eddy Magazine February 2014

Non Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDMontezuma, IAPermit No. 30

C o n n e c t i n g p e o p l e t o t h e r i v e r

Volume 4, Issue 1 | February/March/April 2014 A P U B L I C A T I O N O F R I V E R A C T I O N , I N C . w w w . r i v e r a c t i o n . o r g

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Henry Farnam Dinner

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RIVER AC TION UPDATES

February/March/April 2014 | eddy Magazine 5

We have reached the three-decade mark. Celebrating 30 years of encouraging

good design and the art of making a difference through good design, environmental

education, resources, and recognition. 30 years of

helping families get out of doors and learn the value of

the wilderness.

Since the 1984 launch of River Action, there has been an increase in the number of river events, and as far as we’re concerned,

this is what our stakeholders look for and appreciate. We as an organization have worked hard to provide the communities with these opportunities, but also the information resources needed to make river stewardship possible, and the results are apparent.

It is hard to imagine Father’s Day without Ride the River, but it should not be taken for granted. It takes casts of hundreds to produce it every year. Other signs of health: ticket revenue is up, paddlers in Floatzilla are up. We launched QC Wild Places and Floatzilla in 2010. This showed the pluck of River Action to go forward despite the recession.

For 30 years, River Action has paid tribute to bringing people together to set a new course for the region’s conservation & wilderness areas.

Thirty years ago, River Action was originally founded to focus on public access to the river with riverfront trails, but over the years we have expanded our mission to encompass the health of the river and environmental education while maintaining a continued dedication to connections along and to the river. In that same period of time, the entire number of stakeholders has increased exponentially from a few hundred to thousands, As the public asked, we have responded, and while it increased the challenges we face as an organization, donors have been up for the task. We have worked for public access and a more lively riverfront; stakeholders have made it vibrant with attendance at events and use of the recreation and water trails.

Changed public attitudes have made our job easier and more enjoyable. In the past 30

RIVER ACTION TURNS 30!years, focus on flooding solutions has shifted from floodwalls to floodplain management. Cities have embraced natural buffers rather than mowed edges to creeks. People are more aware of how their actions effect the environment and the economic and cultural health of the community.

Individual behaviors have changed as well. You or someone you know has taken action.

For example, we have sold 3,700 rain barrels to Quad Citians. Cities and counties with incentives for citizens have assisted with the building of rain gardens and permeable driveways at homes. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts have promoted conservation knowing it affects their pastimes. And individuals who shop at local farmer’s markets have helped the environment as have their choices to recycle at home and office.

For 30 years, River Action has paid tribute to the idea that the river’s users should

be its designers, and we continue to support public meetings, forums, and

public input. We find it hopeful to have these trends and insights for moving into the decades ahead.

Help us celebrate the anniversary year by considering adding $30, $300, $3,000 or 30% to your contribution to River Action in 2014. There are many opportunities ahead for us. A footbridge on the original

embankment of the first railroad bridge will promote healthy trails,

improved wetlands and conservation areas will lead to eco-tourism in our

QC Wild Places, and a water taxi in the lower pool will make our riverfronts even

more lively. Breaking the world record for the largest flotilla of canoes and kayaks wouldn’t hurt the image of the Mississippi River as a paddling destination either!

We look forward to what 2014 has to offer and another 30 years of River Action in our community.

By Kathy Wine

6 eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org

A few businesses and residents resisted the

riverfront trail development in the beginning, citing

concerns about vandalism or traffic, even though studies have shown over and over

that it winds up being a good thing. In other cases,

businesses were begging for the trail to go through and setting up ways to attract riders. Today, the demand is there, and we can’t build

them quickly enough.

The evolving RiverWay trail is one reason bike rentals, repair and sales have a steady stream of bikers at bike shops. Through all

the economy problems of the past few years, the growth of trails and bike/pedestrian bridges has been positive year over year over year. This has been true not only here, but around the nation.

Locally, the Quad Cities Visitor Centers offer Bike Rentals at the following locations:

1. Union Station Visitor Center 102 S Harrison Street Davenport, IA 52801 800-747-7800, Ext 834

2. The District Visitor Center 226 17th Street Rock Island, IL 61201 800-747-7800, Ext 835

Bike Rentals are available Early Spring – Late Fall. www.visitquadcities.com

On the 30th anniversary of Ride the River, June 15, 2014, a 30 year timeline will be visible on the trails and trail maps. When the Ride began, there were two and one-half miles of trail on Ben Butterworth Parkway. Today, the Illinois trail totals 65 miles, and Iowa boasts 20. Each segment will be colored and labeled with the year of installation to celebrate and pay tribute to the Father’s Day riders’ contributions over the years.

Also in 2014, River Action will update the RiverWay Trails brochure. Last printed in 2007, it will feature new trails, bridges, both implemented and planned in the 13 cities that make up the trail system. This map will include for the first time the Hennepin Canal and latest trail connections in Milan.

One of the challenges the QCA faces is connecting trails and providing information about where they connect. It is all about accessibility. When the broader strategy is seen, the public can be conscious of what parcels and trail systems can be connected. It helps cities do a better job of prioritizing, to tie it back into the regional and national trails along with other key environmental opportunities along the way.

— by Kathy Wine

Main photo: Bettendorf Riverway trail.Above: Duck Creek Trail


30 Years of Trail Building: A Review and Update



It is an exciting time to be into trails. A lot of pieces are coming together with separate paths from around the area becoming part of the regional RiverWay and national Mississippi River and American Discovery trail systems.

A Bold Vision for Riverdale and BuffaloLeading the effort to convert the important

two-mile Riverdale corridor into a trail for all seasons is Sonya Paddock, newly instated Mayor of Riverdale. Through the leadership of Sonya and the City Council, the city received a federal grant of $494,956 to assist in the completion of the city’s section of the Mississippi River Trail.

This grant was contingent upon raising matching funds ($378,109) from the community, businesses, the city, and additional grants. It was met in 2013; construction is scheduled to begin spring, 2014.

The city continues to seek donations at P.O. Box 364, Riverdale, IA 52722; items available for gifting are:

• Telescope for Bald Eagle Lookout (1 available) $20,000

• Park Bench (7 available) with donor brick or plaque in concrete pad $10,000

• Brick Array of 16 bricks w/logo Company name and logo spaced over sixteen 4x8 bricks $5,000

• 8x8x1.5 Engraved Brick $500• 4x8x1.5 engraved brick $100• Commemorative T-Shirt $20• Non-personalized brick $10The trail will connect Bellingham Road to an

extension across U.S. 67, stay on the north side of the highway, and return to the south side at Fenno Road , the Riverdale city limits.

Buffalo Public Meeting HeldThe city has a bike plan, and within it, an

action program that involves determining the alignment and engineering for the MRT to be completed by Stanley Consultants, Muscatine. The seven miles is planned in three sections that will allow it to be built in phases, also. Attendance at the December 9th Buffalo Public Meeting was high; interest, also. Only one portion proved to need special meetings and drawings and that was the area near LaFarge Corp. and McCarthy Improvement. Concerns about truck traffic on Hwy 22 in those areas will be addressed by the city, IA-DOT, and the planning firm before public review.

At the same time Buffalo is working on the trail, it has begun a river bank stabilization project. It proposes a low, flowering, native shoreline seed mix planted at the edge of the downtown riverfront park, rip rap for shoreline stabilization, and a fishing jetty at the river’s edge.

Bettendorf: Making Biking Better Bettendorf is the process of applying for a

Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists. Currently, there are five in Iowa; the closest is Iowa City. The philosophy is to give transportation choices with biking being a key option.

The organization looks at a number of criteria in determining status: Engineering (i.e. is bike parking readily available? is there a complete streets ordinance?), Education (i.e. is there a Safe Routes to School Program? does the community educate motorists and cyclists on rights and responsibilities?), Evaluation (is there a plan to reduce cyclist/motor crashes? is there a bicycle advisory committee?), Enforcement, (i.e. do enforcement officers receive training on rights and responsibilities of road users? are officers on bikes?), and Encouragement (i.e. does the community have an up-to-date bicycle map? does it host major cycling events?).

“Bettendorf has been making huge strides in making trails that have connectivity in the city,” comments Steve Grimes, Director, Parks and Recreation. “The community response has been phenomenal, and it has helped us find our weaknesses as well as our strengths, so that we are able to continue to work to improve the environment for cycling in Bettendorf.”

Bi-State Regional Commission Leads QC Trail Council in Helping Cities with Trail Building

Bike and pedestrian planners meet bi-monthly at the Scott County Administration Center to receive updates on federal transportation bills. Like most major cities, the region has relied on a combination of local, state, and federal dollars. Amidst the technical conversations, events are discussed, and Bi-State plays a key role in talk about good alignments, engineering, and grant deadlines. Cities and non-profits share progress, challenges, and planning needs; it is a network of trail advocates helping one another improve the trail system. Sometimes it is working through the ‘no’s’ to get to ‘yes’ that members most need. Either way, it helps planners learn what is feasible and what are the best ways to get trails built.

Recently, Bi-State purchased trail counters which have begun to be used collecting data of trail use. They not only help cities determine numbers of users and maintenance needs, but document the popularity of trails and the need for connections, additional paths, or path widening. Wide use of the trails demonstrates a good return on investment, something needed if federal and state dollars are sought.

By leveraging the assets we have across the Quad Cities area, we can have a great urban environment, and we can provide great recreational opportunities along the Mississippi River, too.

Volunteer to Keep the Paths CleanRiver Action’s Adopt-a-Path program is

growing to meet the demands of an expanding trail network while working to keep the recreational trails clean. The volunteer program is an informal agreement whereby citizens, organizations, local businesses and student groups help by picking up trails throughout the year. Volunteers adopt ½-mile sections of the Mississippi River Trail (IA and IL) and Duck Creek Recreational Trail (IA).

Nearly two-thirds of the 50 miles have been adopted. Volunteers are needed and can get more details by calling 563.322.2969 or emailing at [email protected].

Trail Duties Include:• Pick up small items of litter along the path.• The area to be kept clean is the immediate

path and buffer; don’t go down to the water’s edge or into ditches.

• If you find large items, don’t feel you have to pick them up. Give River Action a call, or your community’s park or public works department.

• You don’t have to sweep the path or shovel mud or dirt from it. Use your own garbage bags, or come to the River Action office and pick up a supply. We also have gloves.

• Dispose of your collected litter either in a city trash receptacle or at your home. If you have a large number of bags (or extremely heavy ones), give us a call, and we can arrange to get them picked up. Try to leave them at a location accessible by motorized vehicles.

• Pick up your section as often as you can. Again, this is subjective. You don’t have to do it weekly or even monthly. Perhaps a guideline would be at least every two months during the spring to fall season, in other words, four or five times a year.

• Look for your name on the Adopt-A-Path page on the River Action web site. We thank you!


developing and refining their skill in taking pictures that tell a story.

Two of the presenters are professional photojournalists who have treated us all to quality photographs. Todd Mizener of The Dispatch/ Argus and John Schultz of the Quad City Times both received academic degrees from the University of Iowa. They will talk about the process that they each have developed as they daily meet their professional challenges of taking pictures that tell us something or show us something. They have developed the skill to take great pictures, not mere snapshots, while shooting under the demands of time pressure.

Photographic giant Henri Cartier Bresson said, “Composition should be a constant preoccupation-an organic coordination of visual elements.” Two respected teachers from our region will make presentations concerning the various building blocks for constructing pictures that are strongly composed. Robyn Smith is a Fine Arts Instructor with EICC.

River Action and the Figge Art Museum are co-sponsoring a workshop for

photographers of all skill levels who are interested in exploring ways to improve the quality of their photos. The workshop, Beyond a Snapshot: the Art of Building and Creating Fine Photographs will be held on Saturday, March 8th at the Figge Art Museum. The workshop will begin at 12:45pm and conclude at 4:30pm.

Internationally acclaimed photographer, Joel Sartore, has stated that there are three essential ingredients needed to make a quality photograph--light, composition, and an interesting story. A talented panel will address these various issues in an afternoon of brisk, lively sessions.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that many of the world’s renowned photographers, both past and present, have cut their professional teeth as photojournalists. Day in and day out they were

Beyond a Snapshot: the Art of Building and Creating Fine Photographs — by Brian Tugana

She is an artist specializing in painting and printmaking. Roxanne Westphal teaches digital photography with the Davenport school system. She is a fine art photographer.

Robyn and Roxanne will offer insights to various tools to consider as you compose photos that communicate its message clearly and effectively.

This time is one where some significant innovations to camera technology are reaching the consumer marketplace. Ted Doty the manager of Camera Corner will lead a show and tell to get us up to speed about new and exciting products that expand our photographic opportunities.

Brian Tugana minored in art at the University of Chicago and had instruction from instructors from the Art Institute of Chicago.

OUTDOOR FUN


He will share some of themes both good and bad that he has observed in the seven years he has participated in the Valley Bank Calendar Project.

Many often don’t consider what a rich land of photographic opportunity that we live in. No matter what your photographic area of interest, we live in the midst of a veritable photographic buffet. Participants will receive information of the many diverse shooting opportunities. You might end up being motivated to sample

shooting some subjects that previously you ignored.

The workshop will conclude with an opportunity for presenters and participants to network socialize, and swap insights.

The workshop is free. Reservations are required due to limited seating. To reserve a spot, register on the River Action website www.RiverAction.org, send an email to [email protected], or call River Action at 563-322-2969.


The activity is called geocaching. It is an on-going outdoor treasure hunt where participants use a Global Positioning

System (GPS) to seek out containers, or “caches”. Caches range in size and can be filled with trade-able treasures or simply a logbook to track findings. Coordinates are input into a GPS or a smart phone with GPS capability, which will lead the seeker to the container’s exact location. But caches are not always easy to find. They might be hidden under a log, buried in tall grasses or hanging from the top of a tree! The smallest caches might be no larger than

a thimble, but the average cache is the size of a lunch box or a food container. Geocaching is a family friendly activity for the outdoor enthusiast or the casual seeker. Log on to geocaching.com to get started.

The first documentation of a GPS directed hide-and-seek game was in the spring of 2000. The idea caught on and later that same year the first official geocaching website was created. By 2010, over 1 million geocaches had been hidden around the world and logged online for adventurers to find. Today there are over 2 million hidden geocaches around the globe.

In 2011, River Action joined the geocaching network by adding 12 geocaches in the Quad Cities. River Action has recently partnered with local geocacher Joshua Swanson to re-launch and maintain these geocaches. River Action currently has 10 active caches and 3 archived caches, and is in the process of adding more.

— by Amy Bandman

OUTDOOR FUN!

Cure Cabin Fever with Geocaching

There are thousands of little treasures waiting

to be found in the Quad Cities area. Grab your GPS

or smart phone and hiking shoes and head out into

the wild to do some real-world treasure hunting!

Local geocacher Joshua Swanson uses his handheld GPS to find caches hidden throughout the Quad Cities area.


Joshua Swanson, from Davenport, IA, is a geocaching enthusiast. He first learned about geocaching in September of 2013 and has been treasure hunting ever since. Within just three months of beginning geocaching, he had found over 600 caches in the Quad Cities area! Joshua has completed various geocaching challenges such as finding 24 caches in 24 hours, finding one cache a day for 31 days, and is currently in process of completing the 365 day challenge: finding one cache every day for one year. He hasn’t missed a day yet. Joshua has found hundreds of caches of various types but his favorite are night caches. To find a night cache, the seeker must shine UV lights to find reflective dots and signs that lead to the cache. It is easy to get hooked on geocaching once you discover all the unique and challenging puzzles that are out there.

Although River Action does not have any night caches, there are many multi-caches hidden along the RiverWay, where seekers have to complete a series of steps before finding the cache. These geocaches work as a spin-off of River Action’s eTour. Seekers are directed to locations along the riverfront where eTour questions are asked. Geocachers must utilize the eTour QR Code or audio technology to learn about the site and then answer questions to receive the final coordinates to the cache. Answers are sent to an email address and if the answer is correct, auto responses are generated to provide the coordinates of the cache. These RiverWay geocaches are unique because they provide seekers with information on RiverWay art, history, wild life and other facts about the Mississippi River and riverfront while finding the hidden cache and enjoying the outdoors. All of River Action’s geocaches can be found online at riveraction.org.

But don’t wait until spring to start treasure-hunting. Geocaching has become a year-round activity. Bundle up and join the world-wide community of geocachers and see how many treasures you can find.

A young geocacher helps seek hidden caches.


STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

NEEDED!Want to make a difference

in your community?Want a great leadership

opportunity?Want to get involved

in environmental issues and have your opinions heard?

Apply online at www.riveraction.org or

call (563) 322-2969 for more information.


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FebruaryEarth ExplorersFebruary 5, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportOur Earth Explorers after-school program allows chil-dren ages 10-14 years-old to explore innovative tech-nologies and scientific concepts through creative out-door activities and experiments. For more information and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org.

BeekeepingWednesday, February 5, 6-8pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport Discover the world of beekeep-ing and learn everything you need to get started in this fasci-nating hobby. Learn to assemble your hive so you can have all your equipment ready for your bees to arrive in the spring. Installing bees in your hive, hive health, and of course harvesting honey will all be covered. Text book and notes included. This is a six week course beginning on February 5th and ending on March 12th. Ages 18 & up. Deadline to register is January 31, 2014. Please register at www.nahantmarsh.org

Breakfast with the BirdsFriday, February 7, 8-9am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportJoin us for an informative breakfast about our feathered friends. The class will meet in the first Friday of every month beginning in October and continuing until spring. Each session will cover a group of birds from dabbling ducks to raptors to songbirds. Depending on weather, there may also be a short hike to our bird blind. The trail to the bird blind is ADA accessible. Cost: $5. (includes presentation & hot breakfast, coffee, and juice) To register please call 563-323-5196 or by going to www.nahantmarsh.org.

Toddler Tales: Track that ScatTuesday, February 11, 10-11am, 2-3pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportEven if we cannot see animals, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. We will learn about ways to identify animals without seeing them. Ages: 3-5. Cost $5 per youth. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org

Muddy Boots Wednesday, February 12, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportThe purpose of Muddy Boots Nature Club is to provide youth with the opportunities to learn while exploring nature.

Muddy Boots engages children with hands-on

activities like monarch butterfly tagging, garden-

ing, bike riding, hiking, eco-crafts, and more.

Ages: 6-10. For more information and

to register please visit www.nah-antmarsh.org

Even at -14˚there is beauty to be found if you get out to the waters.eddy designer Jeff VanEchaute captured this shot during January’s bitter cold snap along Ben Butterworth parkway in Moline.

eddy Calendar

Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun FestTuesday, March 4, 5:30-7:30pm, $25 per per-son in advance, $30 at the doorThe taste of New Orleans is coming to the Figge Art Museum on Fat Tuesday! Join local area chefs in the lobby of the museum where they will be cooking Cajun inspired appetizers, entrees and desserts for the 10th annual Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun Fest! Guests will have the opportunity to sample each chef’s creations while enjoying a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. All proceeds benefit the outreach programs of the Figge Art Museum. To purchase tickets, call Natalie at 563-326-7804 x2046. For questions, email [email protected].

River, Prairie & PeoplePutnam Museum Hours: Monday-Saturday: Sunday: Noon – 5pm, Exhibit Hall Pricing: Adult: $7, Senior/Military/Student: $6, Youth: $5, Members: Free. Get a combo ticket for museum admission and a movie - adult tickets starting at $11.50Travel through time along the Mississippi River. First, explore the life ways of the earliest Quad City residents, the American Indians. Examine the infa-mous Davenport Tablets. Do you believe they are fakes? Travel through the settling of the Quad Cities area and discover the roots of the Civil War. See Bix Beiderbecke’s horn while you listen to period jazz. Learn how immigrants from all over the world have made the Quad Cities their home.

Center Ice at Bass Street LandingFebruary, Friday 14 & Monday 17, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pmPublic session admission is $5.00, skate rental $3.00, all sessions are 2.5 hours. For more information call 309-517-1538. www.cen-tericequadcities.com

Earth Explorers Wednesday, February 19, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportOur Earth Explorers after-school program allows children ages 10-14 years-old to explore innovative technologies and scientific concepts through creative outdoor activities and experiments. For more informa-tion and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org.

River Action’s Environmental Book ClubTuesday, February 25, 7pm, River Action office, DavenportDiscuss Humboldt’s Cosmos: Alexander von Humboldt and the Latin American Journey that Changed the Way We See the World by Gerald Helferich. The thrill-ing story of the charismatic explorer who Simon Bolivar called “the true discoverer of South America”. 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, call 563-322-2969.

Muddy BootsFebruary 26, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportThe purpose of Muddy Boots Nature Club is to provide youth with the opportunities to learn while exploring nature. Muddy Boots engages children with hands-on activities like monarch butterfly tagging, gardening, bike riding, hiking, eco-crafts, and more. Ages: 6-10. For more information and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org

Friends of Nahant Marsh MeetingFebruary 26, 6-7pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport

Are you looking to get more involved at Nahant? Then join us at our monthly Friends Meeting.

For more information, call 563-323-5196.

Homeschool: Winter BirdsFebruary 28, 2:30-4pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportStudents will learn about the birds that winter here at Nahant. We will conduct a survey and enter our data at Project Feeder Watch. Ages K-8th. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org.

MarchClimate Change PresentationTuesday, March 4, 6:30-8pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportCome listen to Ray Wolf, Science and Operations Officer for NOAA/ National Weather Service of Davenport, present “The Latest Information on Climate Change and Concerns for Midwest Agriculture and Ecosystems.” Cost: $5. For more information or to regis-ter please visit www.nahantmarsh.org.

Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Show 2014Thursday through Sunday, February 13–16, QCCA Expo CenterFrom boats and tackle to decoys and gear, it’s an Outdoors Show with seminars and presentations from big name fishing professionals. Bring the family to Kids Kamp with a real trout pond, minnow races, and archery. Adults $7, Children 6 yrs-16 yrs $1, under 6 yrs Free.

Valentine Indoor Music and Moonlight WalkThurs., Feb. 14, 6:30-8:30pm, Watch Tower Lodge, Black Hawk State Historic Site, Rock Island. Featuring a full moon stroll outside on a luminary-lit trail and music inside by Just4Fun, refreshments, FREE (309-788-9536) or www.blackhawkpark.org. This event is sponsored by Black Hawk State Historic Site in cooperation with Citizens to Preserve Black Hawk Park Foundation—education outreach for Black Hawk State Historic Site since 1972.



Earth ExplorersWednesday, March 5, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportOur Earth Explorers after-school program allows chil-dren ages 10-14 years-old to explore innovative tech-nologies and scientific concepts through creative out-door activities and experiments. For more information and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org.

Master ConservationistWednesday, March 5, 6-8pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportCome discover the world around you. Topics include urban water and energy conservation, sustainable agricultural practices, and wildlife diversity in Iowa. Participants will receive 32 hours of instruction from March to August 2014, with many of the classes held at outside locations. Each participant is asked to put their knowledge into practice by volunteering at least 32 hours of their time to conservation or natural resource related service. Previous volunteer activities have included prairie planting, seed harvesting, water qual-ity testing, and staffing conservation centers. For more information visit www.nahantmarsh.org. Registrations will be taken at the ISU Scott County Extension and Outreach.

Wildlife Photography WorkshopSaturday, March 8, 12:30-4:30pm, Figge Art Museum, DavenportRiver Action and the Figge Art Museum are co-sponsoring a workshop for photographers of all skill levels who are interested in exploring ways to improve the quality of their photos. Look for the article in this month’s eddy Magazine for more information, or visit www.riveraction.org.

Toddler Tales: Nocturnal AnimalsTuesday, March 11, 10-11am, 2-3pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportDid you know that when you go to bed, there are many animals that are just waking up! We will learn about the amazing traits that help these animals live in the dark! Ages: 3-5 with accompanying adult. Cost $5 per youth. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org.

Muddy BootsWednesday, March 12, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportThe purpose of Muddy Boots Nature Club is to provide youth with the opportunities to learn while exploring nature. Muddy Boots engages children with hands-on activities like monarch butterfly tagging, gar-dening, bike riding, hiking, eco-crafts, and more. Ages: 6-10. For more information and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org

St. Patrick’s Society Grand ParadeSaturday, March 15th, 11:30 a.m. Starts in Rock Island, crosses the Centennial Bridge and ends up in downtown Davenport. For more informa-tion on the parade visit [email protected].

Earth ExplorersWednesday, March 19, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportOur Earth Explorers after-school program allows children ages 10-14 years-old to explore innovative technologies and scientific concepts through cre-ative outdoor activities and experi-ments. For more information and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org.

Breakfast with the BirdsFriday, March 7, 8-9am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportJoin us for an informative breakfast about our feathered friends. The class will meet in the first Friday of every month beginning in October and continuing until spring. Each session will cover a group of birds from dabbling ducks to raptors to songbirds. Depending on weather, there may also be a short hike to our bird blind. The trail to the bird blind is ADA accessible. Cost: $5. (includes presentation & hot breakfast, coffee, and juice) To register please call 563-323-5196 or e-mail [email protected].


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Henry Farnam Dinner, 11th Annual Quad Cities Friday, March 21, Rogalski Center, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Speaker, Douglas BrinkleyCalled “America’s new past master” and “the best of the new generation of American historians,” Dr. Douglas Brinkley is a distinguished professor of history at Rice University and a fellow at the James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy. He thrills audiences with his insights on famous people and events of the past and how they relate to current events. He will speak on Presidents and the Mississippi River. Brinkley is the history commentator for CBS News and a contributing editor for Vanity Fair, Los Angeles Times Book Review and America Heritage. The New York Times selected five of Brinkley’s award-winning books as Notable Books of the Year and The Reagan Diaries was a New York Times best seller. He is also the official biographer of Rosa Parks. Cocktails (cash bar) and displays 5pm,

Dinner 6:30pm and Program 7:30pm. Tickets are $40 per person; reserved table of 10 is $375. Invitations will be mailed in early March to those who received invita-tions last year. For reservations, go to www.riveraction.org or for more information call River Action at 563-322-2969.

Muddy BootsTuesday, March 25, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportThe purpose of Muddy Boots Nature Club is to provide youth with the opportunities to learn while exploring nature. Muddy Boots engages children with hands-on activities like monarch butterfly tagging, gardening, bike riding, hiking, eco-crafts, and more. Ages: 6-10. For more information and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org

River Action’s Environmental Book ClubTuesday, March 25, 7pm, River Action office, DavenportDiscuss Deer Hunting with Jesus: Dispatches from America’s Class War by Joe Bageant. 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 call 563-322-2969.

Friends of Nahant Marsh MeetingWednesday, March 26, 6-7pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportAre you looking to get more involved at Nahant? Then join us at our monthly Friends Meeting. For more infor-mation, call 563-323-5196.

Homeschool: Water Testing & Pond Study Friday, March 28, 2:30pm-4pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportStudents will learn about water testing and the macro-invertebrates found at Nahant and what they indicate about water quality. They will go out and test different sites at Nahant and record data at IOWATER: http://www.iowater.net/. Grades: K-8. Cost is $6 per child. For more info call Brian 563-323-5196 or email [email protected].

Henry Farnam Dinner

march 21

e d d y C A L E N DA R


Breakfast with BirdsFriday, February 7, 8-9am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport, IAJoin us for an informative breakfast about our feath-ered friends. The class will meet in the first Friday of every month beginning in October and continu-

ing until spring. Each session will cover a group of birds from dabbling ducks to raptors to songbirds. Depending on weather, there may also be a short hike to our bird blind. The trail to the bird blind is ADA accessible. Cost: $5. (includes presentation &

hot breakfast, coffee, and juice) To register please call 563-323-5196 or e-mail [email protected].

Toddler Tales: Urban AnimalsTuesday, April 8, 10am-11am, 2-3pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport, IANahant Marsh is con-sidered an urban wetland, so we are going to learn about the animals that have learned to live and survive in our cities! Ages: 3-5 with accompanying adult. Cost: $5 per child, $2.50 per child if member. To reg-ister please call 563-323-5196 or e-mail [email protected].

Muddy BootsWednesday, April 9, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportThe purpose of Muddy Boots Nature Club is to provide youth with the opportunities to learn while exploring nature. Muddy Boots engages children with hands-on activities like monarch butterfly tagging, gardening, bike riding, hiking, eco-crafts, and more. Ages: 6-10. For more information and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org

Earth ExplorersWednesday, April 16, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportOur Earth Explorers after-school program allows children ages 10-14 years-old to explore innovative technologies and scientific concepts through creative outdoor activities and experiments. For more informa-tion and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org.

River Action’s Environmental Book ClubTuesday, April 22, 7pm, River Action office, DavenportDiscuss Plastic: A Toxic Love Story by Susan Freinket. Plastic builds the modern world. But a century into our love affair with plastic, we’re starting to realize it’s not such a healthy relationship. 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, please call 563-322-2969.

Don’t forget to buy a ‘Retain the Rain’ Rain Barrel for April showers!!! Rain Barrels hold 60 gallons, and come with a diverter, mosquito netting, and spigot for a hose! $75 which includes a standard sized diverter, or $80 for a large diverter at River Action, 822 E River Drive, Davenport, or online at www.riveraction.org.

AprilEarth ExplorersWednesday, April 2, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportOur Earth Explorers after-school program allows children ages 10-14 years-old to explore inno-vative technologies and scientific concepts through creative outdoor activities and experiments. For more information and to reg-ister please visit www.nahantmarsh.org.

Environmental Film Fest, 9th Annual Eddy Award Winning Saturday, March 29, Olin Center, Augustana College, 733 35th St., Rock Island, ILAdmission is FREE although donations are accepted. Doors open at 11am. For film information and directions, check out www.augustana.edu/environmentalfilmfest. For more info about Eagle View Group, Sierra Club check out http://illinois.sierraclub.org/eagleview, or contact Kathryn Allen at [email protected]. The public is welcome to attend any or all of the films being screened at the festival. Refreshments will be available.



Muddy BootsWednesday, April 23, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportThe purpose of Muddy Boots Nature Club is to provide youth with the opportunities to learn while exploring nature. Muddy Boots engages children with hands-on activities like monarch butterfly tagging, gardening, bike riding, hiking, eco-crafts, and more. Ages: 6-10. For more information and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org

Homeschool: Bees Friday, April 25, 2:30pm-4pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportStudents will learn about bees. We will go out and investigate and take observations and report our data. Ages K-8th. Register online at www.nahantmarsh.org.

River Action’s Fish & Fire Fundraiser and FriendraiserFriday, April 25, Watch Tower Lodge in Black Hawk State Park, Rock IslandThis annual catfish fry com-bines fundraising and friends. Bid on dozens of silent auc-tion items, enjoy the dinner and entertainment, and be a part of the 15th Annual Eddy Awards Presentation – awards

given to those in our community who go against the current to get things done. For more info, please call River Action at 563-322-2969 or go online at www.riveraction.org.

Earth ExplorersWednesday, April 30, 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportOur Earth Explorers after-school program allows children ages 10-14 years-old to explore innovative technologies and scientific concepts through creative outdoor activities and experiments. For more informa-tion and to register please visit www.nahantmarsh.org.

Friends of Nahant Marsh MeetingWednesday, April 30, 6-7pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportAre you looking to get more involved at Nahant? Then join us at our monthly Friends Meeting. For more infor-mation, call 563-323-5196.


Earth Week Fair 2014, 11th Annual Thursday, April 24 & Friday, April 25, 8:30am- 2:30pm, QCCA Expo Center, Rock Island The Quad Cities Earth Week Coalition (Coalition) invites you to attend the eleventh annual Earth Week Fair. The Fair will be held Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for area sec-ond through fifth grade students. Admission remains free, although registration is required for schools. The Fair will also be open Thursday, April 24 from 3-7 p.m. for the general public. Fair goers will visit over 50 booths with hands-on, educational activities, teaching about different aspects of the environment. They will also participate in a live animal presentation by Pella Wildlife Company with a focus on biodiver-sity and human impacts on ecosystems. Pella Wildlife Company, a non-profit wildlife conservation organization, will also host a booth. All activities are offered free of charge.

Documents

eddy Magazine February 2014