Last updated: July 24, 2024
Place
Information Panel: Flexing the River’s Mussels
Photo: NPS / Claire Hassler
Quick Facts
Amenities
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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
There are eight recorded species of native freshwater mussels in the Anacostia River.
Mussels are filter feeders. An adult mussel can filter between 10 and 20 gallons of water a day. Mussels remove sediment from the water, depositing it on the river bottom. They also eat E. coli and other kinds of bacteria!
Due to pollution and habitat loss, freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled animals in the world.
The Anacostia Watershed Society is working with partners like the National Park Service to restore the freshwater mussels of the Anacostia River.
The Unsung Heroes of the Anacostia River: Freshwater Mussels at Work
Notice the difference in water clarity between the two containers above. The left one contains live freshwater mussels. The container on the right has no mussels in it.
Mussels can be hard to see as they spend their lives on the river bed. Shown here: Eastern eliptio.
What is a Freshwater Mussel?
Mussels are aquatic animals with soft bodies and hard, hinged shells. They remove excess nutrients like Nitrogen and Phosphorus from water. This promotes aquatic plant life that supports habitat for other animals.
Visit www.anacostiaws.org to learn more about mussels and find out how you can get involved!