Science Uncorked April 2025: Zebra Mussels Presented By Maddie Baker

Title: Zebra Mussels: Small organisms with a BIG impact on water as we know it

Description: Most people have heard of zebra mussels, many have seen them, but few people are aware of just what an infestation of this invasive species can mean for Colorado's Grand Valley. Take a journey through the discovery of this species in the Grand Valley, never before attempted eradication measures, and learn how the presence of this species can impact all residents in the area, from farmers, to taxpayers, to recreators.

Maddie Baker grew up on the shoreline of Lake Erie, scraping her feet on invasive mussels, and believing that there was no place untouched by them. After gaining a Bachelor's degree in biology and working as a naturalist and field biologist, she took the leap to join Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Invasive Species Program to prevent the spread of mussels and other invasives into the western US. She now focuses her efforts on preventing new infestations of aquatic nuisance species into Colorado, and more recently, containing and eradicating infestations that do find their way in.

Host or Publisher Whitewater Hill Vineyards