Freshwater Mussel Identification

Name of Class: Freshwater Mussel Identification
Dates: August 8, 2023
Location: Lowell, Michigan
Time(s): 9 am to 4:30 pm
Instructor: Amanda Chambers
Cost: $100 (MWA members), $150 (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, correct identification of these species is vital to their conservation. Join us for this one-day course focusing on identification of Michigan’s freshwater mussel species. This course will be split into a morning ‘classroom style’ session where participants will learn common identification skills and an afternoon 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 Bio:  

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; she also advises 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 her B.Sc. from Lake Superior State University and studied freshwater mussel distribution and habitat preferences throughout the Upper Peninsula. She received her M.Sc. in Biology from Central Michigan University where her research involved extensive freshwater mussel surveys, including a paired longitudinal study of freshwater mussel assemblages within multiple rivers in Michigan. Amanda has 13 years of experience working with, and identifying, freshwater 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 to14 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.