Shells with Holes

This image shows mussel shells that were found with holes punched in them. Iowa had a pearl button industry that once was a thriving business. So much so that it depleted the resources of not only the Mississippi River but also those of several tributaries. The story continues with information about how citizens and the government have worked to encourage mussel reproduction and secure sustainable habitat for their continued existence.

• What factors endanger pearl mussel populations?

• What is it about mussel shells that make them good for fashion materials?
• What is the niche of mussels in Iowa’s rivers?
• Where have mussels been traditionally found? Where now?
• How are the environmental problems created from harvesting mussels similar to environmental problems we face today? How are they different?

Students could:

• Investigate the geography of mussels.
• Review historic photos to learn more about the pearl button industry including harvesting and processing for consumer use. 
• Brainstorm how we can work together to sustain the several still endangered and threatened mussel species in Iowa.

• Iowa PBS | Iowa Pathways: The Pearl Button Story: Learn about the history of the pearl button industry in Iowa. 
• National Pearl Button Museum: This site tells the story of how Muscatine, Iowa, became the Pearl Button Capital of the World during what is described as the “Gold Rush” of the Midwest.
• Atlas Obscura | A Sift Through the Remnants of Iowa's Forgotten Fashion Scene: Great article and pictures that tell the tale of the tragic change in population of Iowa’s mussels that made beautiful “pearl” buttons.
• Cedar Valley Resource, Conservation & Development | Iowa Freshwater Mussels: A guide on Iowa's freshwater mussels.
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | 2018 Iowa mussel blitz on the Iowa River: A news article discussing Iowa DNR employee, Scott Gritters, who organizes annual mussel blitzes or “pollywogging” as he calls it.