Scientific Research on the Wabash River

An Indiana State University student has recently made the Wabash River the center of her undergraduate research. Katelyn Rusiniak, a senior and lab assistant in the Earth and Environmental Systems Department at Indiana State, decided to focus her undergraduate research on pollution and water quality in the Wabash River.

Collecting Data

Working with a Ph.D. student, Katelyn has made numerous trips down the Wabash River collecting data. Stopping every five to 10 miles, the pair collects water, sediment, and floodplain samples. Along with these samples, they also search for places to collect “macros,” also known as macroinvertebrates, that help assess the biotic index of the water. They record the coordinates and location of each stop along with measurable data they obtain through the tools in their craft that include a pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature meter. From this data and what they can observe once they bring the samples back to the lab, the Indiana State students can learn more about the organic pollution and water quality of the Wabash River.

Personal Experience and Perceptions

Although the research is for scholarly purposes, that has not stopped Rusiniak from gaining personal experiences and knowledge on the Wabash. Katelyn was accustomed to white water rafting in Montana, where her family is from. Still, upon arrival at Indiana State, Katelyn was informed that the Wabash River was not “one of those rivers.” As it certainly does not provide the rapids needed for white water rafting, the Wabash does offer plenty of activities to take part in. This is something that became quickly evident to Rusiniak while doing her research. With the time accumulated on the Wabash during her study, Rusiniak has become comfortable navigating the water and even being in the waters. 

Changing Perceptions

As her research is planned to finish by the spring of 2022, Rusiniak hopes to change the stigma associated with the Wabash River and Terre Haute. Although it may not be overly publicized, Katelyn pointed out the many things available not only on the river but in its accompanying parks that range from kayaking to simply “watching nature happen.” Katelyn pointed out that the primary issue is people not willing to look for these activities or go out to find them. Through her project, Rusiniak was able to experience these activities firsthand and hopes to lead others too.

Memories of Mussels on the Wabash

As one would imagine, growing up near the Wabash River in the 1960s was a vastly different experience than it is today. Mike Guglielmetti was able to attest to that in a recent interview. From memories of the water, the community that surrounded it, or the wildlife that resided in the river, Guglielmetti provided insight into the Wabash River's impact in the past.

The Old Ways of the Water

Mike quickly revealed through his fond memories on the river just how impactful it was as a child. Recalling the river, the first thing Guglielmetti mentioned was his grandparents' cabin. Before purchasing a house on the river, his family members would spend the summers riverside in the small cabin. Their love for this eventually led to their family owning a block of houses along the river bank. The ability to dock a boat in their backyard led to many fishing adventures. Mike's father would obtain bait from searching local streams and creeks, and the fun would begin. Even when it did not involve fishing, hanging out on the boat was a popular pastime. Guglielmetti mentioned that they were even able to water ski on the Wabash River at times. To this day, Mike still regularly ventures down to the river but notes how it has changed. A significant change he noticed was the water quality. As a child, he remembers the water was safe enough to do nearly any water activity. 

Mussels and the Wabash

Musseling on the Wabash was not an activity that was unique to the Guglielmetti family. It was a popular activity in nearly any community along the river. Mike described the technique he was familiar with as one that was commonly used in the river community. This technique involved wading in the river along the banks while holding onto a boat. Using their feet, they would feel for the mussels in the sand. But, the process did not conclude after the hunting portion was over. 

After gathering buckets full of mussels, the Guglielmetties would boil them. Boiling the mussels allowed them to open, which was otherwise nearly impossible. After that, the meat would be taken out and sorted through for pearls. The meat was repurposed as fish bait, but the pearls and shells were more often than not sold to companies. Although rare, pearls were commonly bought by various businesses for jewelry. The shells would sell for $500 a ton and were typically sold to companies that would utilize them to make buttons. As this hobby became popular, it created a significant issue. The mussel population began to decline seriously. Over time, mussel regulations and restrictions were instituted, and the hobby of musseling began to die out. Although mussels started to decline, the community around them did not.

Community and Family

Guglielmetti acknowledged how special being raised in a small town on the river was in support and a sense of community. The first thing that Mike brought up was how close-knit the community was. Everyone along the river knew each other and knew what was happening along the river. This included Mike’s dad, who was known for keeping things along the river in check. In Blandford, Indiana, where Mike was born and raised, the only grocery stores were small family-owned ones. Penny candy and glass bottle collection for the deposits provided fun for the kids running around the town. In circumstances that warranted it, the community would quickly come together to support families that needed extra help. Tough times were typical, but the community and the support it provided were unique.

The Impact

The interview that Mike provided shows, without a doubt the river can impact a community beyond what we can imagine. As a society, we have gone away from our river. As mussels have begun to make a comeback, improvements along the river have recently been recognized. Once again, the importance of the Wabash River is slowly being realized.

Community and Family

Guggliemetti acknowledged how special being raised in a small town on the river was in support and a sense of community. The first thing that Mike brought up was how close-knit the community was. Everyone along the river knew each other and knew what was happening along the river. This included Mike’s dad, who was known for keeping things along the river in check. In Montezuma, where Mike was raised, the only grocery stores were small family-owned ones. Penny candy and glass bottle deposits provided fun for the kids running around the town. In circumstances that warranted it, the community would quickly come together to support families that needed extra help. Tough times were typical, but the community and the support it provided were unique.

The Impact

The interview that Mike provided shows, without a doubt the river can impact a community beyond what we can imagine. As a society, we have gone away from our river. As mussels have begun to make a comeback, improvements along the river have recently can be recognized. Once again, the importance of the Wabash River is slowly being realized.