About this episode

This episode explores the role of freshwater mussels in cleaning rivers and their importance to ecosystems.

Who cleans a river? It turns out some of the hardest workers are animals you may have never heard of: freshwater mussels. Join Tyler Hern from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as we discover how these amazing animals help keep rivers healthy, how baby mussels hitch rides on fish, and why scientists are working hard to protect them. ➡️ Part of the Wild Critters USA series, created with PBS Nature and the National Wildlife Federation ➡️ Learn more about freshwater ecosystems with Ranger Rick Magazine: https://rangerrick.org/ ➡️ Learn more about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: https://www.fws.gov/ ➡️ Free Wild Critters USA coloring pages: https://www.cumbrekids.org/color-along 💬 Submit your kids' questions! https://www.cumbrekids.org/questions 💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: https://www.cumbrekids.org/curious-club Orbit Family Conversation Starters! Why do you think freshwater mussels are so important if most people never notice them? If you were a baby mussel, what do you think it would be like to hitch a ride on a fish? What are some ways our family can help keep rivers, streams, and lakes clean? Continue Learning as a Family! Visit a local stream…

People in this episode

Host: Cumbre Kids

Guest: Tyler Hern

Topics covered

• freshwater mussels
• river ecosystems
• wildlife conservation
• environmental education
• family activities

Keywords

• freshwater mussels
• river health
• wildlife
• ecosystems
• conservation
• PBS
• family activities

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, PBS Nature, National Wildlife Federation, Ranger Rick Magazine

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