Freshwater Mussel Survey at Heritage Marsh

From 10/18/21 1:00 pm until 10/18/21 4:00 pm
Freshwater Mussel Survey at Heritage Marsh

Note: This event is weather dependent

Date: Monday, October 18, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Meeting Location: Kingman and Heritage Islands Park: 575 Oklahoma Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 (Map)

  • The Stadium Armory Metro Station is 1.1 miles away from this location (about an 21 minute walk)
  • Parking is available at this location

Project: Volunteers will help AWS with a wild freshwater mussel survey at Heritage Marsh! We will be walking in mud that can be very mucky in waders (AWS can provide you with a pair if you don't have your own). If you're not comfortable walking in mud using waders, we recommend joining us at a different event. If you need to borrow waders from AWS, you will want to make sure they are a snug fit, so if you're a half size in shoes, we recommend rounding down. Please be aware that most of our sizes are "men" sizes. 

In 2015, we started surveying the native species of freshwater mussels in the Anacostia River to understand their diversity and abundance. In 2018 we started a mussel propagation project partnering with the Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Virginia collecting local broodstock from the Anacostia River. Volunteers are critical to keep this project going and to meet our goal of enhancing mussel populations to increase their water filtration capacity to help clean our river. 

Physical Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult 

  • This event will involve lifting, bending, and walking in mucky mud for a fourth of a mile. Participants will be expected to wear waders and masks for the duration of the event. If you think any of the physical requirements will be problematic, please let us know.

Registration is required. Please register at least 2 days prior to the event date to receive additional information about the event. Anyone who doesn't register online will be denied access to the event. 

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Participant Requirements for Volunteer and Recreational Events:

Note: Requirements are subject to change based on state, local, and federal guidance and/or our own organizational determinations. 

1. COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements:

  • For those 12 years and older: Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone 12 years of age and older is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. The Anacostia Watershed Society requires that all participants who are eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine be fully vaccinated per the CDC guidelines and attest to being fully vaccinated in order to participate in any of our events. Please see additional requirements listed in the below sections.
  • For those under 12 years old: We welcome those who are under age 12 and are not yet eligible for the vaccines to participate in our events, but they must follow the below additional requirements, including being masked for the duration of the event.

2. Self-Monitoring: All participants in the Anacostia Watershed Society’s (AWS) event are required to:

  • Complete our Event Waiver Form and our COVID-19 screening questionnaire prior to participation.
  • If you have not been fully vaccinated and are eligible to receive the vaccination (i.e. 12 years or older), please do not come to the event.
  • If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms associated with COVD-19 (such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, etc.), do not come to the event.
  • If you have had any close contact with or cared for someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, (even if you are fully vaccinated or have been tested), do not come to the event.
  • If you are able to attend the event and become ill within one week of participating in the event, please report this to the [email protected] (our Human Resources email address). We will keep your identity confidential.

3. Masks & Physical Distancing: All participants must wear a mask properly (over the nose and mouth) and physically distance for the duration of our outdoor events. No indoor events are taking place at this time.

4. Reservations: We are limiting the number of people at our events. Pre-registration is encouraged and may be required via AWS’s website (www.anacostiaws.org). All registrations require each participant to complete our Event Waiver Form and our COVID-19 screening questionnaire prior to participation.

5. Group Limits: Events are limited to groups of up to 20-25, depending on the activity and location. There may be fewer or more participants depending on the ability to social distance and whether local directives allow. • Note: Motorized Boat Tours are limited to up to 15-20 people depending on the ability to physically distance and whether local directives allow.

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Registration is required to participate
Click here to register


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