(WFRV) – They may not be the first creature that comes to mind when thinking about protecting our waterways, but freshwater mussels play a crucial role in healthy rivers and streams.
Often hidden beneath the water and sediment, mussels are natural filter feeders. They draw water into their bodies and capture tiny particles, including algae and organic matter, before releasing cleaner water back into the environment.
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A single mussel may not seem like it can make much of a difference, but thousands of freshwater mussels living together can have a significant impact on their surrounding environment. As they filter water, the mussels help cycle nutrients and can improve water quality.
Protecting freshwater mussels will help keep rivers and streams clean, along with providing a healthy habitat for other animals and functioning ecosystems that support them…