Earth Day Feature: Marty the Mussel at the UF/IFAS Bookstore

Book cover: Marty the Mussel, Illustrated and written by: Ashley Ruiz

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, UF/IFAS is highlighting Marty the Mussel, a children’s book that brings freshwater ecosystems to life through the story of a tiny river dweller with an important role.

Authored by UF graduate Ashley Ruiz as part of a Marine Adaptations course project, the book follows Marty as he introduces young readers to life beneath the riverbed, explaining how he helps keep water clean and what happens when challenges like eutrophication affect his home. Along the way, readers are introduced to real-world environmental science in an engaging, easy-to-understand way.

For more details and a closer look inside the book, visit our communications blog: Marty the Mussel: A Tiny River Hero with a Big Story to Tell

Get your copy at the UF/IFAS Bookstore and share a story that builds curiosity about rivers, wildlife, and protecting our natural resources.