Alum Creek field trip with Dr. Michael Hoggarth
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Dr. Michael Hoggarth will lead a field trip in Alum Creek. The event will focus on fresh water mussels. The event is scheduled for 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on June 20, 2026 with a rain date of June 27, 2026. This field trip follows up on Dr. Hoggarth’s January 22, 2026 presentation for FACT titled “The Mussels of Alum Creek: History, Diversity, and Current Status” at the Westerville Public Library.
The group will meet at Alum Creek Park North (221 W Main St, Westerville) in the grass area across from the dam. The event will begin with a discussion of mussel shells we might encounter with specimens from Dr. Hoggarth’s collections for examination. We will then walk the creek looking for mussels, mussel shells and other aquatic organisms. We will end with time for questions and answers.
Participants will need to wear clothing appropriate for wading. Recommended footwear includes chest waders. You may also wear water shoes or old tennis with swimwear or other clothing that can get wet. Wading with bare feet is not recommended. You may consider bringing a walking stick to help with balance. Also, you may consider bringing insect repellent and sun tan lotion, as needed. This event is designed for adults. Children may have difficulty wading in deeper areas.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! FACT is limiting attendance to 20 participants to allow for a quality event and reduce damage to the stream bottom. Please email the following address to register – [email protected] .
Dr. Hoggarth, professor emeritus at Otterbein University, is a widely recognized authority on fresh-water mussels. On February 16, 2026, the Ohio Biological Survey published Dr. Hoggarth’s book titled, “A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mussels of Ohio.” He will have copies for sale for those who may be interested.
The group will meet at Alum Creek Park North (221 W Main St, Westerville) in the grass area across from the dam. The event will begin with a discussion of mussel shells we might encounter with specimens from Dr. Hoggarth’s collections for examination. We will then walk the creek looking for mussels, mussel shells and other aquatic organisms. We will end with time for questions and answers.
Participants will need to wear clothing appropriate for wading. Recommended footwear includes chest waders. You may also wear water shoes or old tennis with swimwear or other clothing that can get wet. Wading with bare feet is not recommended. You may consider bringing a walking stick to help with balance. Also, you may consider bringing insect repellent and sun tan lotion, as needed. This event is designed for adults. Children may have difficulty wading in deeper areas.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! FACT is limiting attendance to 20 participants to allow for a quality event and reduce damage to the stream bottom. Please email the following address to register – [email protected] .
Dr. Hoggarth, professor emeritus at Otterbein University, is a widely recognized authority on fresh-water mussels. On February 16, 2026, the Ohio Biological Survey published Dr. Hoggarth’s book titled, “A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mussels of Ohio.” He will have copies for sale for those who may be interested.
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Where is it happening?
221 W Main St, Westerville, OH 43081-14ND, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherFACT - Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries
