eddy Magazine August 2015 by Milepost Ventures, LLC

Volume 5, Issue 3 | August/September/October 2015

A PUBLICATION OF RIVER ACTION, INC. www.riveraction.org

Connecting people to the river

James Dion

Chuck Oestreich

William Stowe

James Patchett Steve Durrant

Rev. Robert “Bud” Grant

Upper Mississippi River Conference and Student Summit October 14-16, 2015

More Inside: : : Floatzilla : : Taming of the Slough : : Green Valley Update

Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Montezuma, IA Permit No. 30

PUBLISHER’S LET TER

Stormwater Control, Buried Creeks, and Daylighting

A August/September/October 2015 Volume 5 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 TIM CHAMBERS, River Action Staff EILEEN SIPES, River Action Staff KATHY WINE, River Action Staff NATHAN SIPES, River Action Staff STEPHANIE DRAGO, River Action Staff Contributing Photographers/Photographs MIK HOLGERSSON Printing Services SUTHERLAND PRINTING © eddy Magazine and River Action, Inc., all rights reserved, 2015. 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 sta ted 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

s the July 6, 2015, severe storm showed us, our area’s aging water underground infrastructure is struggling to manage the volume of rain surging through its veins. To take the analogy further, Kathy Wine blown manhole covers reveal serious health problems. During the heavy rain, at Federal Street in Davenport, a manhole cover blew three feet and a fountain equally as high flowed for hours flooding streets and basements in the neighborhood. Water in storm sewers spends most of its life underground. This intricate network of pipes is designed to control stormwater and hidden creeks. But every now and then, they make their presence known when a heavy rain brings them to the surface flooding parks, streets, and basements—like ghosts moving back into their former homes. To solve some of these problems, designers such as Jim Patchett of Conservation Design Forum have championed ideas to ease the strain on storm sewer systems and prevent rain from entering the sewers in the first place. Patchett states, “One way to do this is to restore buried creeks and open up some storm sewers, a practice known as “daylighting” that is gaining traction in cities around the country and the world.” Here in the Quad Cities there have been successful initiatives to strengthen streams that are already above ground; banks have been graded back, as at Duck Creek, to create a larger flood plain , native grasses and flowers have allowed water to percolate into the ground, as at Pigeon Creek and Sylvan Slough Natural Area, and meanders have been put back into the stream itself, as at Mill Creek. But a large INSIDE THIS ISSUE rain event still overwhelms them. Understanding this, we must 4 River Action Updates acknowledge the need to hold stormwater 4 Floatzilla by Nathan Sipes in the upland neighborhoods, areas 4 Golf Cart Tour not usually associated with the kind of by Nathan Sipes flooding seen on River Drive and the 5 Taming of the Slough neighborhoods at the bottom of the by Kathy Wine watershed. We need an understanding 5 Fish and Fire: Thanks for your support! of how the whole watershed functions, 6 Explore the River Series: from where the rain falls to its destination; Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks every step along the way, we need to be 7 Feature Stories managing the problem, figuring out ways 7 Upper Mississippi River Conference 2015 to store stormwater temporarily and treat by Kathy Wine it, so we’re not trying to deal with all these 8 Bridge Update problems at the bottom end of the pipe. by Kathy Wine One waterway in Davenport’s East 10 Bike Share Study Conclusion by Tim Chambers Village has been buried for years. The creek 11 Green Valley Update flows through a drainage pipe, but some by Tim Chambers of it is under empty grassland. The City of 12 eddy Calendar: Davenport has targeted this stream as a August, September, October by Eileen Sipes possible one to daylight. This is just one green infrastructure idea; there are many more. Our Mission: We have an opportunity now to shape River Action strives to foster the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi our future. Let’s start working on it! River and its riverfront in the Quad City region.

August/September/October 2015 | eddy Magazine

RIVER AC TION UPDATE

August Means Floatzilla — By Nathan Sipes

Paddlers enjoying Floatzilla in their own unique way.

aturday, August 15th, is the best day all year to paddle on the Mississippi. Paddlers get to spend their morning experiencing the Quad Cities Water Trails as they paddle from one of five launch sites to Lake Potter and Sunset Park in Rock Island. Once at Lake Potter, there are plenty of events and vendors to keep paddlers active.

Floatzilla continues to encourage new paddlers to enjoy the Mississippi by teaching them that it can be a safe and fun activity. New paddlers will feel comfortable knowing that there is an expert safety team on guard and that safety boats are present. US Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices must be worn by all paddlers.

Each year, the largest group has won a special paddle trophy. This year, awards will be given for even more categories, including longest boat, best group theme, best costumes and best boat decoration. Paddlers can register at Floatzilla.org or at Credit Island on Friday, August 14th from 3:30—8:00 p.m., and at the River Action office at 822 E River Drive, Davenport, IA. The photo for the world record will be taken at 2 p.m.

16th Annual Golf Cart Tour: September 3rd — By Nathan Sipes

xplore the riverfront trails on our 16th annual Senior Citizens Golf Cart Tour! Participants get the opportunity to see and hear all that the riverfront has to offer from the front seat of a golf cart. This is a great opportunity to learn about the past, present and future of many of the riverfront amenities in the Quad Cities area. All narrated tours take place on Thursday, September 3rd, and cost $12.50 per person, per tour. Choose from six unique tours, each approximately two hours in length. Introduced last year, “Iowa Tour Alpha” Tour #4 in 2014 – Participants enjoying the riverfront view. focuses on the natural places at Nahant Marsh and Carp Lake. It is offered at 9 a.m. and 11:30 Parkway before returning to Sunset Park and is offered at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. , and is already fully booked for this year, so be sure to register early a.m. and 2 p.m. next year to secure your seat on a golf cart! Illinois Tour #4 starts at the east end of Ben Butterworth Parkway at Iowa Tour #1 begins at Credit Island and travels along the Davenport 55th street in Moline and travels through East Moline and Hampton to and Bettendorf riverfront, arriving at Leach Park before returning to Credit the Village of Rapids City before returning to Moline. The tour includes Island. This tour features many scenic RiverWay overlooks and exciting stops at The Quarter and Empire Park in East Moline, Hampton’s ports of call. Iowa Tour #1 is only offered at 2 p.m. this year. Riverfront Park, Illiniwek State Park and Lock & Dam 14 and is offered Illinois Tour #2 makes stops at Memorial Park, the Col. Davenport at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. House, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Visitor Center and River Action’s Ride along the newest segment of the Great River Trail on Illinois Tour green parking lot on Arsenal Island. Another popular tour, the 9 a.m. tour #5. It begins in Rapids City at Shuler’s Shady Grove and travels through is fully booked, but is offered at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Port Byron and all the way to Cordova before returning. It is offered at Illinois Tour #3 begins at Sunset Park and travels along the Rock Island 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Moline riverfronts, traveling past Sylvan Island and Ben Butterworth

eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org

RIVER AC TION UPDATE

Thank September 19

Taming of the Slough — by Kathy Wine

addlers can expect a cool morning start and a hot pizza party at the finish. Taming of the Slough 2015 launches at 8 a.m. in Campbell’s Island Slough, Hampton, for a 3.8 mile paddle around the Island. Those participants dock their boats on the Hampton beach and head out to Illiniwek Forest Preserve (3.8 mile paved) to conquer the mountain bike trail (4.5 miles). Finally, the teams and individuals take on the McNeal Perserve in East Moline for the two-mile run. There are many categories for participants: Individual, Two-person Team, Three-person Team, and the Corporate Challenge which features a 3-person relay competing for traveling trophy and QC bragging rights. For more information or to register go to www.riveraction.org and click on Taming of the Slough.

Many thanks to our Silent Auction Donors Act II Transportation & Limousine Active Endeavors Aledo Mainstreet Ann DeSalvo Augustana College Aunt Rhodie’s Barrell House Batteries + Bulbs Bix 7 Black Hawk Area Education Center Black Hawk Museum Brent Wessel BREW in the Village Brian Wagner Cabot Creamery Cafe Express Carver Aero CONAN Crossfit Bettendorf Darrell Bush Daytrotter Desoto House Hotel Dorothy Sheldon, Usborne Books & More Dwellings Eileen Sipes Eric Mart Exelon Fish Hatchery Expressions Jewelers Family First Chiropractic Figge Art Museum Flow SUP Co. Freight House Farmer’s Market Great River Brewery Greenthumbers Habitat For Humanity Re-Store Hampton Inn & Suites, Davenport Happy Joe’s Heart of America Hot Glass Hotel Julien Isabel Bloom iWireless Center Jack Wilhoit Jeff Leonard Jeremiah Haas

You Jerry & Sparky’s Jumer’s Casino K&K True Value Hardware Kendall Davis Knilan’s Gift Card Larry Riney Lavender Crest Winery Le Claire Olive Oil Co. Leslie Bell Light Expressions by Shaw Maggie Paulos Major Art & Hobby Marianne Schroeder Martha Paulos Me & Billy MidAmerican Energy Mississippi River Distilling Co. Mississippi Valley Blues Society Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild Mo Brady’s Navarro Canoe Necker’s Jewelers Niabi Zoo Old Path Farm, Dave & Eileen Sipes Panera Bread Philip McKinley Playcrafters QC Botanical Center QC Intl. Airport/Cathy Rachau QC Marathon Quad Cities Fitness Quad City Arts Quad City Symphony Rachel Lynda Photography, Rachel Williams Rivals Sports Bar River Action River Music Experience Robert’s Photography, Robert Smice Rock Creek Marina

Roger Kean Rozz-Tox Rustic Ridge Golf Course Scott Schadler/Celebration Belle Sentry Pool & Chemical Supply SHINE Yoga & Bodyworks Soap Box St. Ambrose University Starbucks State Street Interiors Steve Depron: Bike & Hike Suburban Landscape Associates Terry Ellenberg The Root Cellar Tony Vermeer Trek Store Twilight River Cruises Wallace’s Garden Center Walnut Grove Pioneer Village Waste Commission of Scott County Watermark Corners Whitey’s Ice Cream Whoa Nelli Wild Birds Unlimited Wink Kids Project Wine Grab: Marcia Lintz Gerald & Darlene Neff Brock & Carol Earnhardt Terry Ousley Ronn & Telis Hofmann Beth Clark John & Marcia Wetzel Maggie Paulos John & Paddy Blackman Joe & Shelley Chambers Dick & Kay Patterson Jim & Donna Standaert Deb Girard LaJuan Gault Eileen Sipes Tom & Kathy Wine

August/September/October 2015 | eddy Magazine

RIVER AC TION UPDATE

Explore the River Series: Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Stephanie Drago

very summer, River Action offers unique opportunities to explore the Mississippi River and the Quad City area, while learning about important historical, cultural, ecological and geographic aspects of the region. These opportunities are a part of our Explore the River Series, which includes Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks. Both the Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks are one-a-kind classes led by distinguished professionals from the Quad Cities. These classes cover many different topics from music of the Mississippi River, to cycling, to plant biodiversity, supplying unique experiences for people of many different interests. By enrolling in a Channel Cat Talk or Riverine Walk you not only get the opportunity to learn from local professionals, but you also become immersed in the class through onsite experiences. Riverine Walks supply a unique selection of guided walks held around the Quad Cities, where Channel Cat Talks provide boat rides and presentations on the Mississippi River.

eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org

New Headsets River Action is excited to announce our new headsets, which greatly improve the sound quality of presentations onboard the Channel Cat. We also offer the use of these headsets for select Riverine Walks. Our headsets were purchased with a grant award from Scott County Regional Authority and we have recently received a generous donation of headsets from Alcoa. These headsets have made it easier for participants to engage in presentations, creating an even more rewarding experience. Remaining Programs Please see the Eddy Calendar for this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remaining programs. Channel Cat Talks meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and go from 9:00-10:45am. Meet at Celebration Belle Landing, 2501 River Drive, Moline, IL. Tickets cost $13.50 per person.

The Channel Cat Water Taxi taking passengers across the Mississippi River (Photo by Greg Gackle)

Riverine Walks take place every Wednesday (6:30-8:00pm) and Saturday (9:00-10:30am). These walks meet in varying locations throughout the Quad Cities. Tickets for the Riverine Walks are $6.00 per person or free for River Action Members. For more information or to register for a program please visit riveraction.org. This series is supported by grants from Humanities Iowa and Illinois Humanities Council.

RIVER AC TION UPDATE

UMRC Conference—

The River Connecting Us — by Kathy Wine

f there is one central tenet to all there is to learn from working on the Mississippi River during these challenging times, it would be that very few, if any, stakeholders can go it alone. Help must come from every quarter—from volunteers to government agencies, and from farmers to city planners. This conference will connect attendees to each. In an era when research is done by Googling, one might ask, why should I attend a conference? The answers are: • It is an ideal way to set up opportune meetings • You will discover what you did not know but you thought you knew • You will meet people you did not know, whom you need to know • You will approach complete strangers because it is encouraged and acceptable! The October 14-16, Upper Mississippi River Conference and Student Summit will bring people together and spark opportunities through many networking receptions, field trips, luncheons and workshops. It opens with a wild catfish fry on Wednesday, October 14, at the River Center, Davenport. The keynote speaker, Jim Patchett, will speak on Thursday morning on “Gray vs. Green: The Role of Green Infrastructure in the Face of an Uncertain Climate”. He will present case studies of sustainable development practices such as ‘daylighting’ creeks and storm sewers successfully. Friday’s noon luncheon speaker will be Steve Durrant, Alta Planning + Design, Seattle, who will speak on “Have You Heard Mark Twain Too Many Times? The Secret of Getting Ahead is Getting Started.” Jim Dion, National Geographic, will speak on “Tourism Based on Place: The Geotourism Strategy” summarizing the work he is doing on the Mississippi River. Chuck Oestreich, League of Illinois Bicyclists, Rock Island, will address alternative transportation and lead a bike ride during Thursday afternoon’s field trip. The Student Summit will kick off with a talk by Father Bud Grant, St. Ambrose University, with “Ecolibrium: Finding Balance on a Spinning Planet”. You can learn more at www.riveraction.org or by calling River Action, 563-322-2969. August/September/October 2015 | eddy Magazine

FEATURE STORY

Bridge Update:

First Bridge W

— By Kathy Wine

ith the Kickstarter Campaign ($50,325) behind us, and grants secured from RDA, Silos and Smokestacks, and People for Bikes, we now have $112,000 in start-up funds to match the larger Iowa DOT Recreation Trail grant and the US DOT Recreation Trail grant. Videos can be viewed at www.riveraction.org. We have added supporting partners who have helped us in fundraising and building the replica bridge used during Ride the River, June 21. They are: Bill Ashton, Ashton Engineering contributed design; Estes Construction built the structure, Sherwin Williams donated paint; Pro-Build provided lumber; K&K Hardware provided paint, and Joe Erenberger, Y and J Enterprises provided the site and lighting. To paint the replica bridge, a Tom Sawyer Paint the Bridge Day was held June 13th. Final touches such as signage and ‘railroad tracks’ were attached on the 18th; riders on the Davenport River Heritage Park trail began using it that afternoon to good reviews. On July 4th, it floated through the Bettendorf Parade on a custom trailer made by Y and J Enterprises and sponsored by Jeff Hill, Estes Construction. Next steps: Survey work, additional fundraising, sale of historic prints, landscape design, and placing the bridge replica on the RAGBRAI finish on Credit Island.

eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org

F E AT U R E S TO R Y

Bike Share: Is it feasible in the QC? — Conclusion By Tim Chambers

ou may remember Tim Gillman’s article, Bike Share Study Kicks-Off, in the last issue of the Eddy. Well, we are still studying. The bike share feasibility study funded by MetroLink, the cities of Bettendorf, Davenport, Moline, and Riverdale, Renaissance Rock Island, the Quad City Bicycle Club, and River Action is nearing the end. The study is being completed in five tasks: bicycle share program definition and analysis; community outreach; system planning; business model assessment; and final deliverables. We are currently working our way through the business model assessment and the committee is eagerly awaiting the final report, without which the committee cannot determine whether or not a bike share system is a viable and sustainable option for the QCA. Since the beginning of the study, the concept of bike share and the idea of bringing this system to the QCA has generated a considerable amount of local press and as a result had raised a lot questions. What is bike share exactly? What benefits does a bike share system offer to the Quad City community? Who is going to pay for it? Who will use bike share? Let’s try to address some of these questions. What is bike share? On June 2nd the Bike Share Planning Committee and Alta Planning and Design held a community meeting at Center Station in Moline to explain the concept of bike share and to answer any questions individuals has. The meeting also provided the opportunity for community members to share their input regarding the location of bike stations throughout the QCA. Bike share is a relatively new form of public transit, where instead of buses or trains, individuals can rent or borrow a bicycle from automated docking stations. What are the benefits of a bike share system? Cities across the United States with bike share systems have seen an overall improvement in individual and community health through active transportation, enhanced economic development through improved access to businesses and helping to “Brand” the City, reduced vehicle emissions, improved overall bicycle safety, and a supplement to existing transportation systems. Who is going to pay for it? Without an analysis of funding opportunities in hand, this is a very difficult question to answer. However, it will likely require a mix of funding from both private and public sources to support a bike share in the QC. Funding options include: federal grants and direct appropriations; city and state funding; advertising revenue and sponsorship; and private, corporate, and institutional donations. Existing systems range from 100% private funding in Miami and NYC, 16% public funding in Denver, and 100% public funding in Washington DC and Columbus.

Bike Share Community Input Map, Alta Planning + Design

Who will use a bike share? Likely user profiles in the QC include: residents making trips too long to walk or not convenient to drive or take public transit; business district commuters going out to lunch or making lunch hour errands; college students riding within or beyond campus; people who do not own a car or bike looking for a alternative transportation; and visitors and tourists taking advantage of the Mississippi River and network of trails in the QCA. Will the Quad Cities join the ranks of other Midwestern cities with bike share, including Des Moines, Madison, Milwaukee, Omaha, and Chicago? The unique geography of the Quad Cities, with six cities in a single metro area, two long riverfronts in two states and tall bluff hills, presents challenges that do not exist in other Midwestern cities. For this reason alone it is imperative to complete a feasibility study, before we decide if, when, and how to bring a bike share to the QCA.

August/September/October 2015 | eddy Magazine

FEATURE STORY

Updates from the Restorative Front: Green Valley Nature Preserve and Hennepin Canal Environmental Park If you follow the Eddy Magazine, then you have most likely read something about River Action’s restorative work at two parks in the Quad City region, Hennepin Canal Environmental Park, Milan and Green Valley Nature Preserve, Moline. Both projects are restorative in nature, however, the goals and scales of each are very different from one another.

eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org

— By Tim Chambers

he Hennepin Canal Environmental Park is located at Lock 30 on the Hennepin Canal and the Steel Dam on the Rock River. Just follow 14th Street Northeast to its terminus and you are there. The park is conveniently positioned between the Hennepin Canal and the Rock River, and provides public access to both, with the Hennepin Canal Bike Trail running along the levee just south of the park’s parking lot. Being the only park of its size on the Hennepin canal in the Quad City area, and given its history of neglect, River Action felt it was of utmost importance to restore this unique park site to provide safe access to the waterways and a welcoming place to recreate for the residents of Milan and visitors to the QC area. To date, River Action, in partnership with the Village of Milan and Illinois DNR, has improved the park’s driveway and parking lot, and has removed woody vegetation that has hidden the canal’s historic lock infrastructure and interpretive signage for years. Following the removal of vegetation, the landscape around the lock infrastructure was seeded with a variety of native plant species specifically selected for the conditions on site. This seeding offers a new aesthetic on site, wildlife habitat and is sustainable, requiring less maintenance through time. River Action is currently working with civic leaders and community groups in Milan to develop a strategy to fund the remaining

aspects of the Hennepin Canal Environmental park restoration. Future work will include: the dredging of the canal and fish stocking, the restoration of 1.6 acres of mesic prairie, improvement of the portage for Rock River trail users, construction of stairs and a canoe/kayak drag to the riverfront, the restoration of existing park benches and the addition of picnic tables, and environmental educational opportunities for area students including kayak and canoe safety lessons. Green Valley Nature Preserve, on the other hand, is a 250-acre park just south of John Deere Road off 60th Street in Moline, which offers tremendous opportunities for both active and passive recreation with its convenient location on the shores of the Rock River. Restoration work at Green Valley is part of River Action’s broader Urban Watershed Restoration Project, which aims to improve ecosystem function and water quality in the Rock River Ravines Watershed. This $220,000 project, made possible by Alcoa, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and many other generous partners, is comprised of significant restoration work both on the Black Hawk College campus and at Green Valley. Since the inception of this project River Action and its partners, Black Hawk and Augustana colleges have held numerous volunteer events at both sites to remove some of North America’s worst invasive species; primarily Buck Honeysuckle, Buckthorn, and Privet, in an attempt to restore Oak savannah

and Oak/Hickory forests on the Black Hawk campus and floodplain forest in Green Valley. Positive results, especially the increase in forest understory flora, have already been observed following removal efforts. Once our permitting process with state and federal authorities is complete, River Action will begin work to establish ten acres of mesic tallgrass prairie and five acres of ephemeral prairie pothole wetlands, complementing phase 1 restoration work at Green Valley, which created 7 acres of open water and emergent wetlands. Moreover, River Action will re-route a channelized tributary of the Rock River through existing natural wetlands before it drains into the river and establish 7,000 feet of interpretive trail. Invasive species removals will continue throughout the duration of the project at both sites and prescribed fire will be employed at Black Hawk this fall as ecological management tool. Before project completion this fall, Augustana College will install water quality testing wells along a gradient stretching from on top of the hill at Black Hawk College to the Rock River. These wells will allow us to monitor the quality of water as it moves through the urban watershed and empties into the Rock.

Historic Lock infrastructure, Lock 30, Hennepin Canal Environmental Park, Milan.

August/September/October 2015 | eddy Magazine

eddy C A L E N D A R

eddy Calendar August

in downtown Davenport, IA, along the banks of the Mississippi River. See www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/ parks for the band schedule.

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.

Princeton Days

Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show Team

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, July 31-Aug 2 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

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.

Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival

Friday & Saturday, July 30- August 2, 6pm, Downtown, Davenport, IA, www.bixsociety.org or call 563-324-7170 2015 will bring another great lineup of the best traditional jazz in the country to The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival. There will be 18 fantastic jazz bands performing at the three venues throughout the festival. There are multiple special events in addition to the terrific performance schedule. Also demonstrating their jazz proficiency will be members of the Bix Jazz Society Youth Band, carriers of the torch for the next generation.

Music on the Levee

Quad Cities - You can hear free music every night of the week this summer in the Quad Cities! Don’t forget your blanket or lawn chair. Enjoy the free Music on the Levee at 7 p.m. at LeClaire Park, 400 W Beiderbecke Dr

eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org

Riverine Walk

Wednesday, August 5, 6:30-8pm, or Saturday, August 8, 9-10:30am, $6 per person, (free for River Action members) call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Quad Cities Fish Hatchery and Mississippi River Monitoring Programs, presented by Jeremiah Hass, Exelon Generation. Learn about the 40+ year history of the fish hatchery and long-term monitoring of the Mississippi River. Tour the facility and encounter live fish and endangered mussels from the Mississippi River. Meet at the Exelon Professional Learning Center, 22710 206th Ave. N., Cordova, IL.

Freedom Run

Riverine Walk

Saturday, August 1, 9-10:30am, $6 per person (free for River Action members), call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Riverside Cemetery Architecture and Design presented by Kathleen Seusy, Historian. Learn about the history of Riverside Cemetery and explore the design by William Le Baron Jenney, Chicago architect/landscape architect. Meet at Riverside Cemetery (Mausoleum), 2900 6th Ave, Moline, IL.

Quad City Audubon Society Field Trip

Sunday, August 2, 7am, meet at Nahant Marsh Meet at the entrance to Nahant Marsh, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, Credit Island, Nahant Marsh, and Sunderbruch Park for summer residents and possible early shorebird migrants. Possible steep trails, but not necessary to walk them to enjoy this trip. Audubon Society field tours are free of charge, open to the public, and led by experienced birders. www.quadcityaudubon.org for more information.

Channel Cat Talk

Tuesday, August 4 or Thursday, August 6, 9-10:45am, $13.50 per person. Call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Historic Bridges of the Quad Cities presented by Dr. Curtis Roseman, Geographer. Examine the history of the first railroad bridge to cross the Mississippi, the Government, Centennial, I-74, and Moline Arsenal bridges.

Thursday, August 6, East Moline, IL, www.freedomrun5k.org for more information Come out and give something back to your Military and their families - they’ve all given so much to us. You don’t have to run. You can watch, you can cheer, you can sponsor and you can volunteer! However you decide to participate, you’re going to have fun!

Breakfast with the Birds

Fridays, August 7, September 4 & October 2, 8-9am, Nahant Marsh, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA Learn the secret life of birds during this monthly class at Nahant Marsh. Each month we will explore the characteristics and adaptations of a group of birds. A continental breakfast with coffee, juice, and tea is included in the fee. Feel free to bring your own coffee mug or travel container. Participants are encouraged to explore the trails after the class. Binoculars are available to borrow. Cost: $7 for non-members & $5 for members. To register, call 563-323-5196 or visit nahantmarsh.org.

Volunteer Service Days

Saturdays, August 8, Sept 12, Oct 3, 9am-12noon, 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.

Egg Money and the Farmers Wife

Sunday, August 9, 1- 5pm, free admission, Pioneer Village, 18817 290th St, Long Grove, IA Learn about the contributions of the farmer’s wife and family to the financial stability of the farm pre-1960 in the Midwest. The Village will have demonstrations of weaving, spinning and quilting.

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.

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 $3/day, children under 12 are free. Call 309-523-3705, 309-5232500 or go to TugFest.org for more information.

Earth Explorers

2nd Wednesdays of each month through Oct. , 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.

Photo by Brian Tugana

2nd Wednesday of each month through Oct., 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Hands-on activities focusing on wildlife, conservation, outdoor recreation, recycling, and eco-art. Ages: 6-10. Cost: $5 per youth with membership, $7 without membership. Please call 563-323-5196 to register, or visit www.nahantmarsh.org for more information.

Channel Cat Talk

River Action’s “Floatzilla”

Saturday, August 15, 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.

Channel Cat Talk

Tuesday, August 18 or Thursday, August 20, 9-10:45am, $13.50 per person. Call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. What Does the Coast Guard Do? presented by Jarad Landheer, Coast Guard. Learn about the Coast Guard and its roll as an instrument of maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship.

Riverine Walk

Wednesday, August 12, 6:30-8pm, or Saturday, August 15, 9-10:30am, $6 per person, (free for River Action members) call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Exploring Civil War History, Confederate Cemetery and Prison, and Construction of the Old Stone Shops, presented by George Eaton, Historian. Explore the Confederate Cemetery, Proson, and Old Stone Shops located at the Rock Island Arsenal.

Great River Tug Fest

Thursday-Saturday, August 13-16 , LeClaire, IA Get together two teams, a long rope across the

Channel Cat Talk

Tuesday, August 25 or Thursday, August 27, 9-10:45am, $13.50 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. Listen to songs & stories of the Mississippi River.

Riverine Walk

Muddy Boots Nature Club

Tuesday, August 11, or Thursday August 13, 9-10:45am, $13.50 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.

Discuss Seeds of Hope: Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants, by Jane Goodall. The book discussions are free and open to the public.

Riverine Walk

Wednesday, August 19, 6:30-8pm, or Saturday, August 22, 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 Meginnis, Historian. Learn about the architecture and history behind the beautiful homes in the Historic Gold Coast Neighborhood in Davenport. Meet at Gaines and 8th St., Davenport, IA

River Action’s Environmental Book Club

Tuesday, August 25, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, IA

Wednesday, August 26, 6:30-8pm, or Saturday, August 29, 9-10:30am $6 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. Meet at the north end of Lake Potter/Sunset Park, 18th Ave., Rock Island, IL.

September

16th Annual Senior Citizen Golf Cart Tour

Thursday, September 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $12.50 per person, tour specifics available at 563-3222969 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.

Pioneer Village Labor Day Celebration

Sunday, Sept 6 & 7, 11-5 pm (each day), Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, Long Grove, IA Period-dressed volunteers demonstrate crafts and sell their wares, food vendors and ice cream and pie are available in the soda fountain, children’s games, makeit-take-it crafts and fun for all. Listen to old time music in the Saloon and Gazebo. Fun for all ages! Admission is $2/adults and $1/children. Call 563-328-3283 or visit www.scottcountyiowa.com/conservation for more info.

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eddy C A L E N D A R Quad City Audubon Society Field Trip

Saturday, September 12,7am, 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

Taming of the Slough Mississippi River Adventure Race

waltz, fiddle, accordion, harmonica, barn dance songs, cowboy songs and country and western, with dancers demonstrating polka and square dancing. Everyone is invited to sing-a-long and join dancers on the dance floor, making this a truly family interactive event.

October

Mushroom Program and Walk

Saturday, October 3, 9:00 a.m. -11:00 am, Black Hawk State Historic Site, Rock Island, IL Join photographer Jim Frink for an indoor program showing mushrooms/fungi at Black Hawk State Historic Site followed by a walk to observe them in the Black Hawk forest, a Nature Preserve, where no plants or fungi can be collected, only viewed and appreciated. The program will be held at Singing Bird Center, located north of Blackhawk Rd at 15th St. in Rock Island. This event is sponsored by Citizens to Preserve Black Hawk Park Foundation. (309-788-9536) or www. blackhawkpark.org

Quad City Audubon Society Field Trip Saturday, September 19, 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 19, 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 22, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, IA Discuss The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, by Elizabeth Kolbert. The book discussions are free and open to the public.

The Quad Cities Marathon and Festival of Races

Sunday, October 4, 7am, Sunderbruch Park, Davenport, IA. Credit Island, Nahant Marsh and Sunderburch Park. Meet at Sunderbruch Park at 7:00 a.m. This field trip will be the reverse of the Aug 2 trip. Last year we had some fungi surprises at Sunderbruch Park and Green Herons at Credit Island. This trip will be half-day and may include steep trails, but walking them is not required to enjoy this trip. Duration: 2-3 hours. Audubon Society field tours are free of charge, open to the public, and led by experienced birders. www.quadcityaudubon.org

Student Summit- Student Poster Session

Wednesday, October 14, Rivercenter, Davenport, IA Share your knowledge with others and obtain feedback from practitioners in your field while networking with Mississippi River stakeholders! Undergraduate and graduate students who are conducting or have completed work on river-related environmental, planning, cultural, recreational or similar issues are invited to submit a brief application by Thursday, October 8. Visit www.riveraction.org/mrc/poster to submit an application.

Saturday, September 26 (events) all day, Sunday, September 27 (races), 7:30 a.m. This event is held annually on the fourth Sunday in September. Celebrating its 18th anniversary in 2015, Great fun and competition, both Saturday and Sunday! Find out more at www.QCmarathon.org .

Harvest Moon Song and Dance Fest

Sunday, September 27, 12noon-5pm, Adults $6.00, Kids $3.00, under 5 free, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, Long Grove, IA Enjoy 100 years of rural American music and dance in Pioneer Village’s natural outdoor amphitheater. The day’s music includes old settler songs, folk, banjo, guitar,

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Upper Mississippi River Conference / “The River Connecting Us” Wednesday-Saturday, October 14-16, Rivercenter, Davenport, IA The river connects us in many ways. It links our past

and future, unites us socially and culturally, and connects communities to invaluable resources and opportunities. This conference targets a multidisciplinary audience. Planners, elected officials, engineers, architects, landscape architects, environmentalist, educators and students are invited to discuss current issues surrounding the Upper Mississippi and explore solutions, opportunities and ap¬proaches to incorporating the river in our civic, cultural and personal lives. For a copy of the brochure, or for more information, call 563-3222969 or go to www.riveraction.org.

3nd Annual Tweed Ride

Saturday, October 17, registration begins at 10am, ride departs at 12noon 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.

Hike through Crow Creek Park

Sunday, Oct.18 Sunday, Crow Creek Park in Bettendorf, Iowa. 7:30 a.m. (at the north entrance by the Quarry). The field trip will last about 3 hours, very easy walking. Last year we had a very photogenic Barred Owl, and many late migrants, and beautiful year round residents.

Meet the Unhuggables of the Forest

Friday, October 23, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, Black Hawk Historic Site, Rock Island, IL Looking for an environmentally friendly Halloween activity aimed at all ages? Black Hawk State Historic Site will celebrate Halloween with a short walk in the moonlight to meet some of the Site’s special "critters", such as chipmunks, foxes, spiders, snakes, bats and more. Hear the “animals” played by Augustana drama students tell their story about living in the Black Hawk Forest. Inside Singing Bird Center will be a “show and tell” by Site naturalist Chuck Wester and refreshments. This free event will be held in and around Singing Bird Center, accessed by turning north from Blackhawk Rd./ Rte. 5 on to 15th St .in Rock Island. For more information, call (309) 788-9536 or www.blackhawkpark.org/ events

River Action’s Environmental Book Club

Tuesday, October 27, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, IA Discuss The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love, Kristen Kimball. The book discussions are free and open to the public.