Volume 4, Issue 3 | August/September/October 2014
A PUBLICATION OF RIVER ACTION, INC. www.riveraction.org
Connecting people to the river
Go all-in this summer! : : : : : : : : : :
More Inside: River Action Updates Summer Fun! Being More Sustainable Land Trusts eddy Calendar
Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Montezuma, IA Permit No. 30
PUBLISHER’S LET TER
Think big. Start small. Make a difference.
T August/September/October 2014 Volume 4 Issue 3 _______
KATHY WINE, Publisher / Executive Director BETH CLARK, Managing Editor, Milepost Ventures, Inc. JEFF VanECHAUTE/pi design, inc., Design EILEEN SIPES, Calendar Editor Contributing Writers JESSICA FLONDRO, River Action Staff TIM GILLMAN, River Action Staff MICHAEL GOODMAN, River Action Staff KATHY WINE, River Action Staff Contributing Photographers/Photographs TIM GILMAN BRIAN TUGANA EILEEN SIPES JESSICA FLONDRO JEFF VanECHAUTE STOCK: 123RF.COM, INGIMAGE.COM © eddy Magazine and River Action, Inc., all rights reserved, 2014. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express, written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine. This magazine is sold with the understanding that neither it, nor River Action, Inc., its owners or managers, are engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, medical, technical, or any other advice, professional or otherwise. The publication of any advertisement does not reflect the endorsement of any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically stated in such advertisement and there is written approval for such endorsement. Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material to eddy Magazine for consideration should not send originals. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other submitted materials must be accompanied by a self addressed, postage paid envelope in return of materials is requested. Return of materials is not guaranteed. eddy Magazine is published quarterly by River Action, Inc., 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803 and is direct mailed to approximately 6,000 area homes and businesses. eddy Magazine Published by River Action, Inc. 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803 563-322-2969 www.riveraction.org To Advertise: Contact Beth Clark 309-269-3455 or contact Deb Girard at debgirard@hotmail.com. For rates, ad dimensions and deadline information email BethC@milepostventures.com To Subscribe or become a member of River Action: call 563-322-2969 or visit www.riveraction.org
Cover Photos Floatzilla: Brian Tugana Taming of the Slough: Tim Gillman
ime and again the problems of the world make us feel insignificant and helpless to effect change. But that is a misconception because there is nothing that cannot be moved by the power of roused people Kathy Wine united for a good cause. Margaret Mead said it best. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Sometimes the problems make you want to scream, and that is understandable. But when people take action. Wow! Triumph! Some examples we know include Bob Morrison, Muscatine, who felt the need to honor veterans, and began to raise the money for four flights to Washington, D.C. in order to honor them with a visit to our nation’s war memorials. He was determined to send them even if all the money did not come in. His efforts have resulted in 28 Honor Flights to date and two more this year. He manages an extremely dedicated group of 200 plus volunteers who have supported or accompanied 2,700 area veterans on the all-expense-paid trips. Three more individuals stepping up for a good cause are Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffet. Together they are asking the nation’s billionaires to pledge to give at least half their net worth to charity in their lifetimes or at death. If The Giving Pledge campaign succeeds, it could change the face of philanthropy if those on the Forbes list of the 400 wealthiest step up the amounts they give. According to Forbes, that amount would INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4 River Action Updates be around $1.2 trillion, so if the 400 were to give 4 TAKE ACTION: REPORT DUMPING! 50% of that net worth away during their lifetimes 4 TRAILS UPDATE — by Jessica Flondro or at death, that would be $600 billion. Buffet, 4 GREEN VALLEY RESTORATION Gates and Gates have a combined income of — by Jessica Flondro $100 billion and have given most of their money 5 DISPLAYS OF THIRTY FOR THIRTY YEARS — by Michael Goodyear to charity. They are thinking big. A TRIBUTE TO JOE SCHADLER 5 This is the biggest fundraising drive in history, 6 FLOATZILLA CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS and they would welcome donors of any size, but — by Tim Gillman their direct target is billionaires. As of May, 2014, 7 15TH ANNUAL GOLF CART TOUR — by Michael Goodyear 127 billionaires, individuals and couples, had 8 TAMING OF THE SLOUGH signed the pledge. — by Kathy Wine We all recognize the single effort of Chad 9 MISSISSIPPI RIVER CONFERENCE Pregracke 15 years ago, and what he has — by Tim Gillman accomplished in cleaning up the nation’s rivers 10 GOLD COAST TOUR — by Kathy Wine since that time. Though smaller, five years ago, 10 FISH & FIRE THANK YOU on East River Street, I observed then Mayor 11 SUMMER FUN Charlie Brooke daily picking up trash. Today, — by Jessica Flondro there is a gentleman who has taken on his own 12 Being More Sustainable street as a result of the Mayor’s example, and a — by Michael Goodyear family now regularly picks up lower Lindsay Park. 13 Land Trusts A pioneer in wildlife conservation, Jane — by Jessica Flondro Goodall, observed, “What you do makes a 15 eddy Calendar: August, September, October difference, and you have to decide what kind — by Eileen Sipes of difference you want to make.” Citizens should dare to do something because when they do take action, wow! Our Mission: River Action strives to foster the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront in the Quad City region.
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RIVER AC TION UPDATES
Green Valley Restoration
Take Action! To report dumping in rivers, streams, ditches, or ravines, call:
Anywhere in Iowa 1-888-No-Littr (665-4887) Bettendorf . . . . . . . . 1-888-No-Littr (665-4887) Davenport . . . . . . . . (563) 326-7923 LeClaire . . . . . . . . . . . (563) 289-4242 (x1) or (563) 388-3904 Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . . (563) 381-2226 Princeton . . . . . . . . . . (563) 289-5315 Moline . . . . . . . . . . . . . (309) 524-2014 East Moline . . . . . . . (309) 752-1522 Rock Island . . . . . . . . (309) 732-2677 Hampton . . . . . . . . . . (309) 755-4524 Silvis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (309) 792-5488 Carbon Cliff . . . . . . . (309) 794-1230 Cordova . . . . . . . . . . . (309) 654-2620 or (309) 738-3557 Port Byron . . . . . . . . (309) 523-3705 Rapid City . . . . . . . . . (309) 523-2511 If after hours or on a weekend, call non-emergency police number.
Trails Update — by Jessica Flondro
Riverdale Trail Despite minor setbacks, Riverdale Mayor Sonya Paddock anticipates that the letting for the Riverdale trail will be completed by September 19th 2014, followed by construction to begin October 1st. Landscaping of the surrounding area will be completed in the Spring of 2015 and the RiverWay kiosk map will be updated with the completion of the trail. There has been a proposal to pave the fifty foot section of what is now a gravel path that would join the current trail to Kensington Rd. Discussions of how to pay for the project will soon be underway. The trail will be completed with funds from several sources including: $494,956 from Federal Scenic Byways, $318,644 from T.A.P., $318,644 from IA Recreation Trails, $53,400 from SCRA, and a match of $203,000 from the City of Riverdale. Buffalo River Trail The planned Buffalo River Trail will run from the Davenport City Limits in the East to the Muscatine County line in the West. It will be an integral part of a continuous multi-use trail from Muscatine to Princeton on the Iowa side or to Savannah on the Illinois side. The trail will enhance riverfront improvements that are planned and in-progress in Buffalo while providing access to attractions such as Wild Cat Den State Park, Buffalo Shores, and Nahant Marsh. A streambank stabilization project is planned along the Mississippi River in downtown Buffalo between Franklin St. and Hacker St. The early stages of the project involve the installation of native plantings and rip-rap shore armor. Future stages will include a jetty or pier for fishing. The trail connection will be an amenity for locals and a catalyst that drives tourism to the area.
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— Story & Photo by Jessica Flondro
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iver Action has received a $50,000 5-Star grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to continue restoration efforts at Green Valley Nature Preserve. River Action partnered with Augustana College and Blackhawk College in Rock Island and the City of Moline to propose phase II, a $220,000 restoration project that will result in the creation of a 7,000 ft. interpretive trail, 5 acres of pothole wetlands, 20 acres of prairie restoration, and improved connectivity of streams and buffers at the Green Valley Nature Preserve in Moline, IL. Phase I was completed in 2013 with a $79,000 grant from the EPA that reduced nonpoint source pollution and included the restoration of 6.3 acres of wetland, reshaped 1,100 ft. of stream, and the completion of a highly successful public Biodiversity Day, which inventoried over 425 species. The 2014 project involves many stakeholders and funders including: Blackhawk College, Augustana College, Augustana’s Upper Mississippi Center (UMC), the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Moline Foundation, Mississippi Valley Sportsman, Alcoa Foundation, City of Moline, and countless volunteers, and will continue to restore 250 acres of significant urban natural area. Interpretive signs will help visitors understand the key role the Green Valley Nature Preserve plays in improving the quality of water flowing from headwaters in denselydeveloped urban areas, through the preserve, and into the Rock River. Mik Holgersson, president of Vildmark Inc. and the designer/ contractor for last summer’s work is optimistic about Green Valley. As a conservation biologist he notes, “the Green Valley area has some of the most easily accessible undeveloped floodplain on the lower Rock River. While some of the habitat remains healthy, human modification and invasive species have degraded much of the area. Coupled with the momentum of River Action's first major wetland restoration project at Green Valley in 2013, the area offers unparalleled potential for future ecological restoration and recreation projects.”
RIVER AC TION UPDATES By Michael Goodyear
Displays of Thirty for Thirty Years
Get to know the Mississippi River this Summer!
Joseph Schadler 1939-2014
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special addition to Ride the River, for the 30th Anniversary this year, were unique displays of items throughout the route. Each were groupings of thirty items of the same type, in recognition of the Ride’s the thirtieth year. Dubbed “Thirty Somethings”, notable examples were thirty designs made out of playing cards suspended from the Arsenal Island Bridge, thirty fishing poles overlooking the river on Ben Butterworth Parkway, and a sculpture incorporating thirty fishing lures by local artist Tony Vermeer. In total, there were eighteen displays. Riders were encouraged to find ten in exchange for a prize once they had finished the ride. Many participants thought that this was a new and fun addition to the event. Some riders were quite engrossed in the contest, even discovering displays that River Action had not set up before the event, such as thirty red chairs on one of the decks of the Celebration Bell and even at one point thirty cupcakes that were available for riders to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Ride the River. For those who had been riding the river for twenty or thirty years, it was a new aspect to the ride. Ride the River has achieved its original goal of expanding bike trails in the Quad Cities, which expanded from two to eighty miles over the past thirty years. At its start in 1985, Ride the River was one of the only opportunities to ride along the river due to the lack of bike trails in the Quad Cities. Today one can ride the river every day through the eighty miles of new trails up and down the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities. Each new addition to the trail was marked with a vinyl strip along the trail with the year it was added. The “Thirty Somethings” gave riders something new and entertaining to do along their ride, creating a different and positive experience for riders.
Friends of Ride the River: Frank & Ingrid Bogdanowicz Tom & Pat Bolton Davenport Eye Group DMW Design Art & Mary Beth Eggers Erickson Plumbing & Heating GAH, Inc Karwath Insurance John Kustes L.E. Chute Company John & Vivian Norton Dixon Novy Richard & Kay Patterson Porter’s Village RX Ragan Mechanical Riefe’s Restaurant Roofing Technology, Inc Schiltz Properties Scott Painting & Decorating State Street Interiors & Furniture Sutherland Printing Toltec, Inc Tom & Kathy Wine
The 2014 30th Anniversary of Ride the River was dedicated to Joe Schadler, Captain of the Celebration Belle ferry service for Ride the River bicyclists from 1985-2013. When Joe passed away, River Action could not have lost a more loyal or truer friend. This creative, wise, and wonderful man enriched those around him and the greater riverfront community. Since the beginning, he worked tirelessly on every Ride the River while serving as commentator and tour guide on Mississippi lore onboard his ferry. This year’s ride paid tribute to him in a way that will embody the selfless and constant dedication that was Joe’s; the ferry was called “The Joe Schadler”, and the Moline landing was the Joe Schadler Landing. We are grateful for Joe.
Event Sponsors: River Action QC Times Sears Manufacturing Company QC Bicycle Club UMF Estes Construction Kiwanis Club of Davenport
STAR 93.5 FM HyVee WHBF-TV Bike & Hike Bike 1 Healthy Habits TREK Store Cycletherapy Bicycles
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RIVER AC TION UPDATES
Floatzilla Celebrates Five Years on the River
— by Tim Gillman
2014 marks the fifth year of the biggest paddling event on the Mississippi! On Saturday, August 16th thousands of paddlers will converge on the river for a day of fun, food, music, and paddling.
Kayakers and canoeists come from all over the midwest to participate in what has become one of River Actions' signature events.
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The event has grown steadily each year, letting more and more people know that it can be both safe and fun to paddle the Mighty Mississippi. Since its inception, several new routes and launch sites have been added – making it a truly unique event on both banks of the river. This year paddlers will be able to launch their canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) from five river locations. On the Illinois side, these include Ben Butterworth Parkway in Moline and Empire Park in East Moline. Choices on the Iowa side include Main Street, Marquette Street, and Credit Island in Davenport. Those who don’t wish to venture onto the river itself can put in directly at the “final destination” – Lake Potter at Sunset Park in Rock Island, IL. Once at Lake Potter, paddlers and spectators are greeted by live music from Fairhaven and The Tangents. There will be several food vendors, paddlesports outfitters, and outdoor interest clubs present. Those who wish to get active can try out the latest pedal-propelled kayaks from Hobie, hop on a SUP, or learn how to camp and travel sustainably from the experts at “Leave No Trace.” One unfortunate change had to be made to the routes last year when the Sylvan Island bridge was closed for repair. A popular portage route (where paddlers cross over land on foot for a short distance) crossed over Sylvan Island but was not maintained due to the bridge closure. Because of this, around 600 paddlers locked-through Lock & Dam 15 at Arsenal Island. This year, River Action is working with local volunteers to clean up the portage route to offer it as an alternative to the lock-through. Safety has always been a focus for the annual paddling event. While the event encourages the use of water trails throughout the Quad Cities, there are still possible dangers along the routes. The expert safety team has won three Coast Guard Commendations for their service over the years, and the event continues to keep safety a top priority. Paddlers can register at floatzilla. org, or at Credit Island on Friday, August 15th and at the River Action office at 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA.
RIVER AC TION UPDATES
This September: 15th Annual Senior Citizen Riverfront Golf Cart Tour — By Michael Goodyear Senior citizens, come join the fun in guided riverfront golf cart tours on both sides of the Mississippi! This is a fun way to gain knowledge on the past, present, and future of the Quad Cities and the Mississippi. Tours fill up fast and carts are limited! Over 700 people participated last year and we hope to see even more this year. In honor of our 15th Anniversary, we have created a new tour, Tour Alpha. Tour Alpha will focus on Credit Island and Nahant Marsh, running twice at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., while Tour #1 will only run this year at 2 p.m. We hope to see you on September 4th! Choose any of the six different tours at three different starting times: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. All tours are two hours long and cost $12.50 per person, per tour.
Iowa Tours: Tour Alpha - Brand new, this tour will start at Credit Island and focus on the natural places of the Quad Cities at Nahant Marsh and Carp Lake. Tour Alpha is at 9am and 11:30am. Tour #1 - Tour the Bettendorf/Davenport riverfront starting at Credit Island and traveling to Leach Park and back. Tour #1 is at 2pm. Tour #2: Arsenal Island – Tour the Rock Island Arsenal’s beautiful riverfront trail. We will make stops at the Corps Visitor Center, the Col. Davenport House, and Memorial Park. Tour #3: Illinois – Visit Rock Island and Moline riverfronts starting at and returning to Sunset Park, traveling to Sylvan Island, Moline, and Ben Butterworth Parkway Tour #4: Illinois – Start and return at the end of Ben Butterworth Parkway, Moline, and ride through East Moline past Hampton, including stops at The Quarter, Empire Park, the scenic village of Hampton, Illiniwek State Park, and Lock & Dam #14. Tour #5: Illinois – This tour begins in Rapids City, IL and will go through Port Byron and all to way to Cordova. For questions or a registration form, please go to RiverAction.org or call (563) 322-2969.
Tour #4 in 2013 – experiencing the river up close in Hampton. (Photo by Eileen Sipes)
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RIVER AC TION UPDATES
Taming of the Slough: September 13, 2014
Last year, the event took place in Hampton and East Moline, and after a successful opening, it will again September 13, 2014. The Mississippi River Adventure Race starts at 8 a.m., Hampton Riverfront Park, and proceeds to the paddle race around Campbell’s Island. The Slough portion is 3.8 miles. It then goes to the mountain bike leg at Illiniwek Forest Preserve, an 8.3 mile course. It culminates with a two mile urban/off road run in East Moline.
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There is a Post-Race Party with Pizza and Beer immediately following. Awards for team competition, corporate adventure challenge, and individual men and women winners are held in Empire Park, East Moline, next to Hampton Park at 11 a.m. Tune Up For Taming is a series of training sessions open to racers and the general public. They are August 21, 28, and September 4th, 5:30 to 7 p.m. These give participants one free access to canoes and kayaks from Princeton
— Kathy Wine
Outdoor Adventures. Registered racers can reserve boats. General public is on a 1st-come1st- served basis. Sponsors for the event include: Live Uncommon, McLaughlin Subaru, Active Endeavors, Crawford Company, Townsend Engineering, Friends of Off Road Cycling, Quad City Bicycle Club, Toltec Incorporated, City of East Moline and the Village of Hampton. Register on line at riveraction.org.
RIVER AC TION UPDATES
The Mississippi River Conference – October 15-17, 2014 — Tim Gillman This year’s conference will have a widened focus. What has always been known as the Upper Mississippi River Conference will drop the “Upper” this year, as we aim to discuss issues affecting the river from its headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. River Action is teaming up with the Mississippi River Network, who will host their annual meeting earlier the same week. Presentation topics generally fall into three categories: water quality and conservation, planning and development, and recreation and river life. Several unique speakers are lined up for this year’s conference. Rev. Dr. David Ellingson, a professor at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett, Washington will discuss his journey of education and spirituality while paddling the Mississippi. Ryan Stockwell of the National Wildlife Federation will lead a panel discussion about farmer-led strategies to reduce pollution. A river shipping panel will take a look at Container-on-Barge transportation and its benefits and drawbacks for the Upper Mississippi. The three day conference will commence Wednesday night (Oct. 15) with introductions and a catfish fry. The evening has become a favorite
with past attendees. It’s a low-key kickoff with lighthearted conversation and socializing before the panel sessions and presentations on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, we’ll have a morning keynote address from Matt Rota, Senior Policy Director for the Gulf Restoration Network. After morning panel presentations, attendees will hear from Dean Klinkenberg, known as the “Mississippi Valley Traveler”. He will talk about his travels while discussing how music is firmly rooted in the Mississippi. Thursday afternoon is packed with field trips, a communications workshop, and an evening reception with poster presentations. Friday’s highlights include morning panel sessions, a technology forum with presenters from the US Geological Survey, National Weather Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and LightHawk, an organization providing donated flights to aid conservation efforts. The forum will be followed by a networking luncheon and afternoon panel presentations. The Mississippi River Conference provides a full schedule at a low price. Early registration is only $99 per person at RiverAction.org/MRC.
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RIVER AC TION UPDATES
Gold Coast Tour – On and Below the Bluffs Overlooking the Mississippi River with Marion Meginnis — Kathy Wine
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n this tour, Marion will talk about preservation, what it is, and why retaining older homes and smaller buildings is important to our community. As the district’s walking tour brochure states, it is “a look at the past to see the future.” Saving older homes contributes to the local economy and provides a uniquely livable Quad Cities. The Gold Coast–Hamburg Historic District lies north of downtown, encompasses over 25 square blocks, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Later, portions of the district were designated a Davenport Landmark District. Thirty years later, much progress has been made, but it is an ongoing effort. The tour will feature elegant mansions and simple homes while showing why it is a dynamic and livable destination. Learn about the many styles of architecture, important events that occurred there, and famous homeowners of the past. The structures maintained by preservationists matter tremendously to the success of the Quad Cities. See why Davenport’s first neighborhood brings people together to create a more powerful voice within the community.
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Thank Artswork Aunt Rhodies Barrel House Batteries + Bulbs Bike & Hike Brent Wessel - DMW Design Café Express Café Fresh Carver Aero Chestnut Mountain Resort Chris Clark Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse City of Davenport Colleen Curry Cool Beanz Coffeehouse Crane & Pelican CrossFit Bettendorf Crossroads of Dewitt David G. Smith (Musician) Daytrotter Media LLC Dead Poet's Espresso Ltd Dee Oberle Dwellings Elizabeth Thoman Emily Paulos Expressions Jewelers Figge Art Museum Joe Moreno, Firecracker Run Freddy's Fritters Fresh Deli Fundraising Rides H2O Generation QC Happy Joe's Pizza Healthy Habits Heidi Brandt Hotel Blackhawk Hotel Julien - Caroline's Restaurant and Potosa Spa Iowa State Extension Isabel Bloom Jack Wilhoit Jeanne Knape Jerry & Sparky's Bicycle Shop
John Curtis Joseph Obleton K&K True Value Kathy Wine Kenny Salwey (The River Rat) Kimberly Crest Veterinary Hospital Lanora Welzenback Lavender Crest Winery Leisure Harbor Light Expressions By Shaw Linda Cook Mama Compton’s Margaret Paulos Me & Billy Kitchen and Bar MidAmerican Energy Midas Oil Change Midcoast Fine Arts Mo Brady's Steakhouse Nancy Boyer National Eagle Center Necker's Jewelers Panera Bread Peachwave Petersen Plumbing Phillip McKinley Pink Gorilla Putnam QC Food Hub Quad City Arts Festival of Trees Quad City Botanical Center Quad City Symphony Ragged Records Ralph Iaccarino Red Ginger Rivals Sports Bar River Action’s FLOATZILLA River Action’s Ride the River Rock Creek Rustic Ridge Golf Course
You Scott County Conservation Board Scrapbooking Studio Soap Box Starbucks Suburban Landscape Terry & Christie Ellenberg The Crane & Pelican Café The Farmer's Guest House The Filling Station The Ruby Slipper Thompson Family RV Trash Can Annie Vintage Clothing Trek Store Trent Foltz Photography Twisted Trunk Olive Oil Co. University of Illinois Extension Wallace's Garden Center Watermark Corners Wendy Rios Whisk Away Café & Bakery Whitey's Ice Cream Wild Birds Unlimited Wine Grab: Paddy Blackman Camp McClellan Cellars Joe Chambers Beth Clark Tracy Dvorak Brock Earnhardt La Juan Gault Tom Hepner Ronn Hofmann Marcia Lintz Terry Ousley Kay Patterson Tony Singh Eileen Sipes Tarah Sipes Jim Standaert Kathy Wine
Summer Fun
by Kathy Wine and Jessica Flondro
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oin us for our Summer Education Series — Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks. Channel Cat talks run every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10:45 am, cost $12, and leave from the Celebration Belle Landing in Moline. Riverine Walks are Wednesday’s from 6:30-8 pm and Saturday’s from 9-10:30 am, cost $5, and are free to River Action members. For a complete schedule or to register visit: http://www. riveraction.org/node/198 or call 563-322-2969. Channel Cat Talk - River Landscape Mosaic There are many opportunities to get out on the river this summer with River Action’s Explore the River Series – Channel Cat Talks. Norm Moline, long time member of River Action and Reuben Heine, Professor of Geography at Augustana College, will be talking about the characteristics of the great Mississippi River channel, riverfront uses, and environmental issues from Arsenal Island to Campbell’s Island. Hope you can join us this summer out on the mighty Mississippi. August/September/October 2014
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Sustainable eddy F E AT U R E
Being more
— By Michael Goodyear
Advice from the Catfish
Even the smallest action can influence your community and the world for the better. Using the three Rs of sustainability, reduce, reuse, and recycle. This month we are focusing on reduce. Here are some easy tips for being more “green” in your day-to-day life.
Photo by Eileen Sipes
1. Buy only what you need. That brand new TV might seem like the best purchase you could make, but before you buy something new, ask yourself whether the old version you have has any real problems. A society that is buying all of the newest, fanciest gadgets may seem cool, but actually hurt the Earth. Before you buy it, ask yourself if you really need it. 2. Buy High-quality products, and keep them for a lifetime. High-quality may cost more, but in the long run it is a wise investment for yourself and the environment. They are less likely to break or experience problems, helping our environment through less exploitation of natural resources and less waste of goods. 3. Buy items with the least packaging. Packaging is a significant amount of waste and can seriously harm the environment with buildup. Buy from companies that use
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minimal packaging instead of lots of plastic, the environment will thank you. 4. Use e-mail instead of hard copies. E-mail is not physical so it reduces the waste that can accumulate from using paper mail. If you get paper mail, remember to recycle it. 5. Use a glass or mug instead of using a disposable cup. Disposable items are some of the worst for the environment. Thousands upon millions of plastic cups are produced every year, but by using permanent glasses you can reduce this number significantly. The same is true for plastic silverware and plastic dishes and bowls.
6. Switch to long-lasting florescent light bulbs. Not only will they reduce your carbon footprint, but they will even save you money and time spent screwing in new light bulbs. 7. Make double-sided copies. It saves on your paper costs and on the cost to trees from paper consumption. If you have paper that is only printed on one side, use the other side for printing too. 8. Reduce your trash by composting kitchen food scraps and yard trimmings. It increases nutrient content, improves soil, necessitates less water, and keeps food out of our landfills. 9. Substitute less toxic products such as cleaners and pesticides when possible. Toxins can go back into the ground and into the water supply. A glass of water contaminated with Bleach is not great for you or any animal living in or around the water.
eddy F E AT U R E
Land Trusts — by Jessica Flondro
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Thunder is good, thunder is impressive; but it is lightning that does the work.
ver the years, much work has been done along In 2013, the INHF protected almost 6,000 acres in the Mississippi River to protect blufflands and 33 counties and contributed to the purchase of 79 wetlands thanks to the often unnoticed work of land acres of Nahant Marsh in 1999. Today it manages the trusts. The real impact of a land trust is the apparent conservation easements and through a low interest ease by which title of a given property is transferred loan to Nahant Marsh Education Center financed the to a trustee while the donor retains all of the rights purchase of a house and boat ramp at Carp Lake. of ownership. Often, private nonprofit organizations The Natural Land Institute, founded in 1979 in use trusts to acquire land or conservation easements Rockford IL, has helped to conserve and restore by purchasing them or coming to an agreement more than 16,000 acres in northern Illinois. As one with the owner to protect and conserve the land, of the oldest private conservation organizations is water, and wildlife. The Iowa National Heritage the Midwest, the NLI has protected land to limit Foundation, Natural Land Institute, and Mississippi harmful use and development in order to assure its Valley Conservancy are three that have struck use for future generations and to protect the plants — Mark Twain agreements to protect and conserve natural areas and animals dependent on it for survival. In 2008 the along the Mississippi. NLI acquired 92 acres of Milan Bottoms in order to Since 1979, the Iowa National Heritage restore the wetland. Foundation has preserved and restored more than 120,000 acres of Founded in 1997, the Mississippi Valley Conservancy is a regional natural areas. Based in Des Moines, it is a member of the Land Trust nonprofit seated in La Crosse WI that has conserved more than 15,000 Alliance, a coalition of more than 1,300 land trusts in North America, has acres of prairies, wetlands, blufflands, and streams in southwestern more than 7,000 members and partners with local, state, and federal Wisconsin that effect the Mississippi watershed. agencies as well as private parties, and other nonprofit organizations. All three organizations are members of the Mississippi River Bluffland Alliance which has conserved 50,000 acres of land along the Upper Mississippi of which 3,179 are blufflands. Citizens can make an impact too by becoming involved or donating to a local land trust.
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Mississippi River Conference “A Resilient River from the Headwaters to the Gulf” The 7th Annual Meeting of the Upper Mississippi River Conference in Conjunction with the Mississippi River Network’s Annual Meeting
October 15th - 17th
Stoney Creek Inn, Moline, Illinois
Register at RiverAction.org/MRC
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eddy C A L E N D A R
eddy Calendar
August
Celebration River Cruises
Location: Celebration River Cruises, 2501 River Dr, Moline, call 309-764-1952 for more information. See the Quad City Area (Davenport & Bettendorf, Iowa & Moline & Rock Island, Illinois) from a different point of view! The Captain will point out and tell about some of the rich history of the area and the Mighty Mississippi River. You will view the largest roller dam in the world at Lock and Dam #15, as well as the Rock Island Arsenal. Call for dates and times.
The Twilight Riverboat
Location: Twilight River Cruises, Wisconsin St, Le Claire, IA, 800-331-1467, www.riverboattwilight.com The Twilight Captain brings the history & stories of the river to life. Each afternoon on board features a variety of folk musicians, humorists. Destination Dubuque activities include Museums, an Aquarium, Trolley Tours, Art Galleries, Historical Architecture and much, much more. Call or visit www.riverboattwilight.com for more information.
Breakfast with the Birds
Riverine Walk
Saturday, August 2, 9-10:30am, $5 per person, (free for River Action members) call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www. riveraction.org. Credit Island: Plans for the Future presented by Bob Peppers, Friends of Credit Island. Explore the historic Credit Island & envision the plans for the future of the park.
Fridays, August 1, September 5 & October 3rd, 8-9am, Nahant Marsh, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA Join us for an informative breakfast about our feathered friends. Cost: $7 for non-members & $5 for members, includes presentation & hot breakfast. To register, call 563-323-5196 or visit nahantmarsh.org.
Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival
Friday & Saturday, August 1 & 2, 6pm, Petersen Pavilion, LeClaire Park All concerts are free, concessions available. Visit www.bixsociety.org or call 563-888-2235 for more information.
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Quad City Audubon Society Field Trip
Sunday, August 3, 7am, entrance to Nahant Marsh Meet at the entrance to Nahant Marsh, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, for 3 hours of birding. Audubon Society field tours are free of charge, open to the public, and led by experienced birders. www.quadcityaudubon.org for more information.
Earth Explorers
Channel Cat Talk
Tuesday, August 5 or Thursday, August 7, 9-10:45am, $12 per person. Call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www. riveraction.org. I-74 Bridge Update presented by Doug Rick, Iowa DOT. Learn about the vision for the new I-74 bridge & how it will change the landscape in Moline & Bettendorf.
Volunteer Service Days
Saturdays, August 2, Sept 6, Oct 4, 9am, Nahant Marsh, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA Grab a group of friends or the whole family! Some projects may require heavy duty work, while others are light duty. If you plan to bring a large group, please call 563-323-5196.
Channel Cat Talk
Tuesday, August 12, 9-10:45am, $12 per person. Call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. River Landscape Mosaic presented by Dr. Reuben Heine & Dr. Norm Moline, Augustana College. Study the channel characteristics, riverfront uses & environmental issues from Arsenal Island to Campbell’s Island.
1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month , 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport Participants will learn about weather, wildlife, and geology through science based inquiry & experiments. Ages: 11-14. Cost: $7 for non-members, $5 for members. Register at nahantmarsh.org or call 563-323-5196.
Riverine Walk
Wednesday, August 6, 6:30-8pm, or Saturday, August 9, 9-10:30am, $5 per person, (free for River Action members) call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Ghost Stories of the Mississippi presented by Bobbie Swanson, Story Teller. Hear ghost stories of the Mississippi River while taking a hike around Smith’s Island.
Great River Tug Fest
Thursday-Saturday, August 7-9 , LeClaire, IA Get together two teams, a long rope across the Mississippi River, and the towns of LeClaire, IA, and Port Byron, IL, to compete in the annual Tug Fest. Family Day is Thursday free. Friday and Saturday is $5/day, children under 12 are free. Call 563-289-2799 or go to TugFest.com for more information.
Riverine Walk
Wednesday, August 13, 6:30-8pm, or Saturday, August 16, 9-10:30am, $5 per person, (free for River Action members) call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Gold Coast Historic Walking Tour presented by Marion McGinnis, Historian. Learn about the architecture & history behind the beautiful homes in the Historic Gold Coast Neighborhood in Davenport.
Make Friends with the Marsh: XStream Cleanup Saturday, August 9, 8:30-11am, Nahant Marsh Stay involved with the health and quality of local waters. Help with cleanup at Nahant Marsh for the 11th Annual XStream Cleanup. To register or for more information visit XStreamCleanup.org.
Native American Story Telling
Saturday, August 9, 1-4 pm, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, Long Grove, IA Join with the Friends of Pioneer Village and bring the children out to visit our Native American Camp with local enactor Rudy. For more information call (563) 3283283. www.scottcountyiowa.com/conservation.
Music on the Levee
Sunday, August 10, 7pm, Petersen Pavilion, LeClaire Park Ken Paulsen Orchestra. All concerts are free, concessions available. Call 563-888-2235 for more information.
Toddler Tales
2nd Tuesday of each month, 10-11am & 2-3pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport Program includes a nature-themed story, a craft, and an outdoor adventure. A great way to introduce young children to nature! Ages 3-5. Cost” $3. Register at nahantmarsh.org or call 563-323-5196.
Muddy Boots Nature Club
2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Hands-on activities focusing on wildlife, conservation, outdoor recreation, recycling, and eco-art. Ages: 6-10. Cost: $5 per youth. Please call 563-323-5196 to register visit www.nahantmarsh.org for more information.
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River Action’s “Floatzilla”
Saturday, August 16, Lake Potter in Sunset Park, Rock Island, IL Floatzilla is a daylong paddling event to raise awareness of Quad City Water trails. All hard canoes and kayaks are permitted, no inflatables. Floaters will make an attempt for the largest Flotilla at Lake Potter, 2 p.m., Sunset Park, Rock Island. Join the fun with good food, cold drinks, and live entertainment. Vendors and outfitters will participate in the trade show. Different paddle routes are available for all experience levels. Go to RiverAction.org or call 563-322-2969 for more information, or sign up through www.floatzilla.org.
Music on the Levee
Wednesday, August 20, 7pm, Petersen Pavilion, LeClaire Park Central High School – Jazz & Marching bands. All concerts are free, concessions available. Call 563-888-2235 for more information.
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Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show Team
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 5000 44th St (44th St & the Rock River) Rock Island, call 309-7868987 for more information. The Backwater Gamblers are a non-profit water ski show team that performs free water ski shows every Wednesday & Sunday at 6:30pm, on the Rock River. The shows last approximately one hour with a 15-20 minute intermission in which donations are accepted.
River Action's Environmental Book Club Channel Cat Talk
Tuesday, August 19 or Thursday, August 21, 9-10:45am, $12 per person. Call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Photography – Taking Better Pictures presented by Brian Tugana, Environmental Photographer. Learn the art of building & creating fine photographs.
Tuesday, August 26, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, IA Discuss Planet India: The Turbulent Rise of the Largest Democracy and the Future of Our World, by Mira Kamdar. The book discussions are free and open to the public.
Riverine Walk
Wednesday, August 27, 6:30-8pm, $5 per person, (free for River Action members) call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. State of the River presented by Reuben Heine, Augustana College. Come aboard the floating classroom “Stewardship” to learn about the health of our section of the Mississippi. You will learn that there is much to celebrate, but also important problems to solve.
Pioneer Village Labor Day Celebration
Sunday, Aug 31-Sept 1, 11-5 pm (each day), Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, Long Grove, IA Bring the family out for fall fun at the Village. Fun for all ages! Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. Call 563-328-3283 or visit www.scottcountyiowa.com/ conservation for more information.
Channel Cat Talk
Riverine Walk
Wednesday, August 20, 6:30-8pm, or Saturday, August 23, 9-10:30am, $5 per person, (free for River Action members) call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Green Valley Wetland Restoration presented by Mik Holgersson, Environmental Specialist. Walk around the site of a newly restored wetland & learn about its environmental benefits & water quality improvements.
Tuesday, August 26 or Thursday, August 28, 9-10:45am, $12 per person. Call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Music of the Mississippi River presented by Ellis Kell, River Music Experience. Songs & stories of the Mississippi River.
Channel Cat Talk
Wednesday, August 20 or 27, 9-10:45am, $12 per person. Call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org Arsenal Island History presented by Mike McKean, Corps of Engineers. Learn about Arsenal Island’s past: The site, its people, and how it has changed over the years.
QC Astronomical Society Public Viewing
Friday, August 22, 8pm, Davenport Soccer Field, North Division St. The club members will set up equipment for the public to view the evening sky. City of Davenport will provide parking. Free.
Princeton Days
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, August 22, 23, 24 Enjoy this fun-filled event on River Drive in Princeton, IA, featuring a variety of events. For more information and a schedule of events call 563-320-3416 or visit princetondays.princetoniowa.us
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Apple Fest on the River
September
Sunday, October 12, LeClaire, IA, (south end of the levee) Come to Apple Fest and find a variety of Apples, cider, pumpkins, gourds, family fun, entertainment, apple pies, fall flowers, a jump house, petting zoo, demonstrations, baked goods & food of all kinds.
15th Annual Senior Citizen Golf Cart Tour
Thursday, September 4, 9 a.m.4 p.m., $12.50 per person, tour specifics available at 563-322-2969 Senior citizens can participate in guided riverfront golf cart tours! This activity is sponsored by River Action. The tours will utilize existing riverfront trails and offer participants an opportunity to see and hear all that the riverfront has to offer from the front seat of a golf cart. Choose any of six different tours, three different starting times. All tours are round trip and two hours long: Credit Island to Nahant Marsh, Davenport to Bettendorf, Rock Island Arsenal Island, Rock Island at Sunset Park to Moline on Ben Butterworth Parkway, Moline to Rapids City, and Rapids City to Cordova.
East West Riverfest
September 5-21, Quad Cities, on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River Enjoy two weeks of music, theatre, art, dance, tours, history, and fun-filled festivals! It is a celebration of the arts, culture, and heritage of the Quad Cities. The celebration emphasizes existing festivals, events and activities, along with new ones that being held specifically because of the celebration. Find out more details at www.EastWestRiverfest.com.
Black Hawk Historic Site Prairie Programs
Sunday, September 7 & 14, 2-4pm, meet at the west parking lot shelter, Rock Island, IL Learn about native plantings and the restoration program going on at Black Hawk Historic Site. Free and open to the public.
Scott County History Day
Saturday, Sept 13, 1-4pm, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, Long Grove, IA Join with the Friends of Pioneer Village for History Day & open house for new exhibits. Call 563-328-3283 or visit www.scottcountyiowa.com/conservation for more information.
Quad City Audubon Society Field Trip
Sunday, September 14,7am, Wildcat Den State Park, Buffalo, IA Meet at Buffalo Shores, Scott County Park (Hwy. 22 just west of Buffalo). Audubon Society field tours are free of charge, open to the public, and led by experienced birders. www.quadcityaudubon.org
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Black Hawk Historic Site - “Unhuggables” Mississippi River Conference / “A Resilient River from the Headwaters to the Gulf” Wednesday-Saturday, October 15-17, Stoney Creek Inn, Moline, IL This year marks a special collaboration between River Action of the Quad Cities and The Mississippi River Network. For a copy of the brochure, or for more information, call 563-3222969 or go to www.riveraction.org.
Taming of the Slough Mississippi River Adventure Race
Saturday, September 13, 8 a.m., Hampton, IL Canoe/Kayak, Bike, and Run through Illiniwec Park for this 9th Annual Mississippi River Adventure Race! Go to RiverAction.org, or call 563-322-2969 for more information.
Village of Hampton’s Apple Fest
Saturday, September 20, 12-4pm, Brettun & Black Museum, 601 1st Ave, Hampton, IL Admission is free to the event. Varieties of food items, including Mary Jane Nelson’s famous Apple Dumplings, are for sale and benefit the Hampton Historical Society
River Action's Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, September 23, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, IA Discuss The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light, by Paul Bogard. The book discussions are free and open to the public.
October
Quad City Audubon Society Field Trip
Sunday, October 5, 7am, Sunderbruch Park, Davenport, IA. This field trip may involve walking steep trails. Duration: 2-3 hours. Audubon Society field tours are free of charge, open to the public, and led by experienced birders. www.quadcityaudubon.org
Friday, October 17, 6-8pm, Singing Bird Lodge, north side of Black Hawk Historic Site, Rock Island, IL. Join in this friendly Halloween celebration as college students bring to life as they portray the “unhuggable” wildlife of the forest. (Rain date: Friday, October 24)
2nd Annual Tweed Ride
Saturday, October 18, registration begins at 10am, ride departs at 12pm from the Freight House, Davenport, IA Calling all dapper ladies and gents to join us for a leisurely bicycle ride along our scenic waterfront as we celebrate an afternoon of fashion, food, and frivolity! Cost: Only asking for a donation that will benefit River Action. Please RSVP on the Tweed Ride Facebook event page or by email to timmynelson@live.com
Quad City Audubon Society Field Trip
Sunday, October 19, 7:30am, Crow Creek Park, Bettendorf, IA. Meet at the north entrance of the park by the quarry. Duration: 2-3 hours. Audubon Society field tours are free of charge, open to the public, and led by experienced birders. www.quadcityaudubon.org
River Action's Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, October 28, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, IA Discuss River-Horse The Logbook of a Boat Across America, by William Least Heat Moon. The book discussions are free and open to the public.