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Alasmidonta varicose

State Listed as Endangered in Connecticut; Threatened in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Vermont

The Brook Floater is a stream-dwelling freshwater mussel. It is relatively small and kidney shaped, colored in a rainbow of yellow, green, brown, and black. It is only found in habitats that have consistently flowing water – from small streams to large rivers. It is not found in water bodies that have static water flow such as ponds or lakes. This species favors clean water in gravel or sand and gravel substrates in riffles of creeks and small rivers

This species has been affected by general pollution, siltation, wastewater runoff, impoundments, and biological collection. Additionally, introductions of the zebra mussel and Asiatic clam have had negative impacts on the distribution of this species. The brook floater is extremely sensitive to hypoxia, pollution, and silt. The main threat to this rare species is habitat destruction and fragmentation caused by dams and other obstructions, as well as a decrease in water quality often caused by agricultural runoff. Urban development and competition with exotic species pose additional risks.

The conservation of this freshwater mussel requires the protection of its habitats by promoting clean, unaltered streams and watersheds. Adhere to shoreline zoning laws which require a 250 foot buffer of natural growth, avoiding development of houses, roads, and yards any closer. Additionally, abstain from any projects which alter streams such as channelization, dams, or pipeline crossings. To maintain water quality, refrain from using pesticides along shorelines and remove any non-native fish and plant species from waterways.

The Endangered Species Project: New England

Exhibition Dates: February 4 - April 14, 2019

Public Lecture and Closing Reception with the Artist: Saturday, April 13

Gallery Hours: M-F 10am - 8pm; Weekends 10am-5pm

Gallery 224 at the Ceramics Program, Office for the Arts at Harvard

224 Western Ave, Allston, Massachusetts 02134

Gallery 224 at the Ceramics Program, Office for the Arts at Harvard is pleased to present an exhibition of work from Montana-based potter Julia Galloway's most recent body of work, The Endangered Species Project: New England. Galloway works from each state's official list of species identified as endangered, threatened or extinct. She has created a series of covered jars, one urn for each species, illustrating the smallest Agassiz Clam Shrimp to the largest Eastern Elk.

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