Volume 2, Issue 2 | May/June/July 2012
A PUBLICATION OF RIVER ACTION, INC. www.riveraction.org
Connecting people to the river
Ride the Quads
: : Ride the River 2012 – Father’s Day Tradition : : Ready to Ride – Discover new trends in cycling : : Rock River Trail Initiative
ALSO INSIDE: : : Renovate! The most green way to build : : Roof Top Sedums – On top of green roofs : : Fort Armstrong – More than a company of soldiers : : GO GREEN GUIDE – Organic – food for thought : : River Action Updates : : Eddy Calendar – May / June / July
PUBLISHER’S LET TER
Join the Journey!
W May/June/July 2012 _______
Volume 2 Issue 2
KATHY WINE, Publisher / Executive Director BETH CLARK, Managing Editor, Milepost Ventures, LLC BECKY LANGDON, Copy Editor JEFF VanECHAUTE (pi design, inc.), Design MICHELLE O’HARA, Calendar Editor Contributing Writers JEFF CORNELIUS, River Action Staff KAREN WILKE, River Action Staff MICHELLE O’HARA, River Action Staff REGENA JO SCHANTZ LESLIE KLIPSCH BECKY LANGDON JULIE SEIER Contributing Photographers/Photographs MIK HOLGERSSON BETH CLARK JEFF VanECHAUTE STOCK: 123RF.COM AND iSTOCK.COM ©Eddy Magazine and River Action, Inc., all rights reserved, 2012. 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. For rates, ad dimensions and deadline information email bethcolbyclark@gmail.com To Subscribe or become a member of River Action: call 563-322-2969 or visit www.riveraction.org
COVER: Riding the Trail Hard! (photo from 123.rf.com)
hen I write thank you notes for members’ dues, I say, “We will work very hard to put this funding to work on our mission.” �That is what membership does. It infuses River Action with funds to stay active; we are doing the work that members believe needs to be done. But the benefits are a two-way street. Members invigorate their own spirits and sharpen their own observation skills while taking part in the development of our riverfront, recreation, and Kathy Wine conservation. Provide a good financial base through membership and receive fresh inspiration for taking action on these and other aspects of the river environment. Members provide local funds for a local group with a local passion, but we have a much wider impact. In partnership with nine other states, we work to make the Mississippi River Trail one contiguous INSIDE THIS ISSUE path from the Headwaters to the Gulf. We 4 River Action Updates collaborate with eight counties in QC Wild – 13TH ANNUAL EDDY AWARDS: Places (QCWildPlaces.com), and soon we Who took home an Eddy in 2012? will be working to find the connections — by Kathy Wine & Michelle O’Hara between these 50 wilderness sites. – RIDE THE RIVER 2012! Celebrate As I write this, both Public Radio and with Dad on his “big day”! — by Kathy Wine Public Television are in the midst of their – EXPLORE THE RIVER – Summer Series membership campaigns. They stress the — by Jeff Cornelius need to invest in what listeners and viewers – ROCK RIVER TRAIL INITIATIVE like best about their broadcasts. That — by Jeff Cornelius strategy works for us, also. – ACCENT ON YOUTH: Brittany Ackerland Since River Action conducted a survey — by Karen Wilke on QC Online last year, which indicated 10 History Column that the top quality of life indicators for FORT ARMSTRONG ON ROCK ISLAND: living in the Quad Cities are bike trails and More than a company of soldiers outdoor recreation opportunities, I want — by Regena Jo Schantz to point out that membership is a way to 11 Roof Top Sedums: invest in more trail development and river Learn more about a Davenport-based programming. These are two ways we put company at the tip of green roof your funding to work on our mission. technology. — by Leslie Klipsch Members share a passion for the river, service, and stewardship while exploring 13 Renovate! opportunities for education, networking, How to grow gardens while helping and other benefits. Free summer Riverine the environment. — by Julie Seier Walks and discounts on the Fish and Fire catfish fry are a couple of those. And when 15 Go Green Guide someone tells me they wish they could give GO ORGANIC! Discover locally grown more, I say, “It does amount to more if you organic foods. — by Becky Langdon display your member window decal. That is a way of expanding your membership to 18 Ready to Ride! many others.” Find out about new trends in cycling. Join the journey. Fill out the form in — by Leslie Klipsch Eddy Magazine and start making an impact 20 Eddy Calendar: May–July on conservation education, sustainability, Make it an “Eddy” summer! and improved water quality in the — by Michelle O’Hara Mississippi River and watershed. Every day people discover that a River Action membership offers opportunities they’ve Our Mission: always been looking for, and they’ve been River Action strives to foster the environmental, making that discovery for nearly twentyeconomic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront in the Quad City region. eight years. Please join the journey. May/June/July 2012 | Eddy Magazine
3
RIVER AC TION UPDATES
Thirteenth Annual Eddy Awards By Kathy Wine and Michelle O’Hara
Eddy Awards were presented April 20 at River Action’s 10th Annual Fish & Fire dinner at Black Hawk State Historic Site. Recipients were honored for achieving excellence on the riverfront by going against the current to get things done, as in an eddy. Presiding over the ceremony was River Action’s Board of Directors President, Beth Clark. Receiving the award for Art was the Sierra Club Eagle View Group for its yearly Environmental Film Festival. After undergoing venue changes from the beginning, overcoming challenges in turning the windowed rooms into dark theater rooms,
WEB SITE DESIGN
Western Illinois University’s Moline Riverfront Campus
and weathering spring snow, the group has successfully brought top-rated films to the Quad Cities, sponsored after-the-film talks, and increased attendance to the point that the large auditoriums at Augustana College are filled. Receiving the award for Design was Western Illinois University’s Moline Riverfront Campus. The plan designed by Holabird & Root, Chicago, features a stateof-the-art building housing undergraduate classes, student services, engineering labs,
WEB APPLICATIONS GRAPHIC DESIGN BRAND IDENTITIES WEB HOSTING/EMAIL ONLINE ADVERTISING
2415
18TH
STREET
BETTENDORF IA 52722 5 6 3 . 3 5 5 . 8 0 7 4 W W W . G A H . C O M G A H @ G A H . C O M
4
Eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
Much fun was had at Fish & Fire! River Action’s annual friendraiser and fundraiser, Fish & Fire, was held in the Watch Tower Lodge at Black Hawk State Park on April 20. This fun-filled evening included a catfish fry, music, a silent auction, and River Action’s annual Eddy Award Presentations for those who go against the current to get things done, like an eddy. Award winners were announced in six different categories: Art, Stewardship, Revitalization, Design, River Activity, and Education (see Eddy Award winners).
Recipients were honored for achieving excellence on the riverfront by going against the current to get things done, as in an eddy.
RIVER AC TION UPDATES
Jackson Square in Rock Island
faculty offices, and a writing center. Remarkable are the floor-to-ceiling windows, which showcase a panoramic view of the Ben Butterworth Parkway, and green features such as a rooftop garden and materials like bamboo ceiling units, cork flooring, and seats and countertops made out of recycled aluminum shavings, to name a few. It has geothermal heating and cooling and energy-saving motion sensors for lighting. With sensitivity to river access and views, the University has overcome site constraints and the challenges of retrofitting new construction with old. Receiving the award for Revitalization was Rock Island Economic Growth for Jackson Square, an $8.8 million redevelopment project led by GROWTH. Formerly the home of Illinois Oil Company, the circa-1922 building has been converted into thirty residential units. The Jackson Square name was chosen as a tribute to the building’s previous owners for their involvement in the building’s history. Once a brownfield, the site offered challenges during clean up and restoration that led to careful
Credit Island Adventure Rentals (CIAR)
selection of materials for the façade and interiors. Receiving the award for River Activity was Credit Island Adventure Rentals (CIAR). This outfitting business sells recreation that improves quality of life in the Quad Cities through kayak, canoe, and bike rentals. CIAR gambled on a location that often floods to bring the public to an area with a rich history of river recreation in the QC. It works tirelessly to promote and market paddling on the river, Floatzilla, and Taming of the Slough to paddlers of all levels of ability. Receiving the award for Education was author Kristen Bergren. Kristen is a teacher at Butterworth School in Moline who makes environmental awareness and the need to take action on the part of conservation an important part of her curriculum. She is also a summer park ranger, interpreter at Hoover National Historic Site, chair of the local Sierra Club, board member of Black Hawk Historic Site, and active in the RiverMile Cleanup on Ben Butterworth Parkway. Kristen was rec-
ognized for her children’s book, I CAN DO THAT! In the book, she introduces Chad Pregracke, founder of Living Lands and Waters, Kristen Bergren. and relates his childhood experiences, his love of the Mississippi River, and his dedication to cleaning it up. That young people are inspired to take action is due in large part to environmental writers such as Bergren. Receiving the award for Stewardship was the City of Bettendorf for five large stormwater projects. While many such projects exist in our cities, few are as large as those taken on recently in Bettendorf. The challenge of working on large sites, securing funding, stabilizing stream banks, and working in populated neighborhoods are just a few of the trials encountered. The GreenWay Creek Project is approximately six acres; the Golden Valley to Spruce Hills Drive project, fifteen acres; Faye’s Field, which drains four parking lots at the Children’s Museum and Library into a bioswale, two acres; the Stafford Creek drainage way, costing one million dollars, is approximately one hundred acres; and the Crow Creek/ Stafford Creek project, the largest, is 200-300 acres. The jury found much to applaud in these recent steps to stormwater management. Receiving the award for Brownfield Cleanups was Sally Heffernan, a city planner formerly with the City of Rock Island, with a Special Recognition Award. Sally’s dedication to riverfront development, activities, and cleanups has been evident over her years as an employee of the City of Sally Heffernan Rock Island and long-time friend and supporter of River Action. During the ceremony, Sally was recognized specifically for her most recent contributions: the cleanups of the Children’s Garden area at the Quad City Botanical Center and the site of the Jackson Square renovation. May/June/July 2012 | Eddy Magazine
5
RIVER AC TION UPDATES
River Action’s Ride the River: A Father’s Day Tradition By Kathy Wine
C
ome celebrate Father’s Day by taking a bike ride along the Mississippi River during the 28th Annual Ride the River on Father’s Day. About 2,500 people pedal the riverfront trails on both sides of the river and on Arsenal Island for great views, good food, and cool drinks. Again this year, all children age sixteen and under ride free with a paying adult, thanks to Trinity Regional Health Systems! The ride, Sunday, June 17, begins at the Freight House in Davenport. Ride costs are kept low, so entire families can participate. Registered riders can purchase Bell helmets at a special, low cost during the event – youth, $5;
6
Eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
adult, $10 – made possible by support from the Quad Cities Bicycle Club. The basic Ride the River route is twenty miles, but cyclists can follow the signs for rides of up to sixty miles. At Bettendorf’s Leach Park, cross the Mississippi River on the Celebration Belle riverboat while your bike travels on a Mississippi River Fleeting barge. In Moline, pick up your bike and continue your trip. Boat crossing times and details are available on the registration form. For another option, take the Davenport path to the Arsenal Bridge and ride the length of
the island to Moline. The option of returning the same way is also popular. At the island gates, be prepared to show photo identification. Bass Street Landing will have entertainment, games, and “Kids Ride” activities, featuring bike skills, healthy foods, safety tips, and environmentally related booths.
This year is the 2nd Annual Ride the River Junior High School Duathlon. Open to all sixth through eighth grade students as of fall 2012 semester, it will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Centennial Park. Participants run 1.5 miles, bike 3 miles, and finish with another 1.5-mile run. New at the Duathlon this year are adult/ child teams! Come across the finish line together and make this a fun, family challenge. The event is chip-timed by Accusplit Timing, and girl and boy trophy winners for first, second, and third place in each grade, as well as for adult/child teams, will be posted the following day on the River Action website. The school with the most participants will win the traveling trophy. The Duathlon, in conjunction with the Scott County Family Y, is free when accompanied by a paid adult. Be sure to take advantage of the two separate conditioning and drill clinics at the Bettendorf Y this spring. This is a great opportunity to get familiar with how the race will take place! Ride the River raises funds to continue developing and enhancing trails and increasing public access to the river. Through Ride proceeds and other funding, River Action has contributed over $4 million to building trails and trail amenities.
THE
POWER To acHiEvE EnErgy EfficiEncy aT HomE
MidAmerican Energy Company puts the power of energy efficiency to work for our residential customers. Through our EnergyAdvantage速 programs, the cost of becoming energy efficient is more affordable. MidAmerican Energy provides rebates on approved residential equipment such as furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters. MidAmerican Energy can help you save some green through greater energy efficiency. Contact us to learn more about EnergyAdvantage programs.
800-894-9599 www.MIDAMERICANENERGY.com May/June/July 2012 | Eddy Magazine
7
RIVER AC TION UPDATES
By Jeff Cornelius
Q
uad-Citians of all ages have a chance to experience the Mississippi River from a great perspective through River Action’s two summer education programs. Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks offer an assortment of family-friendly activities designed to educate and entertain beginning June 5. Channel Cat Talks participants can enjoy a boat ride on the Mississippi River with a two-hour guided water tour aboard the Water Taxi where experts will discuss subjects ranging from plans for the upcoming I-74 Bridge to A Day-in-the-Life of a Riverboat Captain to Mississippi River Flooding and many more. Each Channel Cat session is $12 per participant. One such expert, historian Gena Schantz, will host a Channel Cat Talk about Fort Armstrong and the Island before the Arsenal. The presentation will focus on the history of the Arsenal that most in the Quad Cities have never heard before while cruising around the shoreline for a unique view of its historic buildings. Historic photos and handouts will be used to show the many changes in the island’s landscape over the years. Also included in the lineup are Riverine Walks, which are free to the organization’s members or $5 for others. Those sessions will touch on topics such as Make Room for the River in Your Life, excursions to Quad Cities Wild Places, and a paddling tour of Nahant Marsh by kayak or canoe. Participants can explore the shoreline on foot during leisurely walks along the Mississippi River or various surrounding sites. Also guided by local professionals, the Riverine Walks aim to educate Quad-Citians about the environment and river development with a wide array of interactive activities. Outdoor enthusiasts seeking a close-up approach to environmental education can team up with Mik Holgersson, Vildmark Ecological Consulting, to tour Nahant Marsh in Davenport by canoe or kayak. Participants will encounter several species of wildlife on a tour through the biologically diverse wetlands, including the Blanding’s turtle, which is threatened in the state of Iowa and endangered in Illinois. “The program is a great opportunity to educate people about the smorgasbord of natural resources we have here in the Quad-Cities while still entertaining them with the opportunity to get out there on a kayak or canoe and actually experience the environment from a different viewpoint,” Holgersson says. River Action’s goal is to use the summer education series to create an awareness of and appreciation for the Mississippi River. Participants will encounter a beautiful river and learn from inspiring professionals through hands-on activities. For more information about the full lineup of Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks go to RiverAction.org. For brochures, call (563) 322-2969.
Explore the River 2012
By Jeff Cornelius
A
n effort to make a 300-mile recreational trail and scenic byway on the Rock River a reality continues to progress as municipalities and counties throw support behind the project. The Rock River Trail Initiative, although still years away from reaching its ultimate goal, has reached a new level of energy according to Greg Farnham, Coordinator. The plan calls for two recreational trails – one along the water to be traveled by kayak and canoe, and one on land to be used by hikers, bicyclists, and horse-riders – as well as a scenic byway for those traveling by car. Organizers believe federally recognized trails would attract tourists, bolster river-based businesses, and serve as a point of pride for all communities involved. Members of the Trail Initiative’s council are currently drawing up the maps which will include, among others, the launches and portage sites developed by River Action for the Quad Cities Water Trails project in 2010. The Illinois and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources must approve the water trail maps once they are completed. With the DNR’s backing, the Trail Initiative will then file applications with the US Department of the Interior and the US Parks Service. Farnham hopes those applications for national designation will be submitted by the end of 2012. Trail organizers will also work with the Illinois Department of Tourism to develop marketing and promotional materials for the paths. “We believe we’ve got the appropriate people on board to get this done,” Farnham said, noting that he has been involved with the effort for about one year. The Trail Initiative was founded by Frank Schier, editor and publisher of The Rock River Times, in 2010. Farnham hopped on board in February, 2011, and hasn’t slowed down since. Members of the Initiative Council convened at Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island on January 19, 2012, to discuss the project’s status and details of its development. Nearly fifty stakeholders including community leaders, city staff, and local business people attended. A lot of enthusiasm was generated throughout the meeting as attendees expressed and shared excitement at the prospect of improving access and promoting the Rock River as a destination in the greater Midwest. For maps, press releases, trail events, and more go to RockRiverTrail.com.
Rock River Trail Initiative Gains Momentum
8
Eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
RIVER AC TION UPDATES
By Karen Wilke
S
pring break looked a little different this year for high school and college students in the Quad Cities, thanks to the progressive ideas of one Black Hawk College student. Brittany Ackerland is in her last semester at Black Hawk College, and she wanted to leave with a bang by creating an event that would change the way students spend their spring breaks. Brittany’s idea was to get students to learn about the environment and provide community service while on break, an Alternative Spring Break. Her initiative is in Brittany at sand prairie restoration, response to last year’s Youth Summit, in conjunction with the Upper Mississippi River Conference put on by Nahant Marsh. River Action, which called youth to “Do It Now!” The keynote speaker encouraged youth to initiate environmental projects on their campuses. These projects, including Brittany’s, can be found on River Action’s website. The Alternative Spring Break was scheduled from Tuesday, March 13, through Friday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each day held a different theme on environmental issues. On Tuesday there was an educational introduction to water quality followed by a riverside clean-up in the Hennepin Canal. Wednesday taught about native sand prairie, including a prairie restoration at Nahant Marsh. On Thursday students learned about and volunteered for the non-profit organization Living Lands and Waters and their Million Trees Project. Finally, Friday held a guided nature hike at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. “I tried to keep everyone’s interest by exploring a new environmental topic each day,” Brittany says. “I hope that the students’ appreciation for the environment will grow with every day.” The Alternative Spring Break lined up with the spring breaks of many schools in the area, and events were advertised to all high school and college students in the Quad Cities. Alternative Spring Break saw students from Rock Island High School, Davenport West High School, and Black Hawk College. There was a maximum of thirty students per day, and every day was nearly booked full. Lunch was provided for free each day, thanks to the sponsors of the event: Living Lands and Waters, Black Hawk College, Sierra Club Eagle View Group, Nahant Marsh, Sluggers Pizza, and Clean Sphere (the environmental club at Black Hawk College). Although Brittany will be graduating at the end of this spring, she hopes that the Alternative Spring Break will continue when she is gone. She is encouraging other students to carry on the tradition so that students can continue to get the opportunity to learn about, serve, and develop an appreciation for the environment. Brittany has always been interested in nature, from catching frogs as a little kid to volunteering for Living Lands and Waters, working at Nahant Marsh, and participating on River Action’s Youth Advisory Board. “I want to preserve the land so that others can enjoy it the way that I have,” Brittany explains. She plans to finish her education at Southern Illinois University in Fisheries Biology or Ecology.
Accent on Youth: Brittany Ackerland
May/June/July 2012 | Eddy Magazine
9
H I S TO R Y
MORE THAN A COMPANY OF SOLDIERS:
Fort Armstrong On Rock Island By Regena Jo Schantz
Artist George Catlin painted this view of Fort Armstrong when he visited in 1835-1836. The view is upriver from the fort near the Davenport House. Barely visible on the left of the painting is the Ft. Armstrong Indian Agency. [Smithsonian American Art Museum]
Every day hundreds of people pass the blockhouse on Arsenal Island, but how many stop to think that the blockhouse – a relic of old Fort Armstrong – once played an important role in defending the western border of the United States and helped settle the western lands? 10
Eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
H I S TO R Y
D
esigned to prevent British invasion in the Mississippi Valley and also to establish peace with the Sauk and Mesquakie, Fort Armstrong became more than just home to a company of sol[Photograph by Regena Jo Schantz] diers. It became a safe haven for settlers in times of danger, a way station for weary travelers, a starting point for scientific expeditions, and trading center for all local inhabitants. Fort Armstrong was the center link in a chain of three outposts in the Upper Mississippi Valley built in 1816, between Fort Crawford (at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin) and Fort Edwards (near Warsaw, Illinois). Located on the island of Rock Island, once sacred Indian ground, the fort sat on a high rocky promontory overlooking the Mississippi River. The fort was strategically located to defend against enemy attack and to monitor river traffic, especially that of the Sauk and Mesquakie, who had once been closely allied with the British interests and were fiercely anti-American. On the Illinois shore opposite the fort was a Mesquakie village, home to about 400 warriors. The Great Sauk Village, home to Black Hawk and his British Band, was about three miles away with 1,000 to 1,200 warriors. Despite Black Hawk’s objections to the military presence, trading with the tribes began in the first summer, and by the mid-1820s, the island of Rock Island had become a lively center where Indians, soldiers, and traders all came together. Fort Armstrong was a small fort, only about 270 square feet, and was designed to house two companies of soldiers. According to post reports, however, occupation of the fort was rarely at full strength. The fort had three blockhouses, the interior one larger than the other two. Each blockhouse was outfitted with a six-pound cannon. There was a stone powder magazine outside the large blockhouse and holes in the palisades for defense. Barracks for the soldiers and officers were positioned along the northeast and southeast walls. The commander’s headquarters was built across the corner overlooking the river and directly above the cave of the Great Spirit who protected the island. The noise of the soldiers, said Black Hawk, drove the good spirit away to be replaced with a bad spirit. The soldiers at Fort Armstrong complained that they were more farmers than military men, a common complaint at frontier outposts. About forty acres of the island were cleared for their gardens, which supplemented the daily rations of bread and beef or pork. Cattle grazed on the prairie grasses. Oxen and horses were stabled. Hogs were left to forage in the
The 1834 diagram shows arrangement of buildings within the fort walls. The building on the corner overlooking the river is the Commander’s office and living quarters. HQ is flanked on either side by Officers Quarters. Barracks, kitchen, hospital rooms, storage, and guard house complete the fort. [Photocopy, Fort Armstrong files, National Archives and Records Administration]
timber areas on the opposite end of the island. The soldiers also became knowledgeable about the natural resources of the river valley as they fished, hunted, and scoured the countryside for coal and wood. Separate from the fort were the sutlers’ stores, the Indian Agency, and the trading post of George Davenport. These all served the diplomatic mission of the frontier army. Artist George Catlin’s view of the fort, from upstream near the present Davenport House, shows how the lower tip of Rock Island developed beyond the fort walls. What are not shown are the work areas: the garden, stables, laundry, and graveyard. The sutler’s store and perhaps the contractor’s agent and his stores were first housed close to the fort walls. In 1820 shopkeeper Amos Farrar still kept his store outside the walls but “under cover of the guns” for protection. In his free time Farrar hunted wolves, learned to speak the local Indian dialects, and socialized with the post officers and the only family on the island, the Davenports. As peaceful relationships with the local tribes were assured, officers with families built log houses along the north shore between the fort and the Davenport site, which gave the appearance of a small village along the riverbank. Not until 1825 was Fort Armstrong’s Indian Agency built. It was a large complex to the south of the fort that included residences for the agent and his interpreter, the gunsmith, and blacksmith, along with their workshops, and a Council House where the officers and Indian Agent met with the elders of the tribes to discuss tribal grievances. It was a very busy place. Indian Agent Thomas Forsyth estimated that he had no fewer than 6,700 persons visit him in any given year, including missionaries and traders seeking licenses. Accompanying the 1816 military expedition was George Davenport who supervised
the ration supply for Fort Armstrong soldiers. In 1817 Davenport entered the Indian Trade, first with the Ho Chunk (Winnebago) who lived up the Rock River near Prophetstown, Illinois, and then with the Sauk and Mesquakie. His trading area covered the Sauk and Mesquakie hunting grounds from the lead mines of northwestern Illinois to northern Missouri and into the interior of Iowa to present-day Des Moines. His trading relationship with the local tribes was important to tribal economy and helped to further American interests in settling Iowa lands. The Davenport site, called Indian Lodge, was built on the north shore of the island in 1817. Not only was it his main trading post but also his family’s home, a working farm with cattle, horses, chickens, and a large peach and apple orchard, and a military store where soldiers and French workers came to drink their favorite beverages, play cards, and exchange gossip. Only the 1832 to 1833 part of the Davenport house remains today. The house is open to the public as a historic site with guided tours. During the Black Hawk War, Fort Armstrong served as headquarters for the regular army under General Edmund P. Gaines. In the early days of the Sauk uprising, the alarm was twice sounded and settlers from the surrounding farms fled to the fort for safety. General Winfield Scott, “Old Fuss and Feathers,” stayed at the fort during the treaty settlement with the Sauk and Mesquakie. With the removal of the two tribes to the interior of Iowa and towns appearing in the vicinity of the fort, a military presence was no longer needed. Fort Armstrong closed in May of 1836. The Indian Agency, however, remained until 1838, when it was moved to Agency City, Iowa. Today the entire fort site including the Indian Agency and the old fort cemetery is buried under modern construction. Massive construction of the railroad in 1872 required a heavy scraping of the earth and tons of fill to create the ten-foot railroad berm. Consequently, the site was destroyed. Only the reconstructed blockhouse built for the 1916 Centennial of Fort Armstrong serves to remind us that once there was a fort on Rock Island. This year we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, a time when Rock Island was on the very edge of the United States and Fort Armstrong’s soldiers guarded the borders of the frontier so that settlers could safely move westward. NOTE: A resident of Davenport, Regena Jo Schantz is President of Heritage Documentaries, Inc. and has completed extensive research on Colonel Davenport and Fort Armstrong. A version of this article was presented at the ninth annual Quad Cities Henry Farnam dinner in March 2012. To learn more, see her chapter on Fort Armstrong in the book Frontier Forts of Iowa, edited by William Whittacker (University of Iowa Press, 2010).
May/June/July 2012 | Eddy Magazine
11
Roof Top GO GREEN!
Davenport-based company at tip of green roof technology
Even though landscape architect Teresa Nelson has always been interested in sustainable design and new urbanism, her foray into green roofs began in an unlikely way: dumpster beautification. While working in Glen Haven, Michigan, in an area that housed high-end condominiums, she and a team of designers were scratching their heads trying to figure out how to make a group of dumpster enclosures more palatable to tenants. “What about a green roof?” she shouted out during the meeting. Though she was partially joking, she was soon tasked with the job, thus beginning a long career of establishing green roofs throughout the Midwest. by Leslie Klipsch
R
oof Top Sedums, the Davenport-based company that Nelson and her sister Roxanne Nagel established in 2007, is a grower and promoter of the LiveRoof® Hybrid Green Roof System. Over the last five years, Roof Top Sedums has installed more than thirty LiveRoof® System projects throughout the Midwest providing companies, schools, municipalities, and individuals with the many benefits of a green roof system.
“We look at what has evolved in Germany,” says Nelson. “There, you’ll find green roofs that are thirty, forty, even fifty years old. We can take what they have learned and apply it to the region that we’re working in.” Green roofs are not as commonly seen in the United States as they are in Europe, but because of their positive environmental impact and associated life cycle cost savings, they are beginning to grow in popularity.
History of Green Roofs
Benefits of Green Roofs
A green roof (sometimes referred to as a vegetated roof or eco-roof) is a roof that includes living vegetation on top of conventional waterproofing materials such as shingles, asphalt, gravel, or other non-porous material. This living layer of organic plant material protects the rooftop, and offers a visually pleasing, cost-saving, and ecological alternative to standard roofs. Though the concept is hundreds of years old, green roofs started popping up more commonly in Germany decades ago and have become popular throughout Europe because of their positive environmental impact. This history is taken into account by horticulturists as they look at the pros and cons of what does and does not work.
12
Eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
There is a long list of benefits attributed to installing a green roof on a structure, the most important of which, according to Nelson, is the part that a green roof plays in storm water management. Green roofs conserve water by absorbing excess storm water and minimize the effects of storm water runoff. This can help reduce flooding, erosion, and the need for an on-site storm water management system. A green roof can be especially effective in dense urban areas. Many urban environments have a high concentration of hard, dark surfaces that give off excess heat. Vegetated areas such as yards and parks can help lower the urban air temperature by decreasing temperature differentials
Sedums:
GO GREEN!
between hard surfaces and the air. “If there’s no room to put in a rain garden,” Nelson says, “a green roof is a great solution.” Installing a green roof also leads to energy savings over time. According to Nelson, if you put a green roof on a building, the story below will begin to see a cooler environment. “If you have actively growing plant material on a surface, the process of evapotranspiration by the plants will cool the rooftop’s air temperature,” she explains. “Many times the air intake system is on the rooftop of a commercial building, and during the summertime a green roof will lower the air temperature that these systems are taking in, thus saving on utility costs.” Another advantage that Nelson points out is that a green roof can protect the roofing material by shielding it from damaging elements like UV radiation and extreme temperatures. “These are the things that degrade a rooftop. A green roof will shelter the rooftop from the elements. Ultimately,” she says, “it extends the lifetime of the roofing material.” After taking into account the environmental and economic benefits of a rooftop garden, an individual or institution may be further motivated by their city building codes. Not only could having a green roof save long-term energy expenses, but some municipalities encourage builders with incentives. Grants for incorporating sustainable materials and designs into projects have become more widely available as well.
The LiveRoof Process
Roof Top Sedums is a promoter and grower for LiveRoof LLC, a unique, Michigan-based company that introduced the LiveRoof® Hybrid Green Roof System nationally in 2007. Roof Top Sedums custom grows the LiveRoof® material in unique modules, loads the modules onto shipping racks, and ships semi-loads of it to clients all over the Midwest from their family’s farm on Utica Ridge Road in Davenport.
Trained and certified LiveRoof® installers then place the modules with established plant material on the client’s roof based on the specified design. This process appeals to customers because of its convenience and instantaneous nature; the modules are delivered and plants are installed fullygrown and thriving, making the roof come to life instantly. In 2011, Roof Top Sedums shipped 11,000 square feet and grew another 15,000 square feet of live plant material for upcoming installations on buildings throughout the Midwest. As a LiveRoof® supplier with a background in design, Nelson sits down with clients to educate them on not only the product, but also the overall project design. “Green roof projects are still so new here,” she says. “I am happy to sit down and educate my clients. I’ve learned a lot as a designer and am happy to give clients tips about how they can improve their design,” Nelson says. On a new building, these conversations typically take place two to three years prior to the completion of the project. In the meantime, during the “farming” period, the material for the green roof is established on the farm in Davenport. This part of the process is overseen by Nelson’s sister, business partner, and horticulturist, Roxanne Nagel. Prior to planting, staff horticulturists select and propagate plants in stock beds full of varieties that they know will thrive in a rooftop climate, keeping in mind the geography and climate of the area they will live. Most of the plants used on rooftop gardens in the Midwest must be tolerant of drought, disease, and insects, capable of a long life with minimal maintenance and have a nice aesthetic quality. When the plants are established, they are shipped to their permanent rooftop home and installed. Roof Top Sedums keeps close watch on the green roofs that they install, advising maintenance staff on best watering practices and even going so far as to call people to remind them to water their roofs during extended dry periods in order to keep plant material lush. Though this doesn’t require a lot of water or effort, it is important that the soil zone has moisture available during high stress periods when the climate is hot and dry. “Last summer,” Nelson chuckles, “we called every one of our Iowa green roof projects to remind them to water.” Nelson, who believes Roof Top Sedums can offer customers “the Cadillac of green roof systems,” hopes that her business will grow and that she can continue to share her love of landscape architecture and design as more and more people begin to realize the benefits of intermingling the natural environment and the built environment, creating structures that unify ecology, economics, and ultimately the beautification of the space we inhabit.
Read more about where to buy products and services for green roofs in River Action’s 6 Simple Things home project handbook available at the River Action offices or on line at www.riveraction.org . February/March/April 2012 | Eddy Magazine
13
Renovate! GO GREEN!
By Julie Seier
Whether the project is small or large, commercial or residential, the greenest building is the one that already exists! Quad-City renovators are employing green construction methods to beautify, preserve, and improve existing structures. Efficient design, technological improvements, and waste reduction procedures combine to make enhancements while reducing carbon footprints and trips to the landfill.
O
ne of the most substantial ways to The type of lighting that is chosen for a projreliance on HVAC systems. Windows can be used move an existing structure under the ect, for example, will have an impact on both the to create a cool, comfortable environment using green umbrella is to replace the heating amount of energy used to light the building and only nature’s resources. Double-hung windows ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system. This the amount of energy used to cool it. The use of can also contribute to the possibilities for crossact alone can reduce a structure’s energy conENERGY STAR qualified lighting fixtures ventilation by allowing ventilation sumption by as much as forty percent. Because or fixtures that use compact fluorescent where it makes the best sense. single-family homes contribute about twentybulbs can greatly contribute to reducing For instance, a double-hung one percent of the atmospheric carbon dioxide energy consumption and the overall window on a stair landing that is emissions in the United States, even residential carbon footprint of a structure. In addicross-ventilated with a window HVAC replacement projects have a significant tion, since the latest fluorescent fixtures on the main floor allows the top impact. Of course, replacing the HVAC is just one do not have that traditional flicker of the double-hung window to be of many ways that renovations or hum, and since they opened to generate the greatest create positive changes. last five times as long as air movement. Green renovation projects incandescent bulbs, they Many older buildings have like Renaissance Rock Island’s make a great choice for good ventilation design built in, McKesson Lofts project, which commercial and residential Double-hung windows and consideration of those existconverted a former warehouse spaces alike. Halogen spot- can help create cross- ing structures helps ensure that into nearly two dozen condos lights and floodlights can ventilation where it the integrity of the original design and retail space, preserve also provide low-voltage makes the best sense. remains intact and provides most of the energy-saving eleaccent lighting leaving a free cooling system. Directional ments of the original building. Properly placed skylights help spaces beautiful and wellexposure, likewise, has an impact on energy In addition, the green roof, the provide natural lighting. lit but energy resourceful. efficiency. If a window has southern exposure, first in Rock Island, adds addiSome of the most powerful for example, adding awnings or a roof overhang tional energy savings. McKeeson Lofts took the design choices in a green renovation involve reduces the amount of exposure to the blazing first step toward green renovation by generating windows. One of the primary ways that windows summer sun. On the other hand, they still allow a remodeling plan that put the premium on can aid in creating a green remodel is placement. the lower hanging winter sun to help generate efficient use of light and other natural resources. Creating good cross-ventilation allows interior interior warmth. Across the board, a truly green renovation such spaces to make use of natural breezes, reducing as the McKesson Lofts will encompass a variety of factors, such as lighting, window placement/ River Action assisted in the use of daylight, space, and choice of materials. design of the green roof on top of the McKesson Lofts.
14
Eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
GO GREEN!
View of the kitchen area in the McKesson Lofts in Rock Island.
One very important consideration with archias the Habitat Restore, the Restoration Place, tectural design is the use of space. Whether the and local antique dealers can provide materials space is commercial or residential, large spaces that have been directly reclaimed from existing require more energy to heat in the winter and buildings offering the chance to truly recycle as to cool in the summer, and so the way interior well as create unique and lasting impressions. spaces are renovated can make dramatic difDesigners, homeowners, and architects can also ferences in energy costs. choose from a variety of recycled mateFor homeowners, a good rials that have the same great look and architect can provide guidfeel as brand new materials without the ance on how to modify your negative environmental impact. These existing floor plan to provide options include PaperStone™ (counnew options without addtertop “stone” made from recycled ing square footage to your paper and resin), Bio-Glass™, and Kirei home. A portion of a living Board. Still another option is the use of room, for instance, can be Use recycled materials such environmentally sustainable resources reworked with the addition of as “PaperStone”. such as bamboo and cork instead of built-in shelving and desk, or traditional lumber. These materials look a second-floor landing with the bay window can great without contributing to the problem of be modified to create a charming reading space. deforestation. Careful evaluation of your options can uncover Other material options that decrease energy new and existing ways to use ceiling heights and and natural resource use include appliances transitional areas to create and plumbing fixtures. the feeling of space. Upgrading appliances to One of the most excitENERGY STAR refrigeraing “green” developments tors, washers, dishwashers, in the Quad-Cities has been and freezers, for instance, the creation of green roofcan greatly reduce energy tops such as the ones atop usage. In fact, replacing a the McKesson Lofts and refrigerator dating from Davenport’s police station. the 1970s with an ENERGY The McKesson Lofts green STAR model can save a roof installation was advohomeowner more than Green roof atop of the McKesson Lofts – cated for and sponsored by $200 each year on energy retain rain and help insulate interior River Action, Inc.. bills. Replacing existing Another important factor spaces from the heat of the sun. plumbing fixtures, such as to creating a good green toilets, with newer, more remodeling project is the use of materials. There efficient models will help reduce the cost associare a number of material options available for ated with water heating as well as reducing the green remodels. Reclaimed materials can be amount of water used. “Even small changes such rescued from and re-used in the renovation as changing out appliances make a great differof old barns, factories, warehouses, and more. ence in energy usage and affordability,” states Reclaimed materials add unique and impressive Paul Fessler of Rock Island’s GROWTH program. architectural details, flooring, and/or cabinetry. “We try to take that into account with every There are many options in the Quad Cities area renovation.” for seeking out unique artifacts. Stores such For a truly green remodel to take place, consideration should also be given to creating a better living environment. By avoiding the use
Choose from a variety of recycled materials for paneling or wall treatments.
of building materials that contain formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – gases emitted from paints, lacquers, paint strippers, and other chemicals that can have adverse health effects – a green remodel can create healthier spaces to live and work. Indoor pollutants range from lead exposure to chemical treatments on woods and other building materials. Reducing the amount of exposure to indoor pollutants encountered on a day-today basis can save workers and homeowners from a lifetime of headaches, sinus infections, and fatigue. A certified green contractor or LEED certified specialist can help home renovators ensure that their projects take indoor air quality into consideration. In short, green renovation provides us all with spaces we can be proud of not only for their looks but also for their (lack of) environmental impact.
May/June/July 2012 | Eddy Magazine
15
GO GREEN!
Food for Thought By Becky Langdon
As consumers become increasingly conscious of the food they eat, there is no shortage of labels for what goes on our plates: organic, hormone-free, chemical-free, all-natural – the list goes on. Amidst the rapidly evolving landscape of food labeling, marketing campaigns, and environmental research, one theme remains clear. Going green means knowing where your food comes from and how it is produced.
16
Eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
GO GREEN!
Go Organic
of manure and cover crops more than offset the losses from tillage. One way to make more environmentally Tygrett’s business isn’t the only one in the friendly food choices is to switch to organic region striving for a more natural, healthier produce. One of the primary benefits of organic approach to food. Julie Martens, co-owner of farming systems is the reduction in the use of the Davenport natural products store, Greatest synthetic pesticides. The runoff of fertilizers and Grains, also believes in using natural and organic agricultural chemicals from farms along the products. Greatest Grains offers a Dine-In Deli, a Mississippi has been linked to “dead zones” in made-from-scratch Bakery, organic produce, a the Gulf of Mexico, areas with low oxygen levels variety of natural product groceries, bulk items, where marine life cannot thrive. Organic farms and more to serve a health-conscious market. don’t use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and Martens and her husband opened the store they also adopt growing practices that help contwenty-five years ago to fill a niche she believed trol erosion. was missing in the Quad Cities. Terry Tygrett and his son are co-owners of She says, “I think that natural products are the the USDA certified organic farm, Oak Hill Acres in best products to use for a lot of reasons, globally Atalissa, Iowa. Their 260 acres of rolling farmland and health-wise.” have been free from chemiThe market for organicals for more than twentycally grown food has five years. As a Vietnam vet increased rapidly over the past who was exposed to Agent few decades nationwide. In Orange, Tygrett is leery of “We know that certain fact, from 1990 to 2010, sales using synthetic pesticides and of organic food and beverfertilizers because of concerns about health risks. He says, fruits and vegetables that ages in the United States have grown from $1 billion per year “Farmers that have to handle to $26.7 billion, according to all the chemicals are wearing are grown conventionally the Organic Trade Association. space suits to do it because of Since the 1990s, the US govall the hazards that go along ernment has implemented with it. We don’t have to wear will have higher residue a number of policies aimed masks.” at expanding market opporOak Hill Acres became tunities for organic growers certified organic in 1998. Like content than organic.” because of the environmental many organic farms, they benefits. In fact, the Food, have an established rotation Conservation, and Energy Act of vegetables and small grains of 2008 called for a five-fold to help keep bugs and weeds increase in funding for organic programs, includunder control. They don’t spray any chemicals, ing cost-share assistance programs to help growand they sell their products directly to consumers with certification. ers, often within a day of being picked. All of Even with programs available to offset costs, these things Tygrett believes help to create a organic food still tends to come with a higher healthier, safer product for the consumers, the price tag. For this reason, the Environmental environment, and the farmers. Working Group (EWG) has developed a list called Reducing hazardous run-off is just one the “Dirty Dozen” to help consumers maximize of the benefits of pesticide-free farming. Farms the impact of their dollar. The fruits and vegthat don’t spray may also decrease their energy etables on this list have the highest pesticide usage and promote biodiversity. Native plants, residue out of fifty-three varieties tested. birds, and insects thrive in organic growing enviIf you can’t afford to buy all organic ronments, a benefit Tygrett has experienced first produce, choosing the organic hand. versions of items on this list “I can go out in summer and spring and dig first will help dramatically up a little bit of ground and find earthworms, lower your consumption which is the most beneficial thing you can have,” of pesticides while reaphe says. “If you go out to farms using a lot of ing the environmental chemicals, it’s impossible to find earthworms.” benefits of organic food. Organic agriculture has also been shown The EWG also published a to improve soil quality. A long-term experiment list called the “Clean 15,” conducted from 1994 to 2002 by the USDA fruits and vegetables that Agricultural Research Service showed that have the lowest pesticide organic farming systems built up soil organic residue. For the complete matter better than conventional no-till farming lists visit EWG.org/FoodNews. systems. Tillage is known to destroy organic matter, so many agriculturalists believe that no-till systems build soil better than organic growing methods. The study found, however, that the use
Go Local
With all environmental benefits, organic farming systems may sound like the clear winner over conventional farming methods. There are times, however, when buying conventionally grown produce may be the best way to go green. It’s important to consider not only how your food is produced but also where it comes from. Some organic food has to travel hundreds of miles to reach its destination where consumers may purchase it. The Department of Rural Economy at the University of Alberta in Edmonton conducted a study which showed that the greenhouse gas emitted when produce is carried across long distances undermines the environmental benefits of organic farming, especially if that food has to come from farther away than conventionally grown food. For example, if you live in Iowa, buying conventionally grown blueberries from Michigan may be a greener choice than buying organic blueberries from California. Additionally, while organic produce may be free from synthetic pesticides, there are organic pesticides that are approved by the USDA for use on certified organic farms. A study done by the University of Guelph in Ontario found that some organic pesticides may have a higher environmental impact that conventional pesticides because they are used in larger doses to achieve the same results. Buying local whenever possible can help mitigate some of the potential pitfalls of buying organic. Not only does it reduce the amount of miles food has to travel before it reaches the dinner plate, it gives consumers the opportunity to know more about the growing practices for the food they eat as well. Local produce may be available in grocery stores, but you can also develop a relationship directly with the farmer through farmers’ markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs). > > >
May/June/July 2012 | Eddy Magazine
17
GO GREEN!
Ready to Ride! by Leslie Klipsch
Here in the Quad Cities, you won’t see a lot of tall bikes ridden by bearded men like you might in Minneapolis. Or hipsters on fixedgear bikes like you might in New York. Or gangs of nostalgic riders cycling down city streets on BMX cruisers, reviving a particular brand of creative cycling from the early eighties.
Tygrett says, “By working with the farmer, you’re getting a direct sales representation of the product. If people have a question about how it was raised or where it was raised, you can answer it right away.” Additionally, many farmers who are not certified organic are still doing things to reduce negative environmental impacts. Developing a relationship with those farmers can help consumers make environmentally friendly choices, even when it doesn’t come with the label of “certified organic.” Business owners like Martens and Tygrett believe that organic food is going to continue to grow more mainstream in the future, both for environmental and health reasons. Today the data on the health side is still inconclusive, according to Hy-Vee Dietician Janet Macon. “We know that certain fruits and vegetables that are grown conventionally will have higher residue content than organic,” Macon says. “We don’t have long-term data that shows that eating [those foods] will lead to worse health outcomes.” The data that has been published to date about nutrient density differences between organic and conventionally grown produce is also inconsistent. Macon says that nutrient density has more to do with the soil sample than the growing system. The exception is tomatoes, which consistently show higher antioxidant levels when grown organically. Macon stresses, however, that food choices are personal, and that inconsistent evidence regarding the health benefits of organic food shouldn’t stop an individual from going organic.
18
Eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
“If you experience better health because you switch to organic, or if you feel better about making this choice, or simply feel better in general, that’s all the evidence you need to make that choice,” she says. While we’re still waiting for data on the health side to become clearer, it’s important to keep in mind the environmental side and the potential benefits of going organic. Food choices may be personal, as Macon notes, but the environmental effects are global. The next time you’re at the grocery store or the farmers’ market, consider where your food comes from and how it is produced before making a purchase. If businesses and consumers together can reduce the amount of chemicals polluting the environment, reduce food miles, and embrace methods that improve our soil and water quality, we’ll be on the right track to going green.
AT LEAST NOT YET But according to Jeff Bradley, owner of Trek Bicycle Store in Davenport, biking has been growing fast in the Quad Cities over the last decade. “Biking covers a broad range,” he says. “It’s not like the old days when there were just a couple of bikes to choose from and people simply went for rides around the neighborhood.” What you will undoubtedly see this season are more and more people on two wheels. Now more than ever, Quad Citians are hopping on their bikes for pleasure, sport, and as an alternative to driving a car. PEDALING FOR PLEASURE As the Quad Cities community makes gains in catering to bikers with well-kept bike paths and the addition of bike lanes on select streets, more and more people are enjoying the pleasure of a leisurely bike ride with family and friends. Often these rides include multiple generations of cyclists using the activity as a desirable way to spend time with one another while enjoying the outdoors. At Trek Bicycle, Bradley has seen a growth in such family cycling. Trek, along with several other area bike shops, sell a variety of comfort, cruiser and hybrid bikes that are designed specifically for riding around town or on bike paths. “We’re seeing more bike paths in our
B I C YC L I N G T R E N D S
community, which creates a nice environment for people to take the kids and the family on rides while maintaining safety,” Bradley says. Other Quad-City cyclists who seek a bit more adventure on their Sunday cruise are veering off the path and toward the open road. Bruce Grell, owner of Healthy Habits in Bettendorf, has noticed a huge upsurge in road riding in the area over the last several years. “We’re still following along on the heels of the Lance Armstrong phenomenon,” he notes. “Instead of interest dying out when he retired, people are sticking with it. Large groups of people are out doing social rides—even if they’re not necessarily affiliated with a program. And more and more individual riders are out riding and training.” BIKING FOR SPORT Another recent trend has influenced the number of bikes being sold and ridden in the Quad Cities—the growing popularity of triathlons. A triathlon is made up of three parts, each requiring a different set of skills as well as equipment. For the swim portion, the participant needs a pair of goggles and a suit. A good pair of running shoes may help an athlete compete more comfortably during the run. But the bike portion of the event requires more specialized equipment, such as a helmet, shoes, and a quality bike. All three components of the race require a tremendous amount of training. “Locally and throughout the Midwest, triathlons are exploding,” says Bradley. “It’s an intriguing sport. It’s beginner friendly because it’s not high-end competitive right off the bat. There are lots of events around the Midwest that a beginner can do and enjoy. Events range from a sprint triathlon, which doesn’t scare people away, all the way up to the Iron Man. It’s a booming trend in cycling right now.” The 13th Annual Quad Cities Triathlon will take place on June 16. Not surprisingly, the event sold out at the end of February. (River Action’s 7th annual Taming of the Slough, September 15th, 2012, is an adventure race of paddling, biking and running – register today at www.riveraction.org) Perhaps equally exciting is the growing interest in mountain biking in the Quad Cities. The Friends of Off-Road Cycling (FORC) have
made strides in the availability of local trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. Mountain bikers will find a growing number of full-blown mountain bike trails in the Quad-City area (including trails at both Sunderbruch Park and Scott County Park), thanks to the efforts of FORC, whose primary purposes include building, improving, and maintaining mountain bike trails in the Quad Cities area in an environmentally conscious way. “Ten years ago,” Bradley enthuses, “this wasn’t an option. Off-road mountain bikers didn’t have a place to ride. Now there are two fantastic spots, and FORC keeps finding more places and more trails.” Not only are places to ride bikes for sport becoming more accessible, but high-end equipment and accessories are too. Bruce Grell of Healthy Habits has his eye on this season’s trend in electronic shifting. Designed mainly for road rides and racing, electronic shifting allows riders to shift with electronic switches rather than conventional levers. Grell says he dreams about a new road bike with electronic shifting for himself. “It’s the latest and greatest,” he says. Bradley (Trek Bicycle) comes from a racing background and says he’s currently most intrigued by aero-dynamic wheels. “The faster you go, the more the aero-dynamics comes into play,” he explains. “You see this type of thing on the Tour de France.” What he finds remarkable is that you can buy such specialized, high-quality gear in most bike shops. “Fifteen years ago you couldn’t do that. It was unheard of. It’s amazing, especially for the wheels,” he says. Such a pair of wheels can cost around $3,000. “It’s available,” Bradley laughs. “But it’s not cheap.” BUDGET-CONSCIOUS COMMUTING What is cheap, as more and more people are realizing, is the “fuel” it takes to power a bicycle. As gas prices began to rise several
years ago, so has the number of Quad-City bike commuters. This isn’t simply a local trend. Because of the nationwide upswing in commuting, there have been some important developments in LED lighting in recent years. Grell sells lights at his Bettendorf shop that are as powerful as a car’s headlights but as small as a flashlight. Such safety precautions are something he highly recommends to bike commuters. “If you’re going to commute by bike, you need to make sure you have adequate lighting. A flashing light will make a huge difference in your visibility to cars,” he says. In terms of practicality, he recommends putting a set of fenders on your bike to keep your clothes clean and dry while commuting to work. Fenders weren’t common in the United States until recently because there were simply not many commuters. Now bike shops are commonly stocked with bikes that come equipped with fenders. Jerry Neff, general manager of Jerry and Sparky’s Bicycle Shop in Davenport, has noticed that since 2008 there have been more and more accessories available for and popular with bike commuters. One recently popular item is a grocery bag that fits on a bike rack. The convenience, he says, is fantastic. Take the bag into the store, load it up with your groceries, hook it back on the bike, and pedal home. As the Quad-City community becomes more proactive in providing paths and lanes so cyclists can ride safely, it’s likely more and more people will discover the benefits of biking. “It’s an exciting time,” Neff says. “Local bike paths are being connected. Bike lanes are being added. There is an overall better awareness of cycling. Everything about biking seems to be growing.”
May/June/July 2012 | Eddy Magazine
19
EVENTS CALENDAR
May
Quad Cities Criterium Professional Bike Races
Kick off the season with a Summer of Paddling! For a calendar of events for Summer of Paddling 2012, go to www.SOP2012.org. Muddy Boots Nature Club
Every other Wednesday, 3-4:30 p.m., Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport, IA Muddy Boots will be meeting every other Wednesday starting in May. The nature club is a wonderful way for youth (ages 8-12) to get outdoors, get active and learn about wildlife. Led by a naturalist, the club gives children the opportunity to come explore our natural world through fun activities and adventures. For more information and to register your child, check out our calendar of events at NahantMarsh.org or call (563) 323-5196.
Canoe/Kayak/Bike Swap Meet
Beaux Arts Fair
Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, May 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Davenport The Beaux Arts Fair is an outdoor arts/crafts festival in front of the Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport. Artists’ talents range across the spectrum with paintings in a variety of media, limited edition prints, pottery, stained glass, weaving, jewelry, woodcarvings, and handmade wooden furniture. There will be food vendors, music, and an activity tent for children. Admission is free. For more info, call (563) 326-7804.
Make Friends with the Marsh – Garlic Mustard Pull
Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m.-Noon, Nahant Marsh, Davenport During this program we will be learning and enjoying wildlife. The session will begin with a brief presentation or introduction to the invasive species, Garlic Mustard, after which a member of The Friends of Nahant Marsh, along with members of Nahant staff, will coordinate to remove it from the marsh. Nahant Marsh is located at 4220 Wapello Avenue, Davenport. For more info, call (563) 323-5196, or go to NahantMarsh.org.
H2WOW Girl Scouts Event for Brownies
Monday, May 7, 5:30-7 p.m., Nahant Marsh, Davenport This program focuses on water and water testing. $5 per girl to register. For more info, visit GSEIWI.org, contact Molli Hermiston at MolliH@gseiwi.org, or call (309) 788-0833.
Canoe/Kayak/Bike Swap Meet
Saturday, May 12, Credit Island Lodge, Davenport Bring your canoe, kayak, or bike to swap for another! This is the third annual Swap Meet and just in time for summer. For more information, call River Action at (563) 322-2969 or visit RiverAction.org.
20
Eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
Energy Explorer Girl Scout Event for Juniors
Monday, May 21, 5-7 p.m., Nahant Marsh, Davenport $5 per girl to register. For more info, visit GSEIWI.org, contact Molli Hermiston at MolliH@gseiwi.org, or call (309) 788-0833.
Nahant Marsh Homeschool Program for grades K-8
Friday, May 25, 2:30-4 p.m., West Lake Park, Davenport Topic: Canoeing, kayaking, and water safety. $6 per child per session; $50 per child for all sessions. For more info, call Brian (563) 323-5196, or e-mail nahantmarsh@ eicc.edu.
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, May 22, 7 p.m., River Action office, Davenport Discuss Wilderness and the American Mind, by Roderick Frazier Nash. Open to the public and meets at the River Action office, 822 E. River Drive in Davenport, between Tremont and Federal Streets. For more info, please call (563) 322-2969.
Monday, May 28, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Rock Island Don’t miss the fun and excitement of the 47th Annual Quad Cities Criterium. This professional bike race draws thousands of spectators and over 650 cyclists from across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Watch thirteen different races as professional men and women cyclists take to the streets of the downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District. Enjoy food and refreshments and watch the cyclists as they race at speeds as high as thirty-five miles per hour while traveling through curves and straightaways on this grueling course. For a complete schedule of races and to find out more about this Quad Cities Memorial Day favorite, visit QuadCitiesCriterium.com or call (309) 788-6311.
June
The summer is here and that means it’s time for River Action’s Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks, May-September, Memorial Day-Labor Day! Channel Cat Talks meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Riverine Walks meet Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Topics vary week by week. Don’t miss out on this fun way to hear about your favorite topics! Walks are free for River Action’s members. For more information or to get a brochure, visit RiverAction.org or call (563) 322-2969. Make Friends with the Marsh
Saturday, June 2, 9 a.m.-Noon, Nahant Marsh, Davenport During this program we will be learning and enjoying wildlife. The session will begin with a brief presentation or introduction after which a member of The Friends of Nahant Marsh, along with members of Nahant staff, will coordinate to work on a service project. Nahant Marsh is located at 4220 Wapello Avenue, Davenport. For more info, call (563) 323-5196, or go to NahantMarsh.org.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Paddle Class, Canoe or Kayak
Tuesday, June 19 and Tuesday, June 26, 6-8 p.m., (Third class – field trip TBA), Riverside Lagoon
Festival. This festival is held each year in picturesque LeClaire Park on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport. Over the years the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival has become recognized as one of the finest Blues fests in the country.
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, June 26, 7 p.m., River Action office, Davenport Discuss Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep & Enough Wool to Save the Planet, by Catherine Friend. Open to the public and meets at the River Action office, 822 E. River Dr. in Davenport, between Tremont and Federal Streets. For more info, call (563) 322-2969.
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Iowa
Wednesday, June 6, 6:30-8 p.m., Nahant Marsh, Davenport Learn about the various plant species that have been historically used for food and medicine in Iowa. This is a hike and lecture program. Cost per person is $5. Nahant Marsh is located at 4220 Wapello Avenue, Davenport. For more info and to register, call (563) 3235196, or go to NahantMarsh.org.
Gumbo Ya Ya – Mardi Gras in the District
Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9, Rock Island Enjoy Cajun food, authentic southern Louisiana music on two stages, Mardi Gras children’s activities, and a French Quarter marketplace. It’s a fun time for all! For more info, call (309) 788-6311.
River Action’s Ride the River Annual Father’s Day Ride
Sunday, June 17, 6 a.m.-4 p.m., Davenport Enjoy a bi-state ride along the Quad Cities’ riverfront bike trails. Plus, cruise the Mississippi River aboard the Celebration Belle riverboat from Iowa to Illinois, or ride a four-mile loop on the historic Arsenal Island. Early registration is $12 for adults, and kids ride free with paying adult. For more info or to register, go to RiverAction.org or call (563) 322-RIDE.
Paddling instruction. Watercrafts can be requested for first and second class, but it is best to learn in your own watercraft, and participants must have their own watercraft and PFD for the field trip/third class. Ages teen to adult, $25 per person. For more info, please contact the Saukenuk Paddlers Canoe and Kayak Club at Rivers-End.org/saukenuk.
Things will be jammin at the 27th Annual IH Mississippi Valley Blues Fest!
EDIWILD – Educators in the Wild Workshop
June 25-28, Nahant Marsh Education Center and/or Field Station, Davenport, IA For more information, call Lisa at (563) 328-3286.
IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
Friday, June 29-Sunday, July 1, LeClaire Park, Davenport For twenty-seven years, volunteers of the Mississippi Valley Blues Society have been organizing and presenting the Mississippi Valley Blues
May/June/July 2012 | Eddy Magazine
21
EVENTS CALENDAR
JulyJulyJuly
SAVE THE DATE!
River Action’s Floatzilla Paddle Sports Festival, August 18 Visit Floatzilla.org for more information. Red, White, and Boom
Tuesday, July 3, Downtown Rock Island and Davenport Red, White & Boom! is Rock Island and Davenport’s annual July 3rd celebration of our country’s independence. The bi-state fireworks show will launch from the river with primary viewing areas and family activities located in Rock Island and Davenport on the riverfront. Over 20,000 people crowded the Mississippi riverfront last year for all of the festivities. Enjoy live music on both sides of the river in Davenport and Rock Island. For more info, call (309) 788-6311.
Make Friends with the Marsh
Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m.-Noon, Nahant Marsh, Davenport During this program we will be learning and enjoying wildlife. The session will begin with a brief present-
ation or introduction after which a member of The Friends of Nahant Marsh along with members of Nahant staff will coordinate to work on a service project. Nahant Marsh is located at 4220 Wapello Avenue, Davenport. For more info, call (563) 323-5196, or go to NahantMarsh.org.
Heartland Jam Music Festival
Friday, July 20 - Saturday, July 21, Centennial Park, Davenport This event will include two full days of music on three stages featuring many of the heartland region’s best entertainers and eight national touring acts. For more info, call (563) 323-4894, or visit HeartlandJam.com.
Beginning Sailing July 9-14, various times, Davenport Sailing Club, Davenport Experience the joy, freedom, and excitement of sailing! Plan to be sailing the first day of instruction. This program includes safety, environmental awareness, sailboat elements, sailing skills, emergency skills, and rules of the waterway. Must be at least 15 years of age and provide your own Coast Guard approved Type II PFD (or better) as well as a 50-yard Red Cross or YMCA swim check prior to the first class. Cost is $185. For more info, call (563) 326-7859 or email kasta@ci.davenport.ia.us. There is a second program option July 23-28.
22
Eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, July 24, 7 p.m., River Action office, Davenport Discuss Standing in the Light: My Life as a Pantheist, by Sharman Apt Russell. Open to the public and meets at the River Action office, 822 E. River Drive in Davenport, between Tremont and Federal Streets. For more info, please call (563) 322-2969.
Downtown Davenport Street Fest
Friday and Saturday, July 27-28, Davenport Come and celebrate during downtown Davenport’s annual Street Festival, held in conjunction with the Bix 7 Run. Join us for food, live music, arts and crafts, a family fun area, and lots of festival fun! For more info, call (563) 322-1706.