KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) — The surprising discovery of about 500 mussels during a recent survey of Plaster Creek in Kentwood is changing how restoration efforts will move forward.

The Plaster Creek Stewards have been working to restore the creek’s floodplain at Covenant Park by stabilizing the streambanks, reducing erosion and improving water quality.

“Any time that we can help people get near the creek and visit the creek and find ways to connect with the creek, that's an important part to develop care for water,” Andrea Lubberts, the project manager for the group.

Finding so many mussels — which the stewards call “ecological engineers” — is a hopeful sign for the creek’s health.

“They help build a healthier river just by being there,” Lubberts said. “They're lodged in the streambed in

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