06/17/2026
There are exciting things happening on Hanover County’s rivers! Recently, a dedicated team of volunteers entered the South Anna River at the Route 54 boat ramp to plant 750 alewife floater freshwater mussels. These remarkable mussels play a vital role in the health of our waterways by naturally filtering water, removing excess nitrogen, and improving water quality throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The success of this effort is tied to the removal of the Ashland Mill Dam several years ago, which restored fish passage and improved spawning opportunities for migratory fish species that the mussels rely on during their life cycle. By establishing a new mussel colony in the South Anna River, this project will help strengthen the river’s ecosystem and contribute to cleaner, healthier waterways throughout the Chesapeake watershed.
