The Mussel Power program is a comprehensive three-part program that engages elementary and high school students throughout the watershed in freshwater mussel restoration.
The Power of Mussels
During the course of the program, students investigate the lifecycle of freshwater mussels, learn about the benefits that freshwater mussels provide, and explore the unique role of mussels in the Anacostia River ecosystem.
Through this program, students are actively engaged in the restoration of 1 of the 8 native species of freshwater mussel in the Anacostia River. Students care for juvenile mussels in their classrooms using mussels, tanks, and other materials provided by the Anacostia Watershed Society.
A class visit led by our trained environmental educators teaches students about the value of freshwater mussels and prepares students for upcoming field trips. Field trips include a guided boat tour of the Anacostia River; a “mussel release” during which students bring their juvenile mussels to the Anacostia River, and other fun, mussel-related activities!
Mussel Power is embedded into the PGCPS Biogeochemical Systems class. High school students participate in real world, hands-on data collection and analysis. Students help care, measure mussel growth, and collect water quality data throughout the program.
Over 1500 mussels are raised and released back into the river through this program annually.
Program at a Glance:
- Engages elementary and high school students from Maryland and Washington, D.C. in freshwater mussel restoration
- DC Elementary program is offered in the fall
- PGCPS High School Program Mussel Power Program is offered September-May.
- Includes a class visit from AWS staff, a boat tour of the Anacostia River, and a “mussel release” at Anacostia Park, Bladensburg Waterfront Park, or Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
- Aligned with NGSS standards for 5th grade (can be adapted for other grades)
For more information about this program, please contact our Director of Education and Outreach, Kendra Bierman at kbierman@anacostiaws.org.
Learn more about our mussel restoration work :
