Mussel Mission a Success for Boys to the Bush at Euroley

March, 2025

‍

On March 27th, 2025, Boys to the Bush teamed up with Murrumbidgee Landcare’s Jessie McPherson and YACTAC’s Andrea Mitchell for a fun and hands-on citizen science event at the top of Yanco Creek, near Euroley.

Wearing life jackets and armed with curiosity, the seven boys from Leeton High School searched for freshwater mussels using their feet which was a slow start at first, until they explored the inside bend of the creek. There, in water about 1.5 metres deep, they began to find river mussels (Alathyria jacksoni), ten all up with a measured average length of 114mm.

One young participant admitted he thought looking for mussels would be boring but ended up having so much fun, proof that learning in nature can spark real excitement. The boys were fully engaged, active, and enthusiastic about their citizen science adventure.

Boys to the Bush is a not-for-profit organisation helping young boys grow into good men, and this event offered a perfect blend of purpose, learning, and fun in the outdoors.

Freshwater mussels are becoming a species of growing interest. Often overlooked, they are the second most abundant aquatic species by biomass after fish in our waterways and play a vital role as ecosystem engineers, filtering water and improving water clarity and quality.

Thanks to all involved for giving these young men the opportunity to connect with science and nature. There is truly nothing better than learning on Country.

‍