River Bellwethers with Tamara Dean

Native freshwater mussels, each capable of filtering ten to forty gallons of water daily, are vital to keeping our rivers healthy. But their losses—from overharvesting, damming, pollution, and warming waters—are legendary. “River Bellwethers,” based on an essay from Tamara Dean’s collection, Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless, presents the fascinating stories of determined citizen scientists who battled government officials, changed policy, and set new standards to protect native mussels. Their courage—and the enduring impact of citizen science—will inspire you.

APRIL 11 / 2:30pm / Stillwater Public Library

This project was supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is also supported by the Human Family Unity Foundation.