Join us for our fifth 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 Mapleleaf.

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 overseeing of a nationally renowned mollusk and fish collections.

We will begin at 9:30 am so please arrive a little early and we will wrap up around 1 pm with a sack lunch social.

What to bring: a sack lunch, 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.

To register: Advance registration is REQUIRED and limited to 30 attendees. Reserve your spot today HERE or by calling 320-269-2984.