"Great Things in Small Spaces"

ORVE Team visits the Center for Mollusk Conservation in Frankfort, Kentucky

The ORVE team saw first-hand how great things could be achieved in small spaces with a field trip to the Center for Mollusk Conservation at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources' Forks of Elkhorn site. Monte McGregor, an aquatic scientist/malacologist with the Department, led the ORVE team on a tour of the facility during the September, 2002 meeting.

The Center for Mollusk Conservation started as a result of an Aquatic Restoration Initiative to recover endangered mussels through restoring freshwater mussel stocks. Currently, the facility holds more than 30 species of unionids. Although the Center's staff is still testing the system, they have had some initial success in rearing juvenile mussels. Endangered mussels reared at the facility may be released in the coming year.

Following the team's tour of the Center facility, a visit to Elkhorn Creek put everyone in the water to experience the fun of discovering mussels in their natural habitat.

  Monte McGregor gives the team an overview of the 
Center for Mollusk Conservation (credit- Janet Butler)

Monte points to an adult mussel. Multiple-flow regulators allow the 
Center to vary raceway flow conditions to suit the habitat needs 
of specific species. (credit- Janet Butler)

 A battery of aquaria in a range of sizes hold host fish required for 
successful mussel reproduction. (Credit- Ken Lammers)

The ORVET team scopes for mussels in beautiful 
Elkhorn Creek.. Credit- Ken Lammers

 Proof that even beginners can find mussels . . .Credit- Ken Lammers