Workshop goals and organization
This workshop provides an introduction to the taxonomy and diversity of freshwater mussels in Ohio and an overview of field sampling techniques for mussels. It has been developed to provide the foundation for inventories and surveys of mussels in Ohio. Participants will be qualified to conduct Group One surveys and will be prepared to take the Ohio identification test for Mussels (scheduled separately).*
The workshop will be held at the Ohio State University Museum of Biological Diversity and will have the following components:
- 3 days of mussel identification and museum study led by Nate Shoobs (Curator, Museum of Biological Diversity) and Michael Hoggarth, (Professor, Otterbein University and co-author of “The Freshwater Mussels of Ohio”, Research Affiliate, Museum of Biological Diversity).
- 1 day of basic field techniques led by Megan Michael (ODOT) and Becca Winterringer (The Nature Conservancy) with assistance from Kyla Maunz (ODNR).
- There will be an optional day covering advanced field techniques on Friday, September 29th. Space is limited and spots will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis.
The basic field techniques component will include hands-on sampling of a local waterway. Participants should bring their own waders or wetsuit but need no other field supplies. (Though bringing a viewing tube / snorkel / waterproof camera is encouraged!)
Other logistical details
Registration is $500. Costs include course materials, breakfast and coffee every morning, and a box lunch for the first day and the field day. Lunch on the other 2 days is on your own—a list of nearby spots will be shared. A discounted rate of $300 is available to students and those who are not currently employed as biologists.
* There are a limited number of slots available for workshop participants to sit for the Ohio Freshwater Mussel ID Test during the week of the workshop. Please reach out to Nate Shoobs shoobs.1@osu.edu beforehand to sign up.
Questions? Reach out to Nate Shoobs shoobs.1@osu.edu or Meg Daly daly.66@osu.edu for assistance.
The MBD is located at 1315 Kinnear Road. It is on the west side of campus, between Rt 33 and Rt 315 (see map). There is parking out front, but you will need a permit—please request this option when you register or contact us PRIOR to the workshop if you did not select this option at registration but will be driving. There are many food options nearby—Kroger and Whole Foods markets, fast food, and great local spots for meals (Brassica, Chocolate Cafe, Aab India, Tai's Asian Bistro).
Hotels near the Museum of Biological Diversity
These are the places closest to the Museum. Columbus has a lot of other hotel options and a thriving AirBnB market. Prices per night typically vary depending on amenities and on the time of booking but are generally in the $100-$200 range.
- Aloft Columbus University District 1295 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43212•(614) 294-7500
- The Blackwell Inn 2110 Tuttle Park Pl, Columbus, OH 43210•(614) 247-4000
- Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU 780 Yard St, Columbus, OH 43212•(614) 453-4420
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus/OSU 1576 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221•(614) 488-1500
- Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU 795 Yard St, Columbus, OH 43212•(614) 280-1234
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott OSU 1421 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43212•(614) 297-9912
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Columbus OSU 1640 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221•(614) 486-5433
