Volume 8, Issue 1 | February/March/April 2018
A PUBLICATION OF RIVER ACTION, INC. www.riveraction.org
Connecting people to the river
Inside: - Dubuque's Influence - Reggie McLeod - I-74 Bridge in 3D - Communityworks - Fish & Fire at the Figge - And much more...
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Volume 8 Issue 1
KATHY WINE, Publisher / Executive Director BETH CLARK, Managing Editor, Milepost Ventures, LLC. JEFF VanECHAUTE/pi design, inc., Design APRIL KLECKNER, Calendar Editor Contributing Writers CAROL DOWNEY, River Action Staff LAURA MORRIS, River Action Staff NOAH TRUESDELL, River Action Staff KATHY WINE, River Action Staff Contributing Photographers IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ADAM BURKE NOAH TRUESDELL DISPATCH ARGUS RDG PLANNING AND DESIGN ROBIN BAURELY CHRISTINA MCDONOUGH STOCK: INGIMAGE.com Printing Services SUTHERLAND PRINTING © eddy Magazine and River Action, Inc., all rights reserved, 2018. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express, written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine. This magazine is sold with the understanding that neither it, nor River Action, Inc., its owners or managers, are engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, medical, technical, or any other advice, professional or otherwise. The publication of any advertisement does not reflect the endorsement of any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically stated in such advertisement and there is written approval for such endorsement. Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material to eddy Magazine for consideration should not send originals. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other submitted materials must be accompanied by a self addressed, postage paid envelope in return of materials is requested. Return of materials is not guaranteed. eddy Magazine is published quarterly by River Action, Inc., 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803 and is direct mailed to approximately 6,000 area homes and businesses. eddy Magazine Published by River Action, Inc. 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803 563-322-2969 www.riveraction.org To Advertise: Contact Beth Clark 309-269-3455 or contact Deb Girard at debgirard@hotmail.com. For rates, ad dimensions and deadline information email BethC@milepostventures.com To Subscribe or become a member of River Action: call 563-322-2969 or visit www.riveraction.org
n this issue, we celebrate people and organizations who influence us. Some obvious influencers we mentioned in past issues-- Chad Pregracke’s river clean-ups, DOT and its transformative work on the I 74 bridge-- but here we look beyond the apparent. They are not only making an impact, but Kathy Wine showing us how it can be done. We turn to influential people, but to whom do they turn? We tried to learn that in the interviews, too. We are focusing on people and organizations whose influence is both lasting and laudable, and because we live in a period in which leadership emerges in unlikely places, they reflect different types of influence, too. The conversation with Reggie McLeod, Big River Magazine editor/publisher, shows that it is his love of journalism that drives him. Investigative journalism can be a call to action, but that would be secondary for him. He strives to keep readers interested, and has for 25 years! In the Communityworks interview, we learned that collaboration underscores the truth that most urgent problems require collective action. After nearly 15 years, we are beginning to appreciate what these community foundations have deeply, persistently, and quietly been illuminating all along. Instructors using 3-D technology and virtual reality are turning the world of education and the classroom on its head. The effect of these digital tools might truly be incalculable; River Action has witnessed the impact of this 3-D analysis and printing first hand with First Bridge; INSIDE THIS ISSUE IA DOT will offer amazing experiences for the 4 The Infuencers general public in a few weeks. 4 Dubuque’s Influential Design Model by Noah Truesdell Through Dubuque’s Bee Creek Watershed 5 Reggie McLeod – Big River Magazine Restoration, we learned that design is influential by Kathy Wine because it establishes the way forward. The city is 6 Scott County Health by Noah Truesdell not only influencing others around the country, 7 I-74 Bridge – but adding a philosophy as well. “Think big when A Virtual Reality Experiment it comes to storm water retention. And don’t by Iowa Department of Transportation 8 First Bridge – A 3-D Analysis just think how, think who will benefit. That will by Bill Ashton, Linnea Carr and establish your partners and funding,” they offer. Dr. Blair McDonald The Driftless Center project demonstrates the 10 Communityworks by Laura Morris need for enthusiasm—constantly. One cannot 11 The Driftless Center inspire without passion, and Allamakee County by Carol Downey exhibited 10 years of it to reach their goal of 12 The Henry Farnam Dinner creating an educational legacy for locals and by Kathy Wine visitors alike.. 12 Fish and Fire at The Figge Finally, sometimes it is the old fashioned kind by Noah Truesdell of influence--demonstrating performance we 12 eddy Calendar: February, March, April want to imitate. We found the programs offered by April Kleckner by Community Transformation and Christina McDonough to exhibit this. Our Mission: Influential people inspire us. They channel River Action strives to foster the environmental, their energies into making progress. I hope you economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi will be inspired to do the same. River and its riverfront in the Quad City region.
February/March/April 2018 | eddy Magazine
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THE INFLUENCERS
Dubuque’s Influential Design Model
— by Noah Truesdell
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he City of Dubuque, Iowa has been influencing the way our region thinks about big projects. A small city of 58,000, Dubuque has managed to fund a $218 million project in the Bee Branch Creek Top: The Bee Creek bank serves as an amphitheater along the stream. Watershed. City funds were leveraged with special interest, state, and Above: Creek Head: Trail head at 24th Street federal grants to turn a flood mitigation project into a success story, not only in flood mitigation, but also design, planning, and environmental water to flow through it into the ground below instead of shedding it into restoration. the storm sewers. Storm sewers also were expanded beneath the streets The Bee Branch Watershed is 6.5 square miles located entirely within and other infrastructure was updated in the district. Since the update, Dubuque city limits. Half of all of Dubuque’s residents either live or work the district has seen increased investment and revitalization efforts and within the watershed. Previously, when this area would receive even a is now a thriving area of new housing, office space, entertainment, and moderate amount of rain, it would experience flash floods where streets commercial space. became like rivers and water poured into basements. The most recent phase completed was the Upper Bee Six times since 1999 the area has had a federal disaster Branch Creek. Located upstream of the railroad tracks, this declared resulting in almost $70 million in damages. In The uniform use of project extends one mile into the interior of Dubuque. 2004 the city council voted to daylight Bee Branch Creek This section of creek also required daylighting. The project limestone in the creek (which at the time was a storm sewer), and in 2008 the required the city to purchase properties on both sides of city hired Strand & Associates, IIW Engineers, and Ken bed and structures the creek and construction began in June of 2015. The area Saiki Design to begin work on the project. now a park with a multi-use trail, play area with slides, an The team split the project around the rail yard in maintains a natural feel isurban orchard and edible garden, an outdoor amphitheater, downtown Dubuque and began by tackling the section and three waterfalls. The uniform use of limestone in the closest to the Mississippi River. Unearthing of the creek in the middle of town. creek bed and structures maintains a natural feel in the required the removal of 265,000 cubic feet of soil and the The area’s capacity for middle of town. The area’s capacity for stormwater has acquisition of eight properties. Two streets pass through been increased tenfold. What was once an 8’ x 12’ storm the area requiring bridges to be built over the creek. stormwater has been drain is now an 8’ x 120’ waterway. While the water typically There is now a half mile multi-use path along the creek remains in a small channel in the middle of the park, it is featuring two scenic overlooks. The city also has restored increased tenfold. free to climb the banks during heavy rain events. Flashing habitat in the area by planting 500 trees and installing signs at the entrance ramps to the park warn the public to 2,600 square feet of floating island wetlands, resulting in stay away during high water. This part of the project was 15 species of fish and 45 species of birds moving into the completed in July 2017, three months ahead of schedule and $800,000 area by 2014. under budget. Alongside the Lower Bee Branch restoration the city finished a streets Dubuque continues its flood mitigation efforts with further storm project in their Millwork District. This district was the former economic sewer upgrades and permeable alleys throughout the watershed. The full center of the city, but experienced stunted investment due to flooding project is estimated to be completed by 2038, but already is a sterling and problems. In order to address the flooding, the city replaced alleyways, influential model of planning, funding and execution. parking lots, and three streets with permeable pavement allowing storm
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THE INFLUENCERS
Reggie McLeod: Editor, Publisher, Influencer — by Kathy Wine
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or 25 years, Reggie McLeod has been editor and publisher of Winona-based Big River Magazine featuring stories about the Mississippi River between the Twin Cities and the Quad Cities. During this time, Reggie has given readers a better understanding of themselves and their neighboring river. When not writing about environmental management of the river, he’s busy traveling along the river and eagerly sharing what he has learned with his readers. Reggie will tell you that he thinks of himself as being in show business, but we think of him as more than that—a leader who is one of those behind-the-scenes influencers. He began publishing Big River because of his love of journalism and his faith in an investigative press. A meeting in Wabasha in the late 1980s thrust him into the business. As a freelance writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, and Milwaukee Sentinel, he covered a meeting in Wabasha about the pollution in Lake Pepin. The lake was being degraded, and citizens were outraged that pollution and sewage were flowing from the Twin Cities. He approached the St. Paul paper, but was told it would only appear in the edition for readers outside of the metro area. Countering that it was a problem caused by the Twin Cities, he was turned down. Then the Milwaukee Sentinel turned down the story because the meeting was on the Minnesota side of the river. Investigative journalism can be a call to action, and action was what he sought, so he launched Big River to fill this need. “Call the truth what it is,” he states. As a result, he makes it easy for us to do something if we care at all. He is a member of Healthy Lake Winona, a powerful environmental group of college professors, city staff, elected officials, and interested citizens. They are starting to see positive changes, yet believe it is the many rivers in the watershed that need attention. He cited an example
of political will in these matters. “The proposal of a 50-foot buffer along rivers and streams passed the Minnesota legislature in the ‘90s; it wasn’t until two years ago that Governor Dayton said ‘Let’s do this.’ This is a success story for the state, and the Minnesota River might be a little better because of it,” he said. Change can come as the result of journalists’ work. Call the truth what it is. Believe in the power of truth effecting change. He is not against courting controversy; controversy can sell, he will tell you. “We are in show business, after all; it’s about the public service, taking risks, and putting the good of the river before your own.” He insists on reporting facts, not his own opinion. As an investigative journalist he reported accurately on the controversy surrounding frack sand mining. After publication, the mining companies as well as the environmental groups used that edition for education, policy, and action. To celebrate its 25th year, the magazine will begin publishing two anthologies a year on such subjects as birds, history, and travel. Also, a free database will be created with the 25 years of past issues. When asked who influences him, he answers “I have two brothers who are environmental engineers. I sometimes bring questions to them.” Reggie gives a voice to many people along the river while serving as educator, advocate, and mentor. Big River has 30,000 readers; Mayo Clinic buys 500 copies of each edition. Few people along the upper Mississippi River have spent more time than Reggie getting to know the river or illuminating the need to protect it. We hope he continues to champion journalism and to present a range of views on issues in a way that is interesting. “If people don’t read it, it does no good,” he declared. February/March/April 2018 | eddy Magazine
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THE INFLUENCERS
Influencing Scott County Health — by Noah Truesdell
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iver Action recently had the pleasure of meeting the Community Transformation Consultant from the Scott County Health Department. Christina McDonough has been helping to make our community a safer place through her work on several public health initiatives. The Food Rescue Partnership is a program that has been dedicated to reducing food waste in Scott County since 2013. The Scott County Health Department used 124 food system indicators to create the program used to redistribute food in the Quad Cities. Christina coordinates the efforts of community members and organizations to get good food that would otherwise be thrown away into the hands of those in need. In the fall of last year she was selected to be one of 14 Iowa Walking College Fellows. She participated in a six-month program that focused on making areas more pedestrian-friendly through public outreach and walking audits. In December she came to the River Action office and took us on a walking audit for River Drive. She collected our input while taking notes and teaching us how to conduct our own walking audits. We learned how to assess the usability of a sidewalk, as well as pedestrian safety at an intersection. Factors taken into account range from traffic lights and speed limit, to debris and litter on the sidewalks. The audit has
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Kathy Wine and Noah Truesdell take notes at the intersection of River Drive and Tremont Avenue during the walking audit in December. The intersection was found to be in poor condition for pedestrians and bicyclists due to many driveways, no painted crosswalk, and fast traffic.
proven to be a useful tool in evaluating the First Bridge site near the River Action office. Christina made another visit to our office in January to teach adult hands-only CPR. While this was not a class that granted certification, it did give our staff the knowledge necessary to assist someone in need. Christina offers the CPR 101 class for free to businesses in Scott County. The number of people in our county who receive CPR before the medical teams arrive is only 31 percent. By training the local population in handsonly CPR she is helping to increase that percentage and save lives.
THE INFLUENCERS
I-74 River Bridge: A Virtual Experience — By Iowa Department of Transportation
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ou will soon be able to explore the new I-74 Mississippi River Bridge in a unique way. Inspired by cuttingedge virtual reality technology, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) partnered with Iowa State University’s Institute for Transportation and the university’s Virtual Reality Applications Center to develop a fully immersive experience of the I-74 Mississippi River Bridge. A Unique, Immersive Experience Imagine hopping into a car and driving across the new four-lane I-74 River Bridge, walking along the multi-use path and getting a gorgeous view of the Quad Cities from the scenic overlook, standing on top of the arch to get a bird’s-eye-view of the reconstructed interstate, or diving into the river to see the wildlife that are an essential part of the river’s ecosystem. Through creative collaboration, Iowa DOT and Iowa State University provide you with an unforgettable way to experience, engage with and explore the reconstruction of one of the most important regional interstate systems. Diving into the Mississippi River The Mississippi River is full of wildlife, including species on the federal Threatened and Endangered Species list. The Iowa and Illinois departments of transportation led a large-scale mussel relocation as part of the I-74 River Bridge project and received an award from the Federal Highway Administration in 2017 for these efforts. Now, you will be able to “interact” with these mussel species and learn about their importance to the ecosystem. The virtual reality display takes the viewer into the river environment to “pick up” each mussel as a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist provides information about the species. Using virtual reality to present educational material related to the endangered mussels in the Mississippi River is an innovative and exciting way to learn about our environment. Reshaping the Way We Learn Virtual reality is a powerful tool to share information about infrastructure projects and natural resources. The intense, immersive virtual environment makes
Once you put on the virtual reality headset, you’ll be able to “fly” through the corridor and explore the new I-74 River Bridge.
it possible for the Iowa DOT and other agencies to give you a more complete understanding of how infrastructure projects will look and interact with the surrounding environment. The I-74 virtual reality simulations use 3-D models developed by the Alfred Benesch & Co. engineering consultant team, and new 3-D content developed by the Iowa DOT’s Office of Bridges and Structures and Iowa State University. The I-74 virtual reality program was made possible through a variety of federal and state funds.
Explore the bridge yourself! The virtual reality program will be traveling around the Quad Cities and other locations. Find the latest location at I74RiverBridge.com.
Explore the Mississippi River under the bridge and “pick up” mussels to learn about each species.
February/March/April 2018 | eddy Magazine
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THE INFLUENCERS
3-D Bridge Analysis at WIU Linnea Carr, Dr. Blair McDonald, professor, and structural engineer Bill Ashton work on the 3-D First Bridge Analysis developed at WIU.
Cell: 563.370.8990 Stan Goodyear, CFP, CPA REALTOR®, Licensed in Iowa & Illinois, SRES® 4545 Welcome Way Davenport, IA 52806 StanGoodyear@RuhlHomes.com
www.StanleyGoodyear.RuhlHomes.com
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on
90.3 FM
Michelle O’Neil NPR Host
THE INFLUENCERS
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ecessity is the drive that makes Mark work to mLinnea Carr, a third-year student in the engineering program at Western Illinois University, has a focus in civil engineering. Her project this semester was guided by the mentoring of Dr. Blair McDonald, professor, and structural engineer Bill Ashton and will apply the concepts learned in the classroom to a real-life scenario. The project required new technology to create a mathematical and three-dimensional model of the 1856 first railroad bridge across the Mississippi. To help Carr build a true replica of a single span, Ashton first needed to increase his knowledge of the history and behavior of the bridge. The span, a 254-foot truss, was constructed of timbers, and according to the Howe patent, with arches on both upstream and downstream sides (discovering the original bridge’s characteristics was complicated by the fact that all bridge drawings were burned in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871). The length and number of panels were determined by photographs. Information on the sizes and materials for each member was obtained by researching available literature. This
information was input to STAAD.Pro and Solidworks computer software. The software applications created a mathematical model of the bridge as well as a 3-D digital model. The next step was to describe the connections of the members so the set of equations representing the geometry would behave as the real-life bridge. The completed digital model provides the deflections of the span and the stresses in each member. Thus, the percentage of loads carried by the trusses or arches was established. The weight and dimensions of
a Rogers 4-4-0 locomotive, identical to the first locomotive that crossed the bridge, were used to create a realistic simulation to test the bridge. Analysis was also obtained for a typical maintenance vehicle and for the specified recreation trail loading. This information will be used to obtain approval of the Department of Transportation and the railroad to build a safe pedestrian/ bicycle replica bridge across US 61 (River Drive) and an active rail line to connect to the Mississippi River and American Discovery trails.
February/March/April 2018 | eddy Magazine
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THE INFLUENCERS
Communityworks River Action receives funding from the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend’s Communityworks Endowment fund to complete annual conservation projects in Rock Island County. Funding has supported many different efforts, including the removal of invasive species and redefined trails at Hennepin Canal Lock 30, as seen above.
— Laura Morris
C
ommunityworks was created by the Grand Victoria Foundation in 2003 to strengthen local leadership and philanthropy in towns and cities across the state of Illinois. The Grand Victoria Foundation, under the leadership of the founding executive director, Nancy Fishman, wanted to tackle larger issues statewide. These issues, including early childhood care and education, workforce development, and land use and protection, needed place-based programs that would attract local resources and partners. The Grand Victoria Foundation coordinated long-term relationships with 17 community foundations located throughout Illinois, contributing $12 million to enhance their missions through foundational growth, technical assistance, partnerships, and new capacity. The Grand Victoria Foundation wanted to change the existing model of giving, and they did just that through Communityworks. The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend (CFGRB) and the Moline Foundation were approached to join the Grand Victoria Foundation’s efforts. The three groups joined the River Partnership to assess the needs of the Quad Cities, inviting local agencies, including River Action, to discussions in 2005. The CFGRB and the Moline Foundation distributed tasks between them and formed partnerships with local non-profits. River Action received funding in 2007 to complete a Rock Island County watershed study. Currently, River Action receives annual funding through the CFGRB’s Communityworks Endowment fund. This funding, which started in 2011, supports the Quad City Wild Places program. The Quad City Wild Places Program
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showcases wilderness in eight counties; there are a total of 66 wild places identified on 133,000 acres. As a subset of this coalition, in 2011 River Action created the Rock Island County Conservation Consortium, bringing together conservation practitioners, municipal, county, state, and federal representatives, and scientific experts to develop approaches to improve the coordination of conservation efforts in Rock Island County, particularly at the designated wild places sites. The Communityworks funding accomplishes site improvements, community outreach and awareness, and conservation efforts. The Rock Island County Conservation Consortium is dedicated to preserving natural areas around the Quad Cities through service, funding, and awareness. Since 2011, River Action has received $140,000 from the CFGRB’s Communityworks Endowment fund. With this funding, River Action has completed $1.4 million in conservation projects in Rock Island County as a part of the Quad City Wild Places program and Rock Island County Conservation Consortium. This milestone is a testament to Communityworks shifting how communities can tackle projects to create
a connected place, with quality education, economic vitality, and a thriving natural environment. Due to the large success of the Rock Island County Conservation Consortium, River Action formed the Scott County Conservation Consortium in 2017 to mirror the funding strategies and projects completed in Rock Island County. There was a need to bring conservationists together in Scott County and to leverage funding to create watershed based conservation practices. River Action received a CFGRB Challenge Grant to start the Scott County Conservation Consortium. The Grand Victoria Foundation and Communityworks transformed not only community foundations’ capacity to give back to their respective communities in Illinois, but they have also created lasting and effective partnerships with other organizations. Collaborative funding and projects have been made possible by the Communityworks program, and has resulted in establishing community foundations to address ongoing strategic grant-making. While the Communityworks initiative ended with the Grand Victoria Foundation in 2011, it acted as a catalyst to address its mission for years not only in the Quad Cities, but throughout the entire state of Illinois. River Action would like to thank the Grand Victoria Foundation, and specifically Nancy Fishman, for having the vision and determination to create Communityworks, and the Moline Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend for their continual support of conservation. River Action recognizes the influence Communityworks has had in supporting its mission since 2005.
THE INFLUENCERS
Driftless Center — by Carol Downey
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he Allamakee County Conservation Board and Foundation have worked diligently since the late 1990s toward the realization of a goal to transform a neglected river-view property into a destination showcasing the Driftless region of northeast Iowa and western Wisconsin. The Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center opened its doors in the summer of 2017 after a 10-year odyssey of planning, grant applications, fundraising and construction, just a stone’s throw away from the Great River Road and the Mississippi River. The Allamakee County Conservation Board and Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission and Conservation Foundation members are the influencers who had the vision and drive to bring the Driftless Center to life. The Allamakee County Conservation Board and its foundation arm persevered to successfully merge the resources of local private-sector businesses and volunteers with government funding sources to make the Driftless Center a reality in Lansing, Iowa. The Driftless Center, which greets visitors with a giant turtle outside its front doors, provides much-needed interpretative displays and educational programs for locals and visitors alike. Preservation and presentation of river life legacy, both human and animal, are the focus of the center. A hands-on interactive classroom on its lower level hosts educational programs for preschoolers through middle-school students free of charge, presented by professionally trained conservation staff. Students are given the opportunity to interact with live animals, learn about river navigation and orienteering, fishing, wildlife track identification, pond netting and water sampling in full- and half-day sessions.
The Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center, located in Lansing, Iowa, hosts wildlife and cultural exhibits.
History of Native Americans and furtraders and early settlers in the region also is a focus of educational programs. Displays showcase the region’s geological attributes and limnology, along with artifacts from early 20th-century regional industries, including commercial fishing and clamming, button factories using mussel shells, as well as timber, logging and fur trading. Glass display cases house live frogs, toads, turtles, snakes and fish. All of the displays offer a unique educational experience to young and old alike, local residents as well as visitors traveling along the Great River Road and through the Driftless region. The Driftless region is a 24,000-squaremile area in parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota and gets its name from somehow being shielded from the paths of continental glaciers of the Paleozoic Age. The area lacks “glacial drift,” or materials such as pebbles, sediment, clay and stones of glacial origin. Its landscape was left with scenic high bluff lands, cliffs, deep caves, Native American effigy mounds, and stunning vistas with the Mississippi River bisecting its magnificence. The region provides habitat for over 300 bird species and 260 fish species and the Pleistocene Snail, a glacial relict species. The upper Mississippi River area hosts about 3 million
visitors annually, with economic impact exceeding $6 billion. The Lansing, Iowa property on which the Center was built was turned over to the Allamakee County Conservation Board in 2007, a site on which the county courthouse was once located. Funding for the center’s construction came from both public and private sources including grants from the National Scenic By-Ways Program, Federal Transportation and Enhancement Program, Vision Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism Program, Allamakee Conservation Foundation and the R. J. McElroy Foundation as well as donations from local residents and businesses to complete the $3.7 million project. The Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center is located at 1944 Columbus Road, Lansing, Iowa. The Center is open seven days a week, year-round (with the exception of major holidays), with free admission (donations appreciated) to its three floors of exhibits, live animals, a boardroom, a lower level classroom and two levels of balconies showcasing scenic views of the river. Reservations for the boardroom and classroom are available to the public for meetings and educational programs. For more information, visit http:// allamakeecountyconservation.org/driftlesscenter.html. February/March/April 2018 | eddy Magazine
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THE INFLUENCERS
18th Annual Fish & Fire at Figge April 20, 2018 — by Noah Truesdell
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iver Action’s annual fundraising fish fry dinner, Fish & Fire, has found a new venue this year, in the beautiful Figge Art Museum. The Figge, located in downtown Davenport, showcases a beautiful view of our beloved Mississippi River. At the event on April 20, 2018, we will enjoy the Steeplegate Inn’s fish fry catered by Frontier Hospitality Group before recognizing our 2018 Eddy Award and silent auction winners. The Eddy Awards are presented to individuals who have devoted themselves to making the river a cleaner, safer, more vibrant and integral part of our community. The awards will be presented in the categories of art, design, education, revitalization, river activity, and stewardship. Support
Figge Art Museum, 225 West 2nd Street, Davenport, Iowa
River Action by bidding on items from local businesses in our silent auction. Join us April 20 for a night to celebrate the accomplishments of our Mississippi River community. Tickets can be purchased online at www.riveraction.org or at the River Action office at 822 E. River Dr. in Davenport.
EASY TO FIND. HARD TO RESIST.
WWW.HUNGRYHOBO.COM
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eddy C A L E N D A R
February
This event is free to the public and for all ages, singles, couples, and families. For more info call 309-788-9536 or www.blackhawkpark.org.
Nahant Marsh: Breakfast Nature Club Woodpeckers
Eagle View Group: Tree Hugger Trivia
Friday, Feb 2, 8 am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport Learn the secrets of Iowa’s wildlife during this monthly class. Continental breakfast included. Participants are encouraged to join a “coffee talk” and share stories of wildlife encounters and anything nature related. $5 member, $10 guest. Register at nahantmarsh.org or 563-336-3370.
Saturday, Feb 17, 6 pm, LeClaire Civic Club, 127 S. Cody Rd, Le Claire Doors open at 6 pm. Trivia starts at 7 pm. $10 per person, 8 people per table. Concessions available. BYOB (no hard liquor). Cash prizes and silent auction. Mulligans and Doublers available. Registration requested for tables, but not required. More info at www.sierraclub.org/illinois/eagle-view, Olivia Dorothy 217-390-3658, or Emily Clever emclever07@gmail.com.
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center: Winter Fun Day
Nahant Marsh: Winter Tree ID
Saturday, Feb 3, 10-3 pm, Wapsi River Center, 31555 52nd Avenue, Dixon, IA A free event the whole family can enjoy! A limited number of skis and snowshoes are available, so please call to reserve equipment. 10:00-12:00 Cross Country Ski Clinic and Snowshoe Hike, 12:00-1:00 Chili Cook-off, 1:00-3:00 Wild Edible Workshop and Fire Starting. Hot drinks provided, please BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug). Call 563-328-3286 to register.
Quad Cities Bicycle Club: RAGBRAI for Rookies
Saturday, Feb 3, 1-4 pm, Davenport Public Library, 6000 Eastern Ave, Davenport Free presentation for first time riders and veterans. Training advice, safety tips, bike maintenance demonstrations, TOMRV info/sign up, Self-Contained Touring by Leonard Jefferson, Author Chuck Oestreich, Ride the River info. RSVP: Dixon 563-221-9093 or dxnvy@mchsi. com.
Nahant Marsh: Nature Hike
Saturday, Feb 3, 9-10 am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport Join a naturalist for a guided hike along the trails at the Marsh. Hikes are on the first Saturday of the month and give visitors an opportunity to experience the environmental changes as the plants and wildlife adapt to the seasons. There is always something to learn and experience at the Marsh. Suggested donation $5. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org or by phone at 563-336-3370.
Quad City Audubon Society: Monthly Meeting Thursday, Feb 8, 7 pm Butterworth Center, 1105 8th Street, Moline Randy Nyboer will present “Native Plants”. He is a Botanist and Field Biologist with the IL Natural History Survey and retired from the IL Dept. of Conservation. For more info www.quadcityaudubon.org.
Nahant Marsh: Family Program – Owls
Saturday, Feb 10, 10 pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport Learn about the habits of owls by looking at skulls, wings, and mounts. Students will study and dissect owl pellets. $3 member, $6 guest, no fee for adults accompanying children. Register at nahantmarsh.org or 563-336-3370.
Valentine Indoor Music and Moonlight Walk
Thursday, Feb. 15, 6:30-8:30 pm, Black Hawk State Historic Site, 1510 46th Ave, Rock Island Take a leisurely self-guided stroll outside on a luminarylit path and nearly full moon. Come into the Lodge and keep warm by the fire. Enjoy fresh donuts and juice/cider/hot cocoa and music. Music provided by Just4Fun. Drew Nagle will call the contra dancing.
Saturday, Feb 17, 10-11 am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport Trees are easy to identify when their foliage is full force, but identifying them in winter can be a bit tricky! In this class, participants will learn skills to identify trees based on twigs and bark. $5 Members. $10 Non-members. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org or by phone at 563-336-3370.
Quad City Audubon Society: Sunderbruch Park Saturday, Feb 17, 9 am, 4675 Telegraph Rd, Davenport Birding and attaching bluebird houses to metal poles. Half-day trip. For more info visit www.quadcityaudubon.org.
East Meets West on WQPT - TV
Tuesday, Feb 20, 7 pm and Wednesday, Feb 21, 12 am Watch and learn about the first railroad bridge over the Mississippi and rail gateway to the west.
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, Feb 27, 7 pm, River Action office, 822 E. River Dr, Davenport Discuss Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Meetings are open to the public. Meet at the River Action office, 822 E. River Dr. between Tremont and Federal Streets. For more info, www. riveraction.org.
Nahant Marsh: Nature Hike
Saturday, March 3, 9-10 am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport Join a naturalist for a guided hike along the trails at the Marsh. Hikes are offered on the first Saturday of the month and give visitors an opportunity to experience the environmental changes as the plants and wildlife adapt to the seasons. Whether you are a regular visitor or first-timer, there is always something to learn or experience at the Marsh. Suggested donation $5. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org or by phone at 563-336-3370.
Quad City Audubon Society: Monthly Meeting
Thursday, March 8, 7 pm, Butterworth Center, 1105 8th Street, Moline Carole Teator will speak about Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. For more info, www.quadcityaudubon. org.
Quad Cities 15th Annual Henry Farnam Dinner, Illinois 300: French/Maskwaki Relations and Kaskaskia 100 Years Before Statehood Friday, March 9, 5 pm, Jumer’s Casino & Hotel, 777 Jumer Dr, Rock Island Displays/cocktails 5 pm, Dinner 6:15, Program 7:30. Dinner and program $40 per person, $375 for a reserved table of 10, cash bar. For more info, call River Action at 563-322-2969.
Canoecopia
March 9-11, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI Canoecopia is the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world, with more than 250,000 square feet of kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing, all at the best prices of the season! Over 140 seminars and clinics make Canoecopia an educational event where you can learn about the perfect gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover some of the many places to paddle, both near and far. River Action will host a Floatzilla booth. For more info, visit www.canoecopia.com.
Nahant Marsh: March Madness Trivia Night
March
Invasive Species Workshop
Thursday, March 1, 2018, 9 am—4 pm Black Hawk State Park Lodge, Rock Island, $35 Presented by Bi-State Conservation Action Network. Register through Nahant Marsh, 563.336.3374.
Saturday, March 10, 6-7 pm, Center for Active Seniors, Inc., 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport Trivia Night helps to raise funds for the Nahant Marsh Education Center and Friends of Nahant Marsh. With your support, Nahant Marsh is able to provide meaningful educational programming to people of all ages, Calendar, continued on page 14 >
Breakfast Nature Club: What’s New at Nahant Marsh Friday, March 2, 8-9 am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport Brian Ritter will discuss the present and future of Nahant Marsh. A discussion of plans for the newly acquired land, future restoration projects, and trail/amenity development. $5 Members. $15 Nonmembers. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org or by phone at 563-336-3370.
DAVEY
Phone: (563) 355-0701 ®
TREE & SHRUB EXPERTS SINCE 1880
(309) 788-8733 Fax:
(563) 355-8465
JASON HOUSWORTH District Manager I.S.A. Certified Arborist # IL4228A
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY 133 12th Street ● Bettendorf, IA 52722 ● www.davey.com
February/March/April 2018 | eddy Magazine
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eddy C A L E N D A R Quad City Audubon Society: Cone Marsh < Continued from page 13 promote ecological stewardship, or continue restoration efforts of the amazing treasure we have in southwest Davenport. Tables are $80 or $70 for members; 8 people per table with no minimum. Many spring and nature-themed silent auction baskets available for bid. Register at www.nahantmarsh.org or 563-336-3374.
The Environmental Film Fest, 13th Annual
Saturday, March 10, Founders Hall, Augustana College, 820 38th Street, Rock Island Admission is FREE although donations are accepted. Doors will open at 10:30 am, with the first movie rolling at 11. A fine selection of movies will run until 5pm. For more info contact Kristen, ishibook@hotmail.com or illinois.sierraclub.org/eagleview.
Bike & Gear Swap Meet
Sunday, March 11, 12-3 pm, The Village Theater, 2113 E. 11th St, Davenport Free event open to the public to buy and sell used Bike and Outdoor Gear. Need to RSVP for selling space to events@qcforc.org.
Toddler Tales: Native American Stories
Tuesday, March 13, 10-11 am and 2-3 pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport Many Native American stories teach important lessons. Children will listen to a Native American story and learn about their culture. Nahant Marsh educators will lead a nature-themed story, craft, and outdoor adventure. Ages: 3-5. Cost $5 per child or $3 with membership. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org
St Patrick’s Society Grand Parade
Saturday, March 17, 11:30 am-1 pm, IL & IA Quad Cities The Grand Parade begins at 23rd St. and 4th Ave. in Rock Island, proceeds through downtown and crosses the Mississippi River to downtown Davenport. For more information and a map of parade route, visit www.stpatsqc.com.
Nahant Marsh: Master Conservationist
Wednesday, March 21, 6-8 pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport Designed for adult learners, participants receive at least 32 hours (7 classes) of online and outdoor hands-on education led by trained professionals in their field. The range of topics provide information that can be useful in service to the community and in their own backyards. $130 Member, $175 Guest. Registration deadline is March 9. For more information, contact Liz at eschramm@eicc.edu.
The Flower and Garden Show at the Quad City Expo Center
Friday-Sunday, March 23-25, 2621 4th Ave, Rock Island Admission $8 adults, $1 children 6-15. Senior Day (age 65 and over) $6 admission is Friday. For more info, www.qccaexpocenter.com/lawn-garden-event.html.
David A. Johnson, D.D.S. 3512 Jersey Ridge Road Davenport, IA 52807
(563) 359-3494
14 eddy Magazine
| www.riveraction.org
Saturday, March 24, 8 am, Credit Island Lodge, 2200 W. River Dr, Davenport Participants will look for waterfowl migration.
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, March 27, 7 pm, River Action office, 822 E. River Dr, Davenport Discuss The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise by Michael Grunwald. Meetings are open to the public and meet at the River Action office, 822 E. River Dr, between Tremont and Federal Streets. For more info, 563-322-2969.
April
Thursday, April 12, 7 pm, Butterworth Center, 1105 8th Street, Moline Jessica Bolser, Wildlife Biologist from Port Louisa NWR will present on warblers. For more info, www.quadcityaudubon.org.
Fish Hatchery Tour
Saturday, April 14, 1 pm, Quad Cities Generating Station, 22710 206th Avenue N, Cordova Visit the Fish Hatchery and learn about how the hatchery supports fish and wildlife in the Mississippi River. For more info, Olivia 217-390-3658, Jon 309-786-0543, or sierraclb.org/Illinois/eagle-view.
Sierra Club Speaker Series – Mindfulness
Breakfast Nature Club - Lawn Reform: Changing Lawn Expectations in Your Neighborhood
Friday, April 6, 8-9 am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport Guest Speaker, Tara Witherow. Discussion will begin with information on public education campaign, Good Neighbor Iowa and changing the way you look at lawn care. Whether you are a gardener or have a brown thumb, you will learn easy ways to ensure your yard benefits wildlife and the environment, mistakes to avoid, and common lawn concerns. $5 members, $10 non-members. Register online at www.nahantmarsh. org or 563-336-3370.
Nahant Marsh: Nature Hike
Saturday, April 7, 9-10 am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport Join a naturalist for a guided hike along the trails at the Marsh. Hikes are offered on the first Saturday of the month and give visitors an opportunity to experience the environmental changes as the plants and wildlife adapt to the seasons. Whether you are a regular visitor or first-timer, there is always something to learn and experience at the Marsh. Suggested donation $5. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org or by phone at 563-336-3370.
Sylvan Island Stampede
Sunday, April 8, 9-5 pm, Sylvan Island, 4501 Third Ave, Rock Island After a 4-year hiatus due to the bridge closing, FORC will bring back the 10th running of the Sylvan Island Stampede Mountain Bike Race. It is the first race for both the Iowa and Illinois mountain bike series. For more information visit www.qcforc.org.
Toddler Tales: Mud!
Quad City Audubon Society: Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, April 10, 10-11 am and 2-3 pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport April showers bring MUD! Children will learn about all things muddy! Nahant Marsh educators will lead a nature-themed story, craft, and outdoor adventure. Ages: 3-5. Cost $5 per child or $3 with membership. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org.
Monday, April 16, 6:30 pm, Moline Public Library (Bronze Room), 3210 41st St, Moline Program about the importance of mindfulness. For more info, Michael.wilcox77@yahoo.com or sierraclub. org/Illinois/eagle-view.
River Action’s Fish & Fire Fundraiser and Friendraiser
Friday, April 20, 5:30 pm, Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd Street, Davenport Social hour, silent auction, and cash bar 5:30 pm; Dinner 7:00 pm. Bid on dozens of silent auction items, enjoy the dinner and entertainment, and be a part of the 18th Annual Eddy Awards Presentation – awards given to those in our community who go against the current to get things done on the river. $45 Adult dinner ($32 one discounted ticket per member), $12 for children, $400 table of 10. For more info, please call River Action 563-322-2969 or visit www.riveraction.org.
Earth Day—River Action Day
Saturday, April 21, 9-12pm, Sylvan Island Clean-up, Moline, IL Volunteer with River Action on Earth Day as we clean up Sylvan Island in Moline, IL. Help by cleaning up trash on the newly reopened island and celebrate the earth with families and friends! Donuts and refreshments provided. Please let Laura know you will be there by calling 563-322-2969 or lmorris@riveraction. org.
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, April 24, 7 pm, River Action office, 822 E. River Dr, Davenport Discuss Spirits of the Earth by Robert Lake-Thom. Meetings are open to the public and meet at the River Action office, 822 E. River Dr, between Tremont and Federal Streets. For more info, 563-322-2969 or www. riveraction.org.
Stroll through Springtime
Saturday, April 28, Black Hawk State Historic Site, 1510 46th Ave, Rock Island Free event. Trail walks to identify migrating and resident birds and wildflowers. For more info, 309-7889536 or www.blackhawpark.org.
GIFTS & ANTIQUES
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