning about native freshwater mussels.

Lastly, 2020 has already been a significant year in many ways. The WMMP original goal for 2020 was to total over 1,000 observations on the WMMP project page of iNaturalist. Right now, we sit at just over 600 total observations on the project page and 848 general mussel submissions for Wisconsin. To make sure your mussel observation gets counted on the WMMP project page, be sure to click "Projects -> WMMP" on your smartphone, or "Add Observation" from the WMMP desktop page. Of course, be sure to "join" the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program project page on iNaturalist first.

Always, feel free to message me with any questions or comments,

Be safe!
Jesse

WMMP website: http://wiatri.net/inventory/mussels/
2020 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention: https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/programs/convention/2020/default.aspx

Hello fellow naturalists,

The Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program is hosting a Mussel Blitz on the Three Lakes – Eagle River Chain of Lakes on Sunday, August 18th!

Our goal is to better understand what native mussels occupy the 28 lakes. In addition, we are hoping to learn the extent of a newly introduced mussel to the chain, the Eastern Pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta).

The Eastern Pondmussel is not an invasive or Wisconsin state-endangered species. However, Wisconsin lakes may serve as a refuge for this species as it is in-decline elsewhere. Therefore, the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program will host a volunteer mussel blitz on August 18th to investigate its distribution within the Eagle River-Three Lakes Chain. Volunteers will also learn about what other native mussels occur in the lakes. If you’d like to participate in the free 2019 mussel blitz, please register online at http://wiatri.net/inventory/mussels/calendar.cfm.

During the event you will:
• Learn about the fascinating life histories of Wisconsin’s 50 species of native freshwater mussels
• Explore local lakes, collecting important data on mussels
• Share your findings with other volunteers and DNR staff

Location: August 18th at Cy Williams Park, Three Lakes. Registration is free. Registered participants will be emailed with event specifics prior to the event.

Feel free to spread the word about the event. We look forward to seeing you!
Regards,
Jesse

Hello, Mussel Heads!

We continue to get helpful information on mussel distribution across the state. All of 2018 records have been entered into our database and will be used for current and future conservation work! I can't tell you how much we appreciate every mussel record submitted. Keep the observations coming!

If you cannot get enough of mussel information from iNaturalist, make sure to visit the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program website, http://wiatri.net/inventory/mussels/! New this year is the introduction of the "Clam Chronicle". This seasonal newsletter updates participants on recent work associated with mussel conservation in Wisconsin. Each newsletter will showcase select mussel photos from volunteers. If there is a photo you would like included in the next issue, let me know.

Happy clamming!!

Happy June!

What a difference one month has made in Wisconsin. Water temperatures have warmed and river flows have decreased to normal levels across much of the state. Now is the perfect time to beat the heat, adventure into the water to "Flex Your Mussels", and share observations to the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program page. We are off to a great start in 2018, as May saw the second most new members and species observations since starting the mussel project page on iNATURALIST. Keep it up!

Thank you! Remember all observations will be imported into the WDNR database and used for future mussel conservation efforts. Also, if you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me or visit our mussel monitoring website at http://wiatri.net/inventory/mussels/.

Happy Clamming!
Jesse