Following the completion of our freshwater mussel monitoring and the subsequent dropping off of specimens at the New Brunswick Museum, we have been steadily compiling our data from 2025 to post in a comprehensive report some time in the near future. From our monitoring program we have managed to confirm four different sites within our watershed as important habitat for freshwater mussel species, including the brook floater (Alasmidonta varicose), which is listed as a species at risk by both the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and COSEWIC. A full rundown of the mussels found at each of these sites as well as habitat quality assessments will be available in our upcoming report later this year.
In addition to our direct monitoring, we have also been making efforts to protect mussels by raising awareness though our outreach events and social media platforms. From our social media, this has included making posts about at-risk species like the brook floater and best management practices so that local residences can reduce their impact on important mussel habitat. To spread word directly about freshwater mussels, we have made plants to update our old mussel brochures with new photos and information, so be sure to look out for those at our next outreach event. We hope that through the sharing of this information we can raise awareness within the community to protect and restore the habitat of these fascinating creatures.
We would like to thank the NB Wildlife Trust Fund for their support. Projects like this are only possible thanks to our generous funders.