Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center

Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center At NCSU, our mission is to conserve North Carolina’s imperiled aquatic species through propagation, research, education, and public outreach.

The Magnificent Ramshorn (Planorbella magnifica) is an endangered freshwater snail endemic only to a few locations in Br...
05/08/2026

The Magnificent Ramshorn (Planorbella magnifica) is an endangered freshwater snail endemic only to a few locations in Brunswick County, NC. We are working with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to help this species on the brink.

05/08/2026

This undescribed NC endemic freshwater mussel (Lampsilis sp.), with its especially frilly lure, is looking for a fish to carry its larvae. The larvae will stay attached to the gill tissue of their host fish for 2-3 weeks where they undergo metamorphosis, developing their internal organs, foot, and adductor muscles. Viable hosts for this mussel include Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, and Roanoke Bass. Like most of our mussel species, it is unfortunately becoming increasingly rare.

04/23/2026

Come visit us at our open house this weekend! Fishes, mussels, snails, and all your underwater friends. Talk with biologists who work with our state’s most endangered freshwater species. Admission is free. Donations to support our work are welcome. Find out more about us at the link in our bio.

04/20/2026

Stressed out by work? School? Current events? This endangered Magnificent Ramshorn just had his buddy lay about 25 eggs on his back to carry around for a couple of weeks until they hatch. And he’s just fine…. 😎 Floating around upside down on the water’s surface tension. 🐌 Come see us at our Open House this Friday (1-4:30) and Saturday (10-3), to learn his ways. Meet more of our state’s rarest animals as well.

INTRODUCING SNELLO!! Jello for aquatic snails. Here at the YMACC, we only feed our endangered species the finest of in...
04/08/2026

INTRODUCING SNELLO!! Jello for aquatic snails. Here at the YMACC, we only feed our endangered species the finest of ingredients. So we have begun making our own food for the Magnificent Ramshorn. So far, it is a hit. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A GORGEOUS day for snorkeling for gravid Yellow Lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) in the Eno River. Hoping to give the pop...
04/02/2026

A GORGEOUS day for snorkeling for gravid Yellow Lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) in the Eno River. Hoping to give the population a boost following flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal last year. Bonus video of White Shiners, who are notorious for trying to sneak a quick snack in the wake of a snorkeler.

The Magnificent Ramshorn is an endangered species endemic to eastern NC. We have one of two captive populations and are...
04/02/2026

The Magnificent Ramshorn is an endangered species endemic to eastern NC. We have one of two captive populations and are working with the NCWRC to restore them to the wild. In addition to a prepared diet, they will also eat algae that grows on the sides of our tanks, leaving interesting patterns behind. They also lay their eggs there, which hatch after about two weeks.

03/13/2026

PROPAGATION SEASON IS ON!! This year we are assisting with two species from the western part of the state hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Appalachian Elktoe and Brook Floater. Larvae go into cell culture media where they will go through metamorphosis to the juvenile stage. We hope to have individuals to send back west in a couple of years and learn a few things about them along the way.

12/13/2025

A few highlights from the YMACC in 2025: Over 7,500 mussels released into the wild. Over 30,000 mussels produced this year. Endangered Carolina Madtoms propagated and reared. Hundreds of endangered Magnificent Ramshorn snails released into the wild. Tours given to 640 people. Interns landing grad school appointments. Advances in in vitro propagation. Host fish for the Triangle Floater discovered. And MUCH more!

To support conservation of North Carolina’s rare freshwater species, visit the link in our bio. Every donation helps support student workers as well as our outreach efforts.

10/21/2025

It’s a BIG week here at the YMACC! The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is releasing the first batch of mussels propagated here at our new facility! About 900 Creeper (Strophitus undulatus) and 2500 threatened Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) propagated in 2024 are now out in the river doing the things mussels do, and we couldn’t be more proud! Three more species are getting released later this year.

Thanks to Mike Walter and Amber Olson for some of the photos.

To support conservation of North Carolina’s rare freshwater species or to learn more about us, visit our website linked in our bio.

Just a few of the 3,100 Eaatern Creekshell (Villosa delumbis) we have on hand that were propagated this year. Now 4 1/2...
10/09/2025

Just a few of the 3,100 Eaatern Creekshell (Villosa delumbis) we have on hand that were propagated this year. Now 4 1/2 months old and 10-12 mm in length, they are moving to our outdoor growout until they are ready for release next year.

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4620 Lake Wheeler Road
Raleigh, NC
27603

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