Partners
Intended Audience
This training and field survey is intended for anyone interested in learning more about freshwater mussels and stream monitoring. Please join the Xerces Society and Crystal Springs Partnership for this fun and informative event to be part of long-term monitoring activities to measure the health of Crystal Springs Creek and monitor the effectiveness of restoration activities.
Cost
Free
Morning refreshments will be provided. Lunch is not included; please bring a sack luch.
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Acknowledgements
This training and monitoring session is made possible with the support of the the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District.
Special thanks to the Crystal Springs Partnership for their support and help organizing this event!
Contact
Michele Blackburn
aquatic@xerces.org
Photo Credit
Crystal Springs Creek, by Celeste Mazzacano
Freshwater Mussel Monitoring in Crystal Springs Creek - Monday July 13, 2015
Westmoreland's Union Manor, Portland, OR
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Why Survey for Native Freshwater Mussels?
Freshwater mussels are the most at-risk 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 Westmoreland's Union Manor where mussels were relocated in 2013. Additionally, investigations of recolonization in the restored reaches at Westmoreland Park will be conducted to measure the effects of improved fish habitat on native mussels and invasive Asian clams.
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. Surveys are suitable for all ages, but due to deep water in some areas of the stream, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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. 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/.
Please Note: Participants may register for just one or both events and you must register separately for the two survey events. Links to register for either the July 10th or July 13th event are below. Thank you for joining us!
Meeting Location
Day 2 - Monday, July 13th:
The day-long stream survey on Monday July 13th will take place in Crystal Springs Creek at Westmoreland's Union Manor. Please meet at Westmoreland's 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.
Meeting Location
Day 1 - Friday, July 10th:
The day-long stream survey on Friday July 10th 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.