Join us for our sixth annual freshwater mussel field day with MN DNR malacologist, Bernard Sietman. You will be hard-pressed to find anyone as passionate and knowledgeable about mussels as this transplanted Missourian. Since 2002, he has worked across Minnesota surveying mussels. One of the more exciting aspects of his job is the potential discovery of a new species for the Minnesota River Basin, the Maple Leaf.
Bernard received his Master of Science degree in Biology from the Emporia State University where he studied the ecology and genetics of freshwater mussels in two local rivers. After graduation he worked as a Natural History Biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation surveying freshwater mussels, conducting landowner interviews, and assisting with stream fish surveys. Sietman spent time as an Aquatic Ecologist and Assistant Technical Scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. Here he assisted with the overseeing of a nationally renowned mollusk and fish collections.
This will be a family-friendly COVID outing – we will social distance in family/household pods, masks will be required when reviewing our finds and looking at shells. [ This event is subject to local COVID rates and we will make a decision on October 1st should we need to cancel the event. ]
REGISTER ONLINE HERE
Freshwater Mussel Field Day 2020
Saturday, October 3rd, 2020
- Session 1 is from 10am to Noon (maximum 15 participants)
- Session 2 is from 1pm to 3pm (maximum 15 participants)
Location: The Upper Sioux Agency State Park campground – Confluence of the Yellow Medicine and Minnesota River
To register: Advance registration is REQUIRED. Each session will be limited to 15 participants. Reserve your spot today: REGISTER ONLINE HERE or call 320-269-2984.
What to bring: masks, water bottle/snacks, lawn chair, dress for water, bring boots or water shoes, and an extra set of dry clothes. Other things to consider are a walking stick to support you while walking in the water, sunscreen, and bug spray. There is an outdoor bathroom facility available on site.
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