Johnson Creek Watershed Council seeks volunteers for the freshwater mussel surveys this summer. Apply here!

Johnson Creek Watershed Council seeks volunteers for native freshwater mussel surveys this summer, July-Sept 2011. This event represents a unique opportunity for the general public to assist with important field research. Apply here!
Freshwater mussel

Volunteer Opportunity

Last year the Johnson Creek Watershed Council partnered with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to conduct surveys for native freshwater mussels in Johnson Creek — with your help, we want to continue this work.

Spots are filling up quickly so RSVP today! All ages welcome.

  • Saturday, July 16* — Gresham Woods
  • Saturday, August 6th — Ambleside
  • Saturday, September 24 — Bundy Reserve

Time: 10:00am-1:30pm

Johnson Creek Watershed Council seeks volunteers for native freshwater mussel surveys this summer, July-Sept 2011. This event represents a unique opportunity for the general public to assist with important field research. Apply here!
Searching for freshwater mussels

Volunteers will learn about the biology and ecology of native freshwater mussels, and the many ways in which these animals benefit water quality and fish habitat. Native mussels are sensitive to pollution and disturbance, so exploring mussel distribution and the age structure of mussel beds provides insight on the biological conditions of Johnson Creek. Native Western pearlshell mussels were found in both stream reaches surveyed in the upper watershed, and native floaters were present in the lower watershed.

The event represents a unique opportunity for the general public to assist with field research, receive unique environmental education about an important component of the stream biota which most people know very little, and to simply enjoy Johnson Creek - an urban habitat gem.

Please RSVP if you would like to help with one or more of these unique events. Directions are provided upon RSVP.

* July 16 is an English and Spanish bilingual event.

RSVP, More Info?
Contact Amy Lodholz, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, Johnson Creek Watershed Council by phone at 503-652-7477 or email amy@jcwc.org.