PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a promising development for the Delaware River’s ecosystem, freshwater mussels have been discovered near Pennypack Creek. This finding was confirmed by a joint survey conducted by the Discovery Center, Aquatic Research and Restoration Center (ARRC), Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Pennypack Environmental Center, and Riverfront North Partnership (RNP). The presence of these bivalves is a significant milestone in efforts to restore the Delaware River Watershed, a mission bolstered by the 1972 Clean Water Act and various local scientific initiatives.
Freshwater mussels are crucial indicators of water quality due to their sensitivity to pollution and environmental changes. Their presence suggests improving conditions in the river, a testament to the collective stewardship efforts of participating organizations and volunteers. Bria Wimberly, Senior Coordinator of Public Programs at the Discovery Center, expressed her enthusiasm: “These filter feeders are great for the ecosystem so finding them near Pennypack Creek in the Delaware River was a treat.”
The discovery underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in Philadelphia. Stephanie Hoffer from the Pennypack Environmental Center shared her excitement, highlighting educational initiatives: “During our most recent trip to the Delaware River, our teen campers set out to search for mussels and explore their habitat. Each discovery of a mussel on the beach at low tide was met with a shriek of excitement.”
RNP hosts volunteer days focused on maintaining the health of the river and its surroundings. The new mussel find has sparked plans to include volunteers in future mussel surveys, a hands-on activity that emphasizes their ecological significance. Nathan McWilliams, Stewardship Manager for RNP, praised the discovery: “We don’t often think of the Delaware River in Philadelphia as a healthy, natural resource, and now we have tangible evidence that it is tracking in the right direction.”
This discovery is part of a broader conservation project that has evolved since 2018, featuring contributions from organizations such as The Mighty Mussel and The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University. These efforts continue to transform the Delaware River into a vibrant and sustainable resource, essential for the city’s environment and the 60% of Philadelphia’s drinking water it supplies.
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