The St. Croix River Association will be posting guest posts on our blog this summer! They will cover a broad range of topics including; invasive species, the watershed, great tips to help take care of the environment while boating, and more. We hope you enjoy learning more about the beautiful environment you boat in!
Fast Facts about the River
The St. Croix River has more than 40 species of native mussels, which is more than three times the number of mussel species in all of Europe. These mussels are uniquely adapted to their environment, particularly in their reproductive habits. (To learn more, visit: http://tinyurl.com/ne3jjeo,) Today, introduced invasive zebra mussels compete with and kill our native mussels and pose a threat to our underwater ecosystems.
Ways to Protect the River
Always clean, drain, and dry your boat and other recreational equipment if you move between water bodies. Zebra mussel veligers – the larval life stage of zebra mussels – are microscopic and a single cup of water can transport hundreds of them.
The St. Croix River Association is dedicated to preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species as we protect, restore and celebrate the St. Croix River and its watershed.
Learn more about our programs and ways you can get involved by visiting our website at stcroixriverassociation.org.
Note: As you can see in the picture to the right, invasive Zebra Mussels don’t just destroy habitat, they can destroy your boat or anything that they latch onto! Please carefully follow the tips above to safeguard the bodies of water that have not yet been infected with these aggressive and damaging mussels.
