Freshwater Mussel Monitoring in Crystal Springs Creek

Westmoreland Park, Portland, OR - September 14, 2014

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

- AND -

Union Manor, Portland, OR - September 15, 2014 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Why Survey for Native Freshwater Mussels?

Freshwater mussels are the most threatened animals in the U.S. and Oregon is home to only a few species of native freshwater mussels. Mussels benefit streams and fish by improving water quality, they are food for a variety of mammals and birds, and mussel beds provide habitat for other stream inhabitants. Previous surveys by Xerces staff and volunteers have shown that Crystal Springs Creek supports large populations of native mussels.  

In 2013, volunteers helped tag and relocate mussels prior to stream restoration in Crystal Springs Creek at Westmoreland Park. Surveys this year will be part of long-term monitoring to determine survivorship and movement in the upstream reaches of Crystal Springs Creek at Union Manor where mussels were relocated, and recolonization in the restored reaches at Westmoreland Park to measure the effectiveness of stream restoration activities.

Who Can Help? 

No prior experience is required. Prepare for a day in the water and wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and mucky. Closed-toed shoes are suggested because of the possibility of sharp debris in the stream.     

Register for 1 or both survey days.

Please dress for the weather and bring plenty of water!                                           

What Will the Work Involve?

Volunteers will help survey the stream for native mussels and non-native asian clams, and collect data. Volunteers will survey for survivorship and movement by locating mussels tagged during last years’ relocation work and record data. Work will involve frequent bending motions and the use of aquascopes (viewing scopes to see underwater). Work will also involve the use of dredge nets and other survey equipment.

ABOUT THE XERCES SOCIETY

The Xerces Society is a nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. For over forty years, the Society has been at the forefront of invertebrate protection worldwide, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of citizens to implement conservation programs. For information about the Xerces Society, visit http://www.xerces.org/.

ABOUT THE CRYSTAL SPRINGS PARTNERSHIP

The Crystal Springs Partnership is a group of community members, organizations, and City representatives who are working toward making the Crystal Springs Watershed a vibrant, healthy place for people and wildlife. The group is partnering local knowledge and agency expertise to develop a national model for urban watersheds. In particular, working toward ensuring that Crystal Springs Creek will have healthy urban salmon through community collaboration around education, advocacy, and restoration. For information about the Crystal Springs Partnership, visit http://www.crystalspringspdx.org/.

Meeting Location

Day 1 - Sunday, September 14th:

The day-long stream survey on Sunday September 14th will take place in Crystal Springs Creek at Westmoreland Park. Please meet at Westmoreland Park, at SE 22nd Ave. and SE Rex St., just south of SE Bybee Blvd. Meeting place is subject to change - please look for a reminder email prior to the event with specific meeting place information.

Day 2 - Monday, September 15th:

The day-long stream survey on Monday September 15th will take place in Crystal Springs Creek at Union Manor. Please meet at Union Manor, near SE 23rd Ave. north of SE Bybee Blvd. Meeting place is subject to change - please look for a reminder email prior to the event with specific meeting place information.

Please Note: Participants may register for just one or both events. Thank you for joining us!