The Plight of the Imperiled Pearlshell

Pearlshell freshwater mussels

Biologist Dr. Alexa Maine from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) spoke about Oregon's native freshwater mussel species, which are some of the most endangered animals in North America! Learn about the mollusks that tirelessly clean water systems, and provide beneficial conditions for a multitude of other organisms. We discussed the value of mussels as a First Food for the CTUIR, their conservation measures surrounding freshwater mussels, and what can be done to help these very imperiled invertebrates.

 

Photo Credits
Roger Tabor