Rare freshwater mussels discovered in Plaster Creek

KENTWOOD, Mich. — A recent survey of Plaster Creek in Kentwood uncovered a surprising discovery that could reshape local restoration plans.

A Plaster Creek Stewards' mussel survey discovered seven freshwater mussel species living in a section of the creek just upstream from the Grand River.

“This is the kind of ecological surprise that reinforces everything we’re doing to restore this space,” said Andrea Lubberts , program manager for Plaster Creek Stewards, an initiative housed at Calvin University. “Mussels are like the ‘livers of the river’—filtering water, stabilizing stream beds, and signaling overall stream health. The fact that they’re here in these numbers tells us we have something to preserve as well as restore for the future of Plaster Creek.”

The discovery of the seven mu