Mussel Up for Water Conservation

🌊 Join us for our July Sustainable Breakfast Series focusing on mussels and water conservation!
Freshwater mussels are vital to healthy water ecosystems, yet they are often overlooked in wildlife conservation discussions. Wisconsin is home to over 50 native mussel species, some of which can live for over a century. These remarkable animals continuously filter water, playing a critical role in maintaining water quality. However, nearly half of Wisconsin’s native mussels are endangered due to habitat loss and invasive species like zebra mussels.

What to Expect:

• Insights into local freshwater mussel biology, their history, and their role in cleaning our waterways
• Conservation efforts and the challenges facing this endangered animal
• Strategies for building empathy and public engagement around animal protection, including connections with mussels

📍 Location: Spark Building, Starting Block Café (3rd Floor)
🕗 Agenda:

• Breakfast & Networking: 8:00—8:30 a.m.
• Program: 8:30—9:30 a.m.
• Networking: 9:30—10:00 a.m.

Featured Speakers:

• Courtney Cordova - Interpretation Coordinator at Henry Vilas Zoo, discussing mission-focused messaging and empathy best practices in conservation.
• Jordan Richard - Endangered species biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, covering mussel disease outbreaks and conservation efforts.
• Lisie Kitchel - Conservation biologist for the Wisconsin DNR, passionate about native mussel conservation.

Scholarships:
Complimentary tickets for staff of member organizations. Sliding scale/scholarships available for non-members. For more information, please contact samantha@sustaindane.org.

Access:
Doors open at 8 a.m. Enter through the breezeway/main entrance (SW side). Register to get on our guest list and bring a photo ID for possible confirmation with security.

Parking:
Paid parking available in the South Livingston Parking Garage.
🌐 Register Here!