Mussel Study on the Dragon 

On April 5 an elite group of scientists suited up and plunged into the Dragon Run in search of mussels. It was a beautiful day but the water was cold and gasps could be heard with initial exposure to the chill. Dry suits, hoods, gloves and snorkels were the dress of necessity, as the experts explored river bottom at the Mascot crossing and at Big Island. One large black species was found in abundance, Elliptio complanta, common name Eastern Elliptio. A more intensive search to determine what additional species might be found was determined to be warranted. A new record of a tiny snail is also expected. The clarity and purity of Dragon Run waters is thought to be partially a result of the presence of mussels, which like oysters are filter feeders and clean out suspended particles. Those participating in the survey from the US Fish and Wildlife Service were biologists Cindy Kane, John Schmerfeld, Jess Jones, Sumalee Hoskin, Brian Evans, and Will Smith. From Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University were renowned mussel expert, Richard Neves, and Bill Henley, and from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, was state malacologist, Brian Watson. Also present was Lloyd Schmerfeld. David Fuss, in high waders, represented Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission. Teta Kain (in wet suit and kayak), Tom Gregory and Kathryn Gregory represented Friends of Dragon Run. President of FODR, Tom Gregory, stated, "This is exciting work for us and for the researchers. It shows one more way in which the pristine Dragon is a resource to us all."

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