A PUBLICATION OF RIVER ACTION, INC.
Volume 7, Issue 2 | May/June/July 2017
www.riveraction.org
Connecting people to the river
The Ripple Effect A trickle, a ripple, a wave — all are important to the ongoing life of a waterway. Our decisions can also impact the future course of the river and, just as importantly, the land that borders it and the people who are affected by it.
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And then…the Ripple Effect
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trickle, a ripple, a wave—all are important to the ongoing life of a waterway. Manmade decisions can also impact
the future course of the river and, just as importantly, the land
May/June/July 2017 _______
Volume 7 Issue 2
KATHY WINE, Publisher / Executive Director BETH CLARK, Managing Editor, Milepost Ventures, LLC. JEFF VanECHAUTE/pi design, inc., Design BERNADETTE RODTS, Calendar Editor Contributing Writers ADAM BURKE, River Action Staff LAURA MORRIS, River Action Staff NOAH TRUESDELL, River Action Staff KATHY WINE, River Action Staff Contributing Photographers GREG GACKLE DARRELL CROSS BARB WIASKOLICH SARAH MCGEE STOCK: INGIMAGE.com Printing Services SUTHERLAND PRINTING © eddy Magazine and River Action, Inc., all rights reserved, 2017. 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
that borders it and the people who are affected by it. This issue is devoted to projects or people creating a ripple effect as when you watch rippling in the river, one, two
Kathy Wine
ripples, and then…. In this issue, I hope you anticipate the all-important what-happens-next. In 2001, River Action went from $25 per rain barrel for first 100 sold in order to get the word out that water conservation is easy, and then… by 2017, to 4,350 sold at $75. In 2004, 55 cities, including the Quad Cities, sponsored Grand Excursion, a two-week event that reenacted the 1854 excursion that in the 1850’s opened the Midwest to expansion. After the 2004 reenactment, there was an educational impact of 875 “River Exploration Trunks” for public and private schools, and an estimated $4 billion in over 800 capital, environmental, and art projects, all spin-offs from the two-week event. Locally, the two weekend RiverWay Celebrations in 2006 and 2008 converted to the annual Floatzilla in 2009. More recently, the Des Moines Waterworks sued three north central Iowa counties under the Clean Water Act because of a large amount of nitrates in the Raccoon River that had to be removed for drinking water. Last month, a judge dismissed the case in court, (it is uncertain if DWW will appeal); he ruled it was a legislature rather than court issue. However, there has been a ripple effect throughout the three counties resulting in an increase in the adoption of cover crop plantings, bioreactors, saturated buffers, and conservation tillage this year to further the use of best practices for clean water. Finally, Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” In this issue, we pay tribute to 2017’s Eddy Award winners, each of whom has made an impact. Whether recognizing tireless volunteer work, a vision of educators taking risk and holding fast to vision, or stepping up and investing in opportunities others cast aside, each one was presented with a challenge, and then…… Read what happens next.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
4 Join The Ripple Effect
4 Purchase Rain Barrels by Laura Morris
4 Central Students Make a Splash by Noah Truesdell
4 Ride the River: Build a Tryke by Noah Truesdell
5 Unlocking Hydropower by Adam Burke
6 2017 Eddy Awards by Kathy Wine
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Museum Without Walls by Kathy Wine
1 1 eddy Calendar:
May, June, July, 2017
1 5 Join the Ripple Effect! Our Mission: River Action strives to foster the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront in the Quad City region.
To Subscribe or become a member of River Action: call 563-322-2969 or visit www.riveraction.org
May/June/July 2017 | eddy Magazine
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JOIN THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Ride the River Build-a-Tryke — by Noah Truesdell
60 gallon rain barrels can be purchased at the River Action office. Photo by Greg Gackle
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ide the River is just around the corner! On Father’s Day, June 18th, River Action’s annual bistate bike ride opens up nine communities along Quad City riverfront bike trails. Families can either take the Celebration Belle riverboat to be ferried across the Mississippi or cross on the historic Arsenal Bridge. The first 350 kids to sign up will be receiving two lights to attach to their bicycle helmets. This year, River Action has teamed up with Mississippi Bend Trykes, a local chapter of AMBUCS, to bring the joy of riding a bicycle to children who otherwise may never have had the chance. The Noon Kiwanis Club, the Quad City Bicycle Club, US Bank, Sears Manufacturing, and the Happy Joe’s Kids Foundation have donated kits to construct special tricycles for children with disabilities so far, but more are coming in every day. These trykes have special modifications to fit each child's needs. After building the trykes on Saturday June 17th, with volunteer teams, we'll be giving them to the children at 9 am on Sunday at Ride the River headquarters at the Quad City Times. We hope to see you there!
Central Students Make a Splash — by Noah Truesdell
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small group of students at Central High School have started work on environmental projects that they conceptualized in October. Projects were proposed to River Action as a part of our Student Summit held in the fall. Nia Walker, Samuel O’Boyle, and Aleah Beecher have been working on two projects to take place this spring. The first is an Electronics Recycling Day which will be held on Earth Day, April 22nd. Walker Amiah Goodman tending the Central garden. is having the students sign their families up to reserve curbside pick-up of their electronics the day of the event. Most electronics contain rare metals and toxic elements that should be recycled or disposed of correctly. O’Boyle and Beecher are working together to create a pollinator garden north of the school. With an area donated by Central’s Environmental Club, they plan to make a haven for our struggling pollinator populations. These projects will impact all of the students at Central by educating them on proper disposal of recyclables and care for the environment that will stay with them long after they graduate.
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Join the Ripple Effect by Purchasing a Rain Barrel — by Laura Morris
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id you know when we save water, we save energy, money, valuable resources? One of the ways to do this is by purchasing a rain barrel. River Action purchased their first 100 rain barrels through a subsidy, costing the homeowner only $25 for a 60-gallon barrel. The barrels caught on in the Quad Cities, and River Action has sold 4,250 barrels to date, with 100 more to be sold this year. Rain barrels are a part of River Action’s Retain the Rain program, where sustainable stormwater solutions are highlighted throughout the educational campaign. Retain the Rain is an effort to raise awareness about storm water runoff and its damaging effects, and provides residents with ways to reduce storm water runoff from their property. While reducing the amount of storm water entering the storm sewers, rain barrels also decrease water consumption from municipal supplies. Collected rainwater can be used to irrigate lawns and gardens and wash cars. River Action sells rain barrels for $75. Along with the repurposed barrel, a galvanized diverter to connect with a downspout, a spigot to connect to a garden hose, and an overflow spigot are included. If you are interested in ordering a rain barrel or are interested in joining River Action’s ripple effect, please call (563) 322-2969 or visit www. riveraction.org/storefront.
JOIN THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Unlocking Hydropower — by Adam Burke
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iver Action and Western Rye Development (a Boston-based Illinois University will host hydropower company) and Jay a hydropower workshop Richter from the Rock Island Arsenal on Tuesday, July 18, “Unlocking Department of Public Works. Colin Hydropower on the Mississippi River,” Wellenkamp, Executive Director of the that will examine the potential of Mississippi Rivers and Towns Initiative hydropower energy in the Midwest. (MRCTI), will also make a presentation Quad City-area non-profit River Action with mayors and municipal is organizing the event which will be Many hydropower dams were built in the 1930s and could use an administrators from potential held at WIU, Riverfront Hall, at 3300 hydropower sites in the UMR region. upgrade. Photo by Sarah McGee River Drive in Moline, IL. The event is part of an effort to The workshop is designed to bring together hydropower developers, “Raise the Grade” of the Mississippi River and was one of the seven actions dam owners, energy utilities, clean energy and environmental groups, identified as a “priority objective” that emerged from the 2016 Upper and federal energy regulators to explore opportunities for the Mississippi River Conference (UMRC) held last fall in the Quad Cities. At the incorporation of hydropower into existing infrastructure in the Upper tenth annual UMRC (Oct. 11-12, 2017) updates will be given on “Raise the Mississippi River (UMR). Grade” efforts throughout the Upper Mississippi River basin. The program will feature Jake Arnold, an environmental analyst Early registration for the workshop is $25 and some scholarships from MidAmerican Energy, Jim Bartek, hydropower coordinator at the are available. Professional development hours (PDH) will be available US Army Corps of Engineers (Rock Island District), a representative from at the workshop.
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2017 EDDY AWARDS
2017
eddy Awards — by Kathy Wine
Art: Heidi Brandt
Project coordinator and Davenport native Heidi Brandt, inspired by the nature and wildlife surrounding the river, often with camera in hand, wanted to do something with her photography and art to give back to nature. And then… she invited other accomplished artists to participate in a calendar. Dedicated to River Action, the first was available in a handful of Hy-Vees and art institutions. The second, made it into 18 Hy-Vees and twice as many stores and lobbies as before. She succeeded in showcasing talented artists of different mediums and her own along with the beauty of the area. With the many sponsors she collected, River Action has been able to use the calendars as a membership premium and receive proceeds of sales for our ongoing work. Fearless with a camera, she is planning the third calendar to outpace the first two.
Education: Joni Nelson, Shifra Gassner, Gail Heniger / Central High School
A high school classroom and lab is the setting. Three teachers, seeing the need to improve opportunities for students in fields such as biology, geography, and the environment, but with shrinking funds for outdoor education and field trips, needed to find stimulating programs, a way to network with other students, and a competition that challenged their entrepreneurial skills. And then… they engaged their students in the Upper Mississippi River Conference Student Summit. Each student had to write an essay on the biggest challenge facing the Mississippi River in order to attend. Thirty-three were selected, and they turned heads while captivating attendees as they showed they cared about the health of the river. These Central High school passionate leaders with great experience working with students, families, staff, and administration, are writing their own curriculum and inspiring the next generation. Several students have completed environmental projects or programs on campus with funding secured through River Action’s Student Summit. The future of the river is beginning to look bright.
River Activity: Tim Nelson story
His enthusiasm is contagious and he brought about positive change. Four years ago, having become enthralled with the Tweed Rides of London, Tim set out to create one in the Quad Cities. In looking for a route, he fell in love with the Sunday in the Park statues on Credit Island. “If we can include the art with the Tweed Ride and give the proceeds to the maintenance of the statues, we will be fulfilling my dream.” Tim thought. Now, with the ride doubling, then tripling in numbers, he is thrilled. The hardest part, he recollects, was asking for money and donations. “I didn’t really believe people would respond to my requests,” he remembers. But they did, and each year, Tweed Ride enthusiasts continue to make the event grow.
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2017 EDDY AWARDS
Design: Dr. Joe Rives The Moline Ben Butterworth Parkway is the setting; a growing student population and need to move four colleges to the Moline campus as well as build a state-ofthe-art library created a challenging situation. And then, Dr. Rives organized a student/faculty/staff planning committee that met 14 times. Determined to make it a Gold certified LEED building, reflect the outstanding riverfront setting of the campus, connect to the cities of Moline and East Moline, both front doors, and use design of the highest quality for buildings and landscapes, Dr. Rives employed Hollabird and Root, Chicago, to design. The committee, aware of cost constraints, were surprised that efficiencies and materials were affordable. It boasts a green roof, natural light, geothermal, bamboo floors, cork ceilings, green friendly products, and native plants in the sustainable landscapes. Dr. Rives contends, “Dynamic cities make for dynamic universities.� There will surely be a ripple effect of the Phase II project in Phase III!
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2017 EDDY AWARDS
2017
eddy Awards
Stewardship: Nahant Marsh Education Center
Brian Ritter was working in an office in the Nahant Marsh education center big enough to hold Home School Groups or small classes and on the phone turning away school groups and the public wanting to experience a wet prairie meadow, mesic prairie, sand prairie, floodplain forest and open water habitat. And then‌ Brian presented the Nahant Marsh Board of Directors with the vision of a new addition and reorientation of the existing center. A $275,000 capital campaign later, the result is a dynamic relationship between education and the marsh. Brian and his builders have been commended for the use of sustainable materials, and salvaging used materials. It now serves 19,000 school groups, scout groups, homeschoolers, early learners, church groups, colleges, senior groups, and nature lovers of all ages!
Revitalization: Joe Erenberger, Manoj and Manisha Baheti of Y & J Properties
Halligan Coffee Lofts, Davenport. Photo by Daryl Cross
As an eight year old, Joe visited renovation work being done on the gold ceiling at US Bank. It was then that he got hooked on learning the history of buildings and historic preservation. And then, fast forward to 1999; his Downtown Central Perk Coffee House had four apartments upstairs, and he saw the opportunity for many more on the block. In 2012, Y & J was formed and created housing for 400 with plans on the drawing board for 100 more in Davenport. With his partners at Y & J Properties they have created community with their many in-town housing projects. Urban revitalization continues to grow because of the vision and ingenuity of the urban pioneers at Y & J Properties.
Stewardship: Blackhawk Township Hennepin Canal and Rock River paths overgrown, full of poison ivy, brambles that cut on contact, and unwanted trees and weeds is the setting. The Big Island Soil & Water Preservation Association wanted to renovate Lock 32, too. A few brave volunteers without any organizational support asked the Blackhawk Township for help. And then‌ the Township stepped in adding new volunteers, funding, laying 300 tons of gravel in the parking lot, installing three new directional signs, refurbishing the ramps connecting the picnic shelter to the path on top of the levee. This summer the township plans to replace the deteriorated wooden decking on the Lock 32 walk bridge and will continue vegetation removal. As a project of enormous complexity, it continues to have new partners.
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Stewardship: Art Norris In 2012, Art Norris, a Quad City Waterkeeper, saw concete chunks being dumped into the Green River by a contractor/ owner accessing his own portion of the riverfront for the dumping. Over 3,500 linear feet of river were impacted. After contacting the Corps of Engineers and IL EPA with a complaint, Art then proceeded to file a lawsuit. The Waterkeepers incurred $300,000 in legal fees during the research and litigation of the case. In 2016, Federal District Judge Sarah Darrow ruled in Rock Island in favor of the plaintiffs, and the defendant was charged with clean up fees as well as those of the lawsuit. Repair is now being overseen by Judge Darrow herself. Art believes the case is precedent setting citing the rights of Illinois residents being upheld to navigate or fish any stream.
Volunteer: Tracy Dvorak After 32 years of nearly daily output, attention must be paid to Tracy, a valuable member of the River Action Board of Directors as Secretary/Treasurer, and participant in many of the events and programs throughout the years. She was one of the original creators of Ride the River, and has worked on every one since. Smart, talented, hard working and loyal describe her. While humbly deflecting tributes, River Action basks in the reflective light of Tracy.
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JOIN THE RIPPLE EFFEC T
First Bridge Creates a Ripple in Time and thus Museum Without Walls — by Kathy Wine
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
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First Bridge (1856) Black Hawk Treaty Signing (1832) Dred Scott Marker (1842) “Lincoln with Boy on Bridge” Commemorating Trial (1857) John Brown Freedom Trail (1855) Mormon Wagon Trail (1846-68)
he 1856 First Bridge which connected the eastern US to the West is the center of Museum Without Walls. On the original embankment, a life-size replica of a 250foot span recreating the first crossing of the Mississippi River will provide access to the Mississippi River Trail and American Discovery Trail. While most museums house documents, historic pieces, or art,
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7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
River Heritage Park Col. Davenport House (1833) North Arsenal Island Pier (1856) Fort Armstrong (1816-36) South Arsenal Island Pier (1856) City of Rock Island Pier (1856)
this one promises historic sites important to local and national history. The museum will offer educational opportunities, markers, special lighting, and self-guided walking tour maps with accompanying web pages for smart phone users in order to tell the stories of east meeting west with the first bridge, an event that saw a large rippling or wave effect.
eddy CALENDAR
eddy Calendar May
Celebration River Cruises
Celebration River Cruises – 2501 River Dr, Moline, IL, 309-764-1952 Our Captain will point out and tell you about some of the rich history of the area and the Mighty Mississippi River. You will view the largest roller dam in the world at Lock and Dam #15, as well as the Rock Island Arsenal. Our Captain will tell you about the people who live and work on the arsenal plus much more. Call for dates and times, or visit www.celebrationbelle.com.
The Twilight Riverboat
River Action’s Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks
Memorial Day through Labor Day, Channel Cat Talks – Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-10:45am, Riverbend Commons, 2951 River Dr, Moline, IL, $14; Riverine Walks – Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm and Saturdays 9:00-10:30am, Location varies, $6; 563-322-2969 Join us for River Action’s Explore the River Series. Channel Cat participants tour the Mississippi River aboard the Channel Cat Water Taxi while experts narrate. Riverine Walk participants explore the Quad Cities through a series of guided walks. For more info visit www.riveraction.org/education.
Twilight River Cruises – Wisconsin St, LeClaire, IA, 800331-1467 The Twilight Captain brings the history and stories of the river to life. Each afternoon on board features a variety of folk musicians and/or humorists. This is a wonderful opportunity to get up close to spectacular creatures such as bald eagles, pelicans, egrets, and blue herons. Call for cruise packages, dates and times or visit www.riverboattwilight.com.
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center: Kayak Experience Wednesday, May 3, 1:00-3:00pm, Scott County Park – 18850 270th St, Eldridge, IA, 563-328- 3286 Join Director and Naturalist of the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center Dave Murcia for an adventure with kayaks! Whether you are a beginner or regular kayaker, come out and learn the basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety techniques and taking a tour of Pride Lake.
Not So Ordinary: Iowa Regionalists and Scenes of Rural Life
Nahant Marsh: Breakfast Nature Club
May 1 through July 30, Muscatine Art Center – 1314 Mulberry Ave, Muscatine, IA, 563-263-8282 Iowa prairie is fertile ground for both farms and artists. As a world-famous artist and the son of a farmer, Grant Wood captured the everyday beauty of Iowa’s land and people.
Friday, May 5, 8:00-9:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $5 Members, $10, Guest, 563-336-3370 Sand Prairies: Discover the life that exists in dry, Midwest sand prairies. Brian Ritter, Executive Director at Nahant Marsh will discuss the types of grasses, flowers, and wildlife found in this special prairie ecosystem.
Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show
Nahant Marsh: Nature Hike
Every Wednesday and Sunday, 6:30-8:00pm, Rock River – 5000 44th St, Rock Island, IL, 309-786-8987 A non-profit water ski show team will perform free water ski shows on the Rock River in Rock Island, IL. Donations are welcome. For info visit www.backwatergamblers.com.
Nahant Marsh: Reptiles and Amphibians
Saturday, May 13, 10:00-11:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $3 Member, $6 Guest, 563-336-3370 Discover the unique lives of snakes, turtles, and frogs in this family-friendly program. Participants will explore our “frog pond” and be introduced to our resident education reptiles.
Get Out and Trail (GOAT)
Saturday, May 13, 9:00-1:00pm, 563-328-7275 Travel the trails on both sides of the Mississippi and stop by the hosted GOAT Stops for refreshments and activities. No cost. Visit www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/ parks for more information.
Nahant Marsh: Prothonotary Warbler Day
Saturday, May 13, 9:00-11:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, 563-336-3370 Learn about a fascinating bird the Prothonotary Warbler. Discover why this striking, little yellow bird is referred to the jewel of the wetlands. There will be a variety of Prothonotary Warbler themed activities for adults and families. Expert speaker, Dr. Brian Peer will provide a lecture beginning at 9:00am. May, continued on page 12 >
Saturday, May 6, 9:00-10:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $5 suggested donation, 563-336-3370 Join a Naturalist for a guided hike along the trails at the Marsh. Visit www.nahantmarsh.org for more information on Nahant Marsh activities.
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eddy C A L E N D A R
< May, continued from page 11
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center: Wildflower Hike
Saturday, May 13, 10:00am, Wapsi River Environmental Education Center – 31555 52nd Ave, Dixon, IA, 563-328-3286 Join Naturalist Michael Granger for a tour of the Wapsi woods in search of spring wildflowers. Wild Ginger, Geranium, Bloodroot and Mayapple are just some of the flowers to be found!
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, May 23, 7:00pm, River Action – 822 E. River Dr, Davenport, IA, 563-322-2969 Discuss Before They’re Gone: A Family’s Year-Long Quest to Explore America’s Most Endangered National Parks by Michael Lanza. Meetings are open to the public. For more info visit www.riveraction. org/bookclub.
June
Nahant Marsh: Breakfast Nature Club
Friday, June 2, 8:00-9:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $5 Members, $10 Guest, 563-336-3370 Wild Foods and Native Herbs: Early summer is a wonderful time to harvest and collect many types of wild edibles. Participants will learn about common wild plants, including how to harvest them and how to incorporate wild foods and medicinal plants into your gardens.
Nahant Marsh: Nature Hike
Saturday, June 3, 9:00-10:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $5 suggested donation, 563-336-3370 Join a Naturalist for a guided hike along the trails at the Marsh. In June, the wet-prairie meadow is striking with early bloomers. Visitors will learn about the various wildflowers and the different prairies found on the preserve.
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center: Wild Edible Plants Workshop Saturday, May 27, 10:00am, Wapsi River Environmental Education Center – 31555 52nd Ave, Dixon, IA, 563-328-3286 Come learn about the many wild edible plants in your neighborhood. We will focus on identifying plants, foraging basics, and preparing wild edibles. At the end of the program you will get to sample some wild flavors!
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center: Kayak Experience
Wednesday, June 7, 1:00-3:00pm, Scott County Park – 18850 270th St, Eldridge, IA, 563-328- 3286 Join Director/Naturalist of the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center Dave Murcia for an adventure with kayaks! Whether you are a beginner or regular kayaker, come out and learn the basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety techniques and taking a tour of Pride Lake.
Gumbo Ya Ya
Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10, Great River Plaza – Rock Island, IL, $9/one night, $14/two night, 800-7477800 One of The District’s signature events Gumbo Ya Ya is held on the Great River Plaza. This unique two-night festival brings the atmosphere of New Orleans to downtown Rock Island. New Orleans style jazz, Creole, zydeco, and funk music will thrill your ears, while Louisiana style food will electrify your taste buds!
Music on the Levee
LeClaire Park – 400 West Beiderbecke Dr, Davenport, IA, 563-326-7711 Each Sunday night from June 9 to August 15, enjoy the free Music on the Levee at 7 p.m. along the banks of the Mississippi River. See www.cityofdavenportiowa. com/parks for the band schedule.
Nahant Marsh: Pond Study
Saturday, June 10, 10:00-11:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $3 Member, $6 Guest, 563-336-3370 Discover the fascinating creatures that live in the marsh Using dip nets, participants will catch ghost shrimp, dragonfly nymphs, water boatman, and more! Participants will learn about pond life, food webs, water quality, metamorphosis and adaptations. This fun, educational activity is perfect for families looking to explore the outdoors.
Nahant Marsh: Wild Foods and Native Herbs
Saturday, June 17, 10:00-11:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $5 Members, $10 Guest, 563-336-3370 Early summer is a wonderful time to harvest and collect many types of wild edibles. Participants will learn about common wild plants, including how to harvest them and how to incorporate wild foods and medicinal plants into your gardens.
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eddy C A L E N D A R Quad Cities Triathlon
Saturday, June 17, 7:00am, West Lake Park – 14910 110th Ave, Davenport, IA, 563-328-3286 Come watch the 18th Annual Quad City Triathlon held at West Lake Park. Participants will be swimming 600 yards, biking 15 miles and running 3.1 miles. Spectators are welcome. For information contact: ericsarno@msn. com or visit: www.qctriathlon.com.
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, June 27, 7:00pm, River Action – 822 E. River Dr, Davenport, IA, 563-322-2969 Discuss Bread, Wine, Chocolate: The Slow Loss of Food We Love by Simran Sethi. Meetings are open to the public.
Nahant Marsh: Summer Sunset Hike River Action’s Ride the River—Build a Tryke on Father’s Day Sunday, June 18, 6:30am-4:00pm, QC Times Parking Lot – 500 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA, 563-322-2969 Help build trykes for disabled youth on Saturday, 9-1:00pm, QC Times Parking Lot, then enjoy a bi-state tour of the Quad Cities along riverfront bike trails on Sunday, Father’s Day. Climb aboard the Celebration Belle riverboat from Iowa to Illinois or ride across the historic Arsenal Bridge. Come join the fun with the whole family for this Father's Day tradition! For more information visit www.riveraction.org.
Themed Parks!-Nature Day
Wednesday, June 21, 10:30-11:30am, Prospect Park – Park 16th St, Moline, IL, 309-524-2424 Kids will learn all about nature during story time with the Moline Public Library and Moline Parks and Recreation. Go on a nature scavenger hunt around the park! Sign up at www.molineparks.com.
Thursday, June 22, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $5 suggested donation, 563-336-3370 Explore the marsh at dusk when the wildlife is abundant. Sunsets at Nahant are truly a masterpiece painted by Mother Earth. The hike will include the history of Nahant Marsh and information on the flora and fauna found at the preserve.
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center: River Hydrology
Saturday, June 24, 1:00pm, Wapsi River Environmental Education Center – 31555 52nd Ave, Dixon, IA, 563328-3286 Do you like to recreate on or near rivers? Learn about the hydrologic cycle, how the National Weather Service forecast river levels, where to look for information on river levels, as well as information on flooding and drought. There will be an interactive flood model available for attendees.
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1, LeClaire Park – 400 Beiderbecke, Davenport, IA, 563-322-5837 The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival is the only major blues festival in the country that run by an all-volunteer blues society. Come listen to amazing blues and check their Facebook page for updates on bands that will be performing during the festival. Calendar continued on page 14 >
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eddy C A L E N D A R Nahant Marsh: Mussels of the Upper Mississippi < continued from page 13
July
Nahant Marsh: Tour Nahant’s Diverse Tall Grass Prairie
Saturday, July 15, 10:00-11:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $5 Members, $10 Guest, 563-336-3370 Mussels are the most endangered species in the U.S. Learn about the adaptations, diets, life cycle, and history of these shelled creatures. Mussel shells will be shown and students will learn to identify common species.
River Action’s Unlocking Hydropower on the Mississippi River
Saturday, July 1, 9:00-10:30am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $5 suggested donation, 563-336-3370 Join a Naturalist for a special guided hike along the trails at the Marsh. On this adventure, visitors will be able to get a special tour of Nahant’s most diverse prairie. This area is closed to the public and this is your rare chance to explore this beautifully rich area.
Tuesday, July 18, 9:00am-4:00pm, Western Illinois University’s Riverfront Hall – 3300 River Dr, Moline, IL, $25, 563-322-2969 The workshop is designed to bring together hydropower developers, dam owners, energy utilities, clean energy and environmental groups, and federal energy regulators to explore opportunities for the incorporation of hydropower into existing infrastructure in the Upper Mississippi River basin. For more info or to pre-register go to www.riveraction.org/umrc.
Nahant Marsh: Breakfast Nature Club
Rock Island County Fair
Friday, July 7, 8:00-9:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $5 Members, $10 Guest, 563-336-3370 Mussels are the most endangered species in the U.S. Learn about the adaptations, diets, life cycle, and history of these shelled creatures. Mussel shells will be shown and students will learn to identify common species.
July 18-22, 4200 Archer Dr, East Moline, IL, 309-796-1620 Attend the 147th year of the fair to see 4-H displays, the talent show, grandstand events, go on carnival rides, and more!
Themed Parks- Butterfly Fun
Wednesday, July 19, 10:30-11:30am, Riverside Park – 3350 5th Ave, Moline, IL, 309-524-2424 Learn about caterpillars and butterflies during story time with the Moline Public Library and Moline Parks and Recreation. Make a butterfly feeder to take home (butterfly food recipe provided). Stick around and walk through the Riverside Gardens for some additional fun! Sign up at www.molineparks.com.
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, July 25, River Action – 822 E. River Dr, Davenport, IA, 563-322-2969 Discuss The Soul of An Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery. Meetings are open to the public.
Bix 7 Run/Walk
Saturday, July 29, 8:00am, LeClaire Park – 400 Beiderbecke Dr, Davenport, IA Be sure to participate or watch as over 20,000 competitors participate in the annual Quad-City Times Bix 7 Run/Walk - one of the top ten running events in the United States. For more information visit www.bix7.com.
Red, White, & Boom!
Monday, July 3, 6:00-10:00pm, 563-322-1706 Rock Island and Davenport's annual July 4th 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.
Nahant Marsh: Wildflowers
Saturday, July 8, 10:00-11:00am, Nahant Marsh – 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IA, $3 Members, $6 Guest, 563-336-3370 Wildflowers are in full force this time of the year in our prairies. In this familyfriendly program, we will take a journey into the prairie and learn all about native wildflowers.
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Mail to: River Action, Inc., 822 E. River Dr., Davenport, IA 52803 or email selections to: brodts@riveraction.org May/June/July 2017 2017 | eddy Magazine
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