This free speaker event will feature Zee Searles Mazzacano, an entomologist and invertebrate ecologist, talking about the life history and ecology of our native Western freshwater mussels, the challenges they face, and the ways in which we can help sustain them.

Gonidea angulata (Western Ridgemussel) from the Willamette River; this species has been petitioned for protection under the Endangered Species Act.

Freshwater mussels are amazing underwater architects and engineers that improve water quality and stream health for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife and actively shape the rivers, streams, and lakes in which they live. They also have a long shared history with humanity as an important food and cultural resource for many Indigenous peoples. Learn about the life history and ecology of our native Western freshwater mussels, the challenges they face, and the ways in which we can help sustain them.

Zee Searles Mazzacano is the Owner and Principal Scientist at CASM Environmental, LCC, established in 2015. They have a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Minnesota and over two decades of experience as an entomologist and invertebrate ecologist in aquatic and terrestrial systems, including 15 years in the Pacific Northwest. Their work ranges from species surveys to management plans to conservation to education, and when not working they can generally be found in, on, or under the water.

Registration is free and open to all. Please come and support our sponsor, Level Beer! Food is also available for purchase from food carts on site, including Grana (Neopolitan-style pizza), Flor de Guelaguetza, Pita Giovanni & Tidal Boar "Shuck Truck".