Freshwater Mussel Identification 2026

Name of Class: Freshwater Mussel Identification
Dates: August 4 and 5, 2026

Location:
Chippewa Nature Center, Midland, Michigan

Time(s): 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Instructors:
Amanda Chambers, EGLE
Nathan Ring, ECT

Cost: $275 (MWA members), $325 (non-members)

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Class Description: There are currently 43 species of native freshwater mussels (Family Unionidae) in Michigan. Given that many of these species are either state or federally listed, detection and correct identification of these species is vital to their conservation. Join us for this two-day course focusing on common survey methodology and identification of Michigan’s freshwater mussel species. This course will be split into a ‘classroom style’ session where participants will learn common identification skills and survey methodologies and a field session where participants will survey for and identify freshwater mussels. Participants will be responsible for providing their own lunch and waders. Attendees should be prepared for all weather conditions. Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.

Instructor Bios:
Amanda Chambers is an Aquatic Biologist within EGLE’s (Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) Water Resource Division. In this role, Amanda monitors water chemistry and biotic communities in rivers and lakes to determine if those waterbodies are meeting Michigan’s water quality standards while also advising on various freshwater mussel related issues. Prior to working for EGLE, Amanda worked for the U.S. Forest Service and led freshwater mussel survey efforts across the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Amanda earned a B.Sc. from Lake Superior State University and studied freshwater mussel distribution and habitat preferences throughout the Upper Peninsula. Amanda received an M.Sc. in Biology from Central Michigan University and conducted research involving extensive freshwater mussel surveys, including a paired longitudinal study of freshwater mussel assemblages within multiple rivers in Michigan. Amanda has 16 years of experience working with, and identifying, freshwater mussels in Michigan.

Nathan Ring is a Wetland Biologist and Aquatic Ecologist at Environmental Consulting & Technology (ECT). Nathan serves as ECT’s freshwater mussel technical lead in the Great Lakes region and leads and assists mussel surveys throughout the U.S. Nathan earned a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology from Central Michigan University where his graduate and undergraduate research focused on the distribution and physiological associations between native and invasive mussel populations in the Kalamazoo River watershed. Nathan has conducted more than 100 surveys for freshwater mussels and has nearly 10 years of experience working with mussels in Michigan.

Class Cancellation Notification

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation. The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

• Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty.
• Cancellation prior to 14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees.
• Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees.
• Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.