Minnesota is home to 50 species of native freshwater mussels. These small, colorful creatures live in our streams, rivers, and lakes, cleansing our waterways by filtering out excess nutrients and other particles. Clean, healthy water is core to Minnesota’s identity and clean water requires a lot of mussel power!

Join Minnesota Zoo staff for a journey into the story of freshwater mussels and healthy water. Tour mussel-rearing facilities, hear the stories from the professionals, search for mussels in the wild, canoe the St Croix River, and possibly help the Zoo with some hands-on projects. We will start at the Minnesota Zoo and end at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls. Folsom Island in Interstate State Park is the most diverse spot for freshwater mussels in Minnesota. This spectacular location is home to nearly 30 different species, including four Federally and several State listed endangered species.

Considered unremarkable and often overlooked, mussels are extraordinary “ecosystem engineers,” making streams healthier for plants and animals; have fantastic names like elktoe, monkeyface, and fatmucket; and can live over a hundred years. Unfortunately, a full half of our native species are listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern. What are the threats facing these tiny animals? Learn more as we travel to their wild habitats.

The itinerary may be altered due to weather, and suitable replacements will try to be scheduled. Refunds will only be made under extenuating circumstances. In case of severe weather, the EdVenture will be cancelled and a refund will be issued.