eddy magazine august 2015

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More Inside: : : Floatzilla : : Taming of the Slough : : Green Valley Update Connecting people to the river Volume 5, Issue 3 | August/September/October 2015 A PUBLICATION OF RIVER ACTION, INC. www.riveraction.org Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Montezuma, IA Permit No. 30 Upper Mississippi River Conference and Student Summit October 14-16, 2015 Chuck Oestreich Rev. Robert “Bud” Grant William Stowe James Dion James Patchett Steve Durrant

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Newsletter / magazine for River Action, Inc. of the Quad Cities (Iowa / Illinois)

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Page 1: eddy Magazine August 2015

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

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 5, Issue 3 | August/September/October 2015 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

Non Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDMontezuma, IAPermit No. 30

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

Chuck Oestreich

Rev. Robert “Bud” Grant

William Stowe

James Dion

James Patchett

Steve Durrant

Page 2: eddy Magazine August 2015
Page 3: eddy Magazine August 2015

Stormwater Control, Buried Creeks, and DaylightingAs the July 6, 2015, severe storm showed us, our area’s aging

water underground infrastructure is struggling to manage the volume of rain surging through its veins. To take the analogy further, blown manhole covers reveal serious health problems. During the heavy rain, at Federal Street in Davenport, a manhole cover blew three feet and a fountain equally as high flowed for hours flooding streets and basements in the neighborhood.

Water in storm sewers spends most of its life underground. This intricate network of pipes is designed to control stormwater and hidden creeks. But every now and then, they make their presence known when a heavy rain brings them to the surface flooding parks, streets, and basements—like ghosts moving back into their former homes.

To solve some of these problems, designers such as Jim Patchett of Conservation Design Forum have championed ideas to ease the strain on storm sewer systems and prevent rain from entering the sewers in the first place. Patchett states, “One way to do this is to restore buried creeks and open up some storm sewers, a practice known as “daylighting” that is gaining traction in cities around the country and the world.”

Here in the Quad Cities there have been successful initiatives to strengthen streams that are already above ground; banks have been graded back, as at Duck Creek, to create a larger flood plain , native grasses and flowers have allowed water to percolate into the ground, as at Pigeon Creek and Sylvan Slough Natural Area, and meanders have been put back into the stream itself, as at Mill Creek. But a large rain event still overwhelms them.

Understanding this, we must acknowledge the need to hold stormwater in the upland neighborhoods, areas not usually associated with the kind of flooding seen on River Drive and the neighborhoods at the bottom of the watershed. We need an understanding of how the whole watershed functions, from where the rain falls to its destination; every step along the way, we need to be managing the problem, figuring out ways to store stormwater temporarily and treat it, so we’re not trying to deal with all these problems at the bottom end of the pipe.

One waterway in Davenport’s East Village has been buried for years. The creek flows through a drainage pipe, but some of it is under empty grassland. The City of Davenport has targeted this stream as a possible one to daylight. This is just one green infrastructure idea; there are many more.

We have an opportunity now to shape our future. Let’s start working on it!

August/September/October 2015 Volume 5 Issue 3

_______

KATHY WINE, Publisher / Executive DirectorBETH CLARK, Managing Editor, Milepost Ventures, Inc. JEFF VanECHAUTE/pi design, inc., DesignEILEEN SIPES, Calendar EditorContributing Writers

TIM CHAMBERS, River Action Staff EILEEN SIPES, River Action StaffKATHY WINE, River Action StaffNATHAN SIPES, River Action StaffSTEPHANIE DRAGO, River Action Staff

Contributing Photographers/PhotographsMIK HOLGERSSON

Printing ServicesSUTHERLAND PRINTING

© eddy Magazine and River Action, Inc., all rights reserved, 2015. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express, written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine. This magazine is sold with the understanding that neither it, nor River Action, Inc., its owners or managers, are engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, medical, technical, or any other advice, professional or otherwise. The publication of any advertisement does not reflect the endorsement of any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically sta ted in such advertisement and there is written approval for such endorsement. Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material to eddy Magazine for consideration should not send originals. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other submitted materials must be accompanied by a self addressed, postage paid envelope in return of materials is requested. Return of materials is not guaranteed. eddy Magazine is published quarterly by River Action, Inc., 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803 and is direct mailed to approximately 6,000 area homes and businesses.

eddy MagazinePublished by River Action, Inc.822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803563-322-2969www.riveraction.org

To Advertise: Contact Beth Clark 309-269-3455 or contact Deb Girard at [email protected]. For rates, ad dimensions and deadline information email [email protected]

To Subscribe or become a member of River Action: call 563-322-2969 or visit www.riveraction.org

Kathy Wine

August/September/October 2015 | eddy Magazine 3

O u r M i s s i o n :River Action strives to foster the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront in the Quad City region.

P U B L I S H E R ’ S L E T T E R

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

4 River Action Updates

4 Floatzilla by Nathan Sipes

4 Golf Cart Tour by Nathan Sipes

5 Taming of the Slough by Kathy Wine

5 Fish and Fire: Thanks for your support!

6 Explore the River Series: Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks

7 Feature Stories

7 Upper Mississippi River Conference 2015 by Kathy Wine

8 Bridge Update by Kathy Wine

10 Bike Share Study Conclusion by Tim Chambers

11 Green Valley Update by Tim Chambers

12 eddy Calendar: August, September, October by Eileen Sipes

Page 4: eddy Magazine August 2015

RIVER AC TION UPDATE

Saturday, August 15th, is the best day all year to paddle on the Mississippi. Paddlers get

to spend their morning experiencing the Quad Cities Water Trails as they paddle from one of five launch sites to Lake Potter and Sunset Park in Rock Island. Once at Lake Potter, there are plenty of events and vendors to keep paddlers active.

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

Paddlers enjoying Floatzilla in their own unique way.

16th Annual Golf Cart Tour: September 3rd

Each year, the largest group has won a special paddle trophy. This year, awards will be given for even more categories, including longest boat, best group theme, best costumes and best boat decoration.

Paddlers can register at Floatzilla.org or at Credit Island on Friday, August 14th from 3:30—8:00 p.m., and at the River Action office at 822 E River Drive, Davenport, IA.

The photo for the world record will be taken at 2 p.m.

— By Nathan Sipes

E xplore the riverfront trails on our 16th annual Senior Citizens Golf Cart Tour!

Participants get the opportunity to see and hear all that the riverfront has to offer from the front seat of a golf cart. This is a great opportunity to learn about the past, present and future of many of the riverfront amenities in the Quad Cities area. All narrated tours take place on Thursday, September 3rd, and cost $12.50 per person, per tour. Choose from six unique tours, each approximately two hours in length.

Introduced last year, “Iowa Tour Alpha” focuses on the natural places at Nahant Marsh and Carp Lake. It is offered at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. , and is already fully booked for this year, so be sure to register early next year to secure your seat on a golf cart!

Iowa Tour #1 begins at Credit Island and travels along the Davenport and Bettendorf riverfront, arriving at Leach Park before returning to Credit Island. This tour features many scenic RiverWay overlooks and exciting ports of call. Iowa Tour #1 is only offered at 2 p.m. this year.

Illinois Tour #2 makes stops at Memorial Park, the Col. Davenport House, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Visitor Center and River Action’s green parking lot on Arsenal Island. Another popular tour, the 9 a.m. tour is fully booked, but is offered at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Illinois Tour #3 begins at Sunset Park and travels along the Rock Island and Moline riverfronts, traveling past Sylvan Island and Ben Butterworth

Parkway before returning to Sunset Park and is offered at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Illinois Tour #4 starts at the east end of Ben Butterworth Parkway at 55th street in Moline and travels through East Moline and Hampton to the Village of Rapids City before returning to Moline. The tour includes stops at The Quarter and Empire Park in East Moline, Hampton’s Riverfront Park, Illiniwek State Park and Lock & Dam 14 and is offered at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Ride along the newest segment of the Great River Trail on Illinois Tour #5. It begins in Rapids City at Shuler’s Shady Grove and travels through Port Byron and all the way to Cordova before returning. It is offered at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Tour #4 in 2014 – Participants enjoying the riverfront view.

4 eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org

August Means Floatzilla — By Nathan Sipes

Page 5: eddy Magazine August 2015

August/September/October 2015 | eddy Magazine 5

RIVER AC TION UPDATE

— by Kathy Wine

September 19

Tamingof theSlough

16th Annual Golf Cart Tour: September 3rd

Many thanks to our Silent Auction Donors Act II Transportation &

LimousineActive EndeavorsAledo MainstreetAnn DeSalvoAugustana CollegeAunt Rhodie’sBarrell HouseBatteries + BulbsBix 7Black Hawk Area Education

CenterBlack Hawk MuseumBrent WesselBREW in the VillageBrian WagnerCabot CreameryCafe ExpressCarver AeroCONANCrossfit BettendorfDarrell BushDaytrotterDesoto House HotelDorothy Sheldon, Usborne Books

& MoreDwellingsEileen SipesEric MartExelon Fish HatcheryExpressions JewelersFamily First ChiropracticFigge Art MuseumFlow SUP Co.Freight House Farmer’s MarketGreat River BreweryGreenthumbersHabitat For Humanity Re-StoreHampton Inn & Suites, DavenportHappy Joe’sHeart of AmericaHot GlassHotel JulienIsabel BloomiWireless CenterJack WilhoitJeff LeonardJeremiah Haas

Jerry & Sparky’sJumer’s CasinoK&K True Value HardwareKendall DavisKnilan’s Gift CardLarry RineyLavender Crest WineryLe Claire Olive Oil Co.Leslie BellLight Expressions by ShawMaggie PaulosMajor Art & HobbyMarianne SchroederMartha PaulosMe & BillyMidAmerican EnergyMississippi River Distilling

Co.Mississippi Valley Blues

SocietyMississippi Valley Quilters

GuildMo Brady’sNavarro CanoeNecker’s JewelersNiabi ZooOld Path Farm, Dave &

Eileen SipesPanera BreadPhilip McKinley PlaycraftersQC Botanical CenterQC Intl. Airport/Cathy

RachauQC MarathonQuad Cities FitnessQuad City ArtsQuad City SymphonyRachel Lynda Photography,

Rachel WilliamsRivals Sports BarRiver ActionRiver Music ExperienceRobert’s Photography,

Robert SmiceRock Creek Marina

Roger KeanRozz-ToxRustic Ridge Golf CourseScott Schadler/Celebration

BelleSentry Pool & Chemical SupplySHINE Yoga & BodyworksSoap BoxSt. Ambrose UniversityStarbucksState Street InteriorsSteve Depron: Bike & HikeSuburban Landscape

AssociatesTerry EllenbergThe Root CellarTony VermeerTrek StoreTwilight River CruisesWallace’s Garden CenterWalnut Grove Pioneer VillageWaste Commission of Scott

CountyWatermark CornersWhitey’s Ice CreamWhoa NelliWild Birds UnlimitedWink Kids Project Wine Grab:Marcia LintzGerald & Darlene NeffBrock & Carol EarnhardtTerry OusleyRonn & Telis HofmannBeth ClarkJohn & Marcia WetzelMaggie PaulosJohn & Paddy BlackmanJoe & Shelley ChambersDick & Kay PattersonJim & Donna StandaertDeb GirardLaJuan GaultEileen SipesTom & Kathy Wine

Thank You

Paddlers can expect a cool morning start and a hot pizza party at the finish.

Taming of the Slough 2015 launches at 8 a.m. in Campbell’s Island Slough, Hampton, for a 3.8 mile paddle around the Island. Those participants dock their boats on the Hampton beach and head out to Illiniwek Forest Preserve (3.8 mile paved) to conquer the mountain bike trail (4.5 miles). Finally, the teams and individuals take on the McNeal Perserve in East Moline for the two-mile run.

There are many categories for participants: Individual, Two-person Team, Three-person Team, and the Corporate Challenge which features a 3-person relay competing for traveling trophy and QC bragging rights.

For more information or to register go to www.riveraction.org and click on Taming of the Slough.

Page 6: eddy Magazine August 2015

RIVER AC TION UPDATE

6 eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org

Every summer, River Action offers unique opportunities to explore the Mississippi River and the Quad City area, while learning about important

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

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

New Headsets River Action is excited

to announce our new headsets, which greatly improve the sound quality of presentations onboard the Channel Cat. We also offer the use of these headsets for select Riverine Walks. Our headsets were purchased with a grant award from Scott County Regional Authority and we have recently received a generous donation of headsets from Alcoa. These headsets have made it easier for participants to engage in presentations, creating an even more rewarding experience. Remaining Programs

Please see the Eddy Calendar for this season’s remaining programs.

Channel Cat Talks meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and go from 9:00-10:45am. Meet at Celebration Belle Landing, 2501 River Drive, Moline, IL. Tickets cost $13.50 per person.

Riverine Walks take place every Wednesday (6:30-8:00pm) and Saturday (9:00-10:30am). These walks meet in varying locations throughout the Quad Cities. Tickets for the Riverine Walks are $6.00 per person or free for River Action Members.

For more information or to register for a program please visit riveraction.org. This series is supported by grants from Humanities Iowa and Illinois Humanities Council.

— Stephanie Drago

Explore the River Series: Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks

Page 7: eddy Magazine August 2015

August/September/October 2015 | eddy Magazine 7

RIVER AC TION UPDATE

UMRC Conference—

The River Connecting Us — by Kathy Wine

If there is one central tenet to all there is to learn from working on the Mississippi

River during these challenging times, it would be that very few, if any, stakeholders

can go it alone. Help must come from every quarter—from volunteers to government agencies, and from farmers to city planners. This conference will connect attendees to each.

In an era when research is done by Googling, one might ask, why should I attend a conference?

The answers are:• It is an ideal way to set up opportune

meetings• You will discover what you did not know

but you thought you knew • You will meet people you did not know,

whom you need to know• You will approach complete strangers

because it is encouraged and acceptable!

The October 14-16, Upper Mississippi River Conference and Student Summit will bring people together and spark opportunities through many networking receptions, field trips, luncheons and workshops.

It opens with a wild catfish fry on Wednesday, October 14, at the River Center, Davenport.

The keynote speaker, Jim Patchett, will speak on Thursday morning on “Gray vs. Green: The Role of Green Infrastructure in the Face of an Uncertain Climate”. He will present case studies of sustainable development practices such as ‘daylighting’ creeks and storm sewers successfully.

Friday’s noon luncheon speaker will be Steve Durrant, Alta Planning + Design, Seattle, who will speak on “Have You Heard Mark Twain Too Many Times? The Secret of Getting Ahead is Getting Started.”

Jim Dion, National Geographic, will speak on “Tourism Based on Place: The Geotourism Strategy” summarizing the work he is doing on the Mississippi River.

Chuck Oestreich, League of Illinois Bicyclists, Rock Island, will address alternative transportation and lead a bike ride during Thursday afternoon’s field trip.

The Student Summit will kick off with a talk by Father Bud Grant, St. Ambrose University, with “Ecolibrium: Finding Balance on a Spinning Planet”.

You can learn more at www.riveraction.org or by calling River Action, 563-322-2969.

Page 8: eddy Magazine August 2015

FEATURE STORY

8 eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org

W ith the Kickstarter Campaign ($50,325) behind us, and grants secured from RDA, Silos and Smokestacks, and People for Bikes, we now have $112,000 in start-up funds to match the larger Iowa DOT Recreation Trail grant and

the US DOT Recreation Trail grant. Videos can be viewed at www.riveraction.org.We have added supporting partners who have helped us in fundraising and

building the replica bridge used during Ride the River, June 21. They are: Bill Ashton, Ashton Engineering contributed design; Estes Construction built the structure, Sherwin Williams donated paint; Pro-Build provided lumber; K&K Hardware provided paint, and Joe Erenberger, Y and J Enterprises provided the site and lighting.

To paint the replica bridge, a Tom Sawyer Paint the Bridge Day was held June 13th. Final touches such as signage and ‘railroad tracks’ were attached on the 18th; riders on the Davenport River Heritage Park trail began using it that afternoon to good reviews.

On July 4th, it floated through the Bettendorf Parade on a custom trailer made by Y and J Enterprises and sponsored by Jeff Hill, Estes Construction.

Next steps: Survey work, additional fundraising, sale of historic prints, landscape design, and placing the bridge replica on the RAGBRAI finish on Credit Island.

— By Kathy Wine

Bridge Update:

First Bridge

Page 9: eddy Magazine August 2015

Bike Share: Is it feasible in the QC?

August/September/October 2015 | eddy Magazine 9

F E AT U R E S TO R Y

You may remember Tim Gillman’s article, Bike Share Study Kicks-Off, in the last issue of the Eddy. Well, we are still studying. The bike share feasibility study funded by MetroLink, the cities of Bettendorf,

Davenport, Moline, and Riverdale, Renaissance Rock Island, the Quad City Bicycle Club, and River Action is nearing the end. The study is being completed in five tasks: bicycle share program definition and analysis; community outreach; system planning; business model assessment; and final deliverables. We are currently working our way through the business model assessment and the committee is eagerly awaiting the final report, without which the committee cannot determine whether or not a bike share system is a viable and sustainable option for the QCA.

Since the beginning of the study, the concept of bike share and the idea of bringing this system to the QCA has generated a considerable amount of local press and as a result had raised a lot questions. What is bike share exactly? What benefits does a bike share system offer to the Quad City community? Who is going to pay for it? Who will use bike share? Let’s try to address some of these questions.

What is bike share? On June 2nd the Bike Share Planning Committee and Alta Planning and Design held a community meeting at Center Station in Moline to explain the concept of bike share and to answer any questions individuals has. The meeting also provided the opportunity for community members to share their input regarding the location of bike stations throughout the QCA. Bike share is a relatively new form of public transit, where instead of buses or trains, individuals can rent or borrow a bicycle from automated docking stations.

What are the benefits of a bike share system? Cities across the United States with bike share systems have seen an overall improvement in individual and community health through active transportation, enhanced economic development through improved access to businesses and helping to “Brand” the City, reduced vehicle emissions, improved overall bicycle safety, and a supplement to existing transportation systems.

Who is going to pay for it? Without an analysis of funding opportunities in hand, this is a very difficult question to answer. However, it will likely require a mix of funding from both private and public sources to support a bike share in the QC. Funding options include: federal grants and direct appropriations; city and state funding; advertising revenue and sponsorship; and private, corporate, and institutional donations. Existing systems range from 100% private funding in Miami and NYC, 16% public funding in Denver, and 100% public funding in Washington DC and Columbus.

— Conclusion By Tim Chambers

Who will use a bike share? Likely user profiles in the QC include: residents making trips too long to walk or not convenient to drive or take public transit; business district commuters going out to lunch or making lunch hour errands; college students riding within or beyond campus; people who do not own a car or bike looking for a alternative transportation; and visitors and tourists taking advantage of the Mississippi River and network of trails in the QCA.

Will the Quad Cities join the ranks of other Midwestern cities with bike share, including Des Moines, Madison, Milwaukee, Omaha, and Chicago? The unique geography of the Quad Cities, with six cities in a single metro area, two long riverfronts in two states and tall bluff hills, presents challenges that do not exist in other Midwestern cities. For this reason alone it is imperative to complete a feasibility study, before we decide if, when, and how to bring a bike share to the QCA.

Bike Share Community Input Map, Alta Planning + Design

Page 10: eddy Magazine August 2015

10 eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org

Updates from the Restorative Front: Green Valley Nature Preserve and Hennepin Canal Environmental Park

— By Tim Chambers

The Hennepin Canal Environmental Park is located at Lock 30 on the Hennepin Canal and the Steel Dam

on the Rock River. Just follow 14th Street Northeast to its terminus and you are there. The park is conveniently positioned between the Hennepin Canal and the Rock River, and provides public access to both, with the Hennepin Canal Bike Trail running along the levee just south of the park’s parking lot. Being the only park of its size on the Hennepin canal in the Quad City area, and given its history of neglect, River Action felt it was of utmost importance to restore this unique park site to provide safe access to the waterways and a welcoming place to recreate for the residents of Milan and visitors to the QC area.

To date, River Action, in partnership with the Village of Milan and Illinois DNR, has improved the park’s driveway and parking lot, and has removed woody vegetation that has hidden the canal’s historic lock infrastructure and interpretive signage for years. Following the removal of vegetation, the landscape around the lock infrastructure was seeded with a variety of native plant species specifically selected for the conditions on site. This seeding offers a new aesthetic on site, wildlife habitat and is sustainable, requiring less maintenance through time.

River Action is currently working with civic leaders and community groups in Milan to develop a strategy to fund the remaining

aspects of the Hennepin Canal Environmental park restoration. Future work will include: the dredging of the canal and fish stocking, the restoration of 1.6 acres of mesic prairie, improvement of the portage for Rock River trail users, construction of stairs and a canoe/kayak drag to the riverfront, the restoration of existing park benches and the addition of picnic tables, and environmental educational opportunities for area students including kayak and canoe safety lessons.

Green Valley Nature Preserve, on the other hand, is a 250-acre park just south of John Deere Road off 60th Street in Moline, which offers tremendous opportunities for both active and passive recreation with its convenient location on the shores of the Rock River. Restoration work at Green Valley is part of River Action’s broader Urban Watershed Restoration Project, which aims to improve ecosystem function and water quality in the Rock River Ravines Watershed. This $220,000 project, made possible by Alcoa, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and many other generous partners, is comprised of significant restoration work both on the Black Hawk College campus and at Green Valley. Since the inception of this project River Action and its partners, Black Hawk and Augustana colleges have held numerous volunteer events at both sites to remove some of North America’s worst invasive species; primarily Buck Honeysuckle, Buckthorn, and Privet, in an attempt to restore Oak savannah

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

FEATURE STORY

Page 11: eddy Magazine August 2015

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

and Oak/Hickory forests on the Black Hawk campus and floodplain forest in Green Valley. Positive results, especially the increase in forest understory flora, have already been observed following removal efforts.

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

August/September/October 2015 | eddy Magazine 11

Page 12: eddy Magazine August 2015

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

Princeton DaysFriday, Saturday, Sunday, July 31-Aug 2Enjoy this fun-filled event on River Drive in Princeton, IA, featuring a variety of events. For more information and a schedule of events call 563-320-3416 or visit princetondays.princetoniowa.us

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

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

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

e d d y C A L E N D A R

eddy CalendarAugustBackwater Gamblers Water Ski Show TeamMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 5000 44th St (44th St & the Rock River) Rock Island, call 309- 786-8987 for more information.The Backwater Gamblers are a non-profit water ski show team that performs free water ski shows every Wednesday & Sunday at 6:30pm, on the Rock River. The shows last approximately one hour with a 15-20 minute intermission in which donations are accepted.

Celebration River Cruises Location: Celebration River Cruises, 2501 River Dr, Moline, call 309-764-1952 for more information.See the Quad City Area (Davenport & Bettendorf, Iowa & Moline & Rock Island, Illinois) from a different point of view! The Captain will point out and tell about some of the rich history of the area and the Mighty Mississippi River. You will view the largest roller dam in the world at Lock and Dam #15, as well as the Rock Island Arsenal. Call for dates and times.

The Twilight RiverboatLocation: Twilight River Cruises, Wisconsin St, Le Claire, IA, 800-331-1467, www.riverboattwilight.comThe Twilight Captain brings the history & stories of the river to life. Each afternoon on board features a variety of folk musicians, humorists. Destination Dubuque activities include Museums, an Aquarium, Trolley Tours, Art Galleries, Historical Architecture and much, much more. Call or visit www.riverboattwilight.com for more information.

Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz FestivalFriday & Saturday, July 30- August 2, 6pm, Downtown, Davenport, IA, www.bixsociety.org or call 563-324-71702015 will bring another great lineup of the best tra-ditional jazz in the country to The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival. There will be 18 fantastic jazz bands performing at the three venues throughout the festival. There are multiple special events in addition to the terrific performance schedule. Also demonstrating their jazz proficiency will be members of the Bix Jazz Society Youth Band, carriers of the torch for the next generation.

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

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

Freedom RunThursday, August 6, East Moline, IL, www.freedom-run5k.org for more informationCome out and give something back to your Military and their families - they’ve all given so much to us. You don’t have to run. You can watch, you can cheer, you can sponsor and you can volunteer! However you decide to participate, you’re going to have fun!

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

Volunteer Service DaysSaturdays, August 8, Sept 12, Oct 3, 9am-12noon, Nahant Marsh, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, IAGrab a group of friends or the whole family! Some projects may require heavy-duty work, while others are light-duty. If you plan to bring a large group, please call 563-323-5196.

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

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

Channel Cat TalkTuesday, August 25 or Thursday, August 27, 9-10:45am, $13.50 per person. Call 563-322-2969 for more informa-tion & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Music of the Mississippi River, presented by Ellis Kell, River Music Experience. Listen to songs & stories of the Mississippi River.

Riverine WalkWednesday, August 26, 6:30-8pm, or Saturday, August 29, 9-10:30am $6 per person, (free for River Action members) call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. State of the River, presented by Reuben Heine, Augustana College. Come aboard the floating class-room “Stewardship” to learn about the health of our section of the Mississippi. You will learn that there is much to celebrate, but also important problems to solve. Meet at the north end of Lake Potter/Sunset Park, 18th Ave., Rock Island, IL.

September16th Annual Senior Citizen Golf Cart TourThursday, September 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $12.50 per person, tour specifics available at 563-322-2969Senior citizens can participate in guided riverfront golf cart tours! This activity is sponsored by River Action. The tours will utilize exist-ing riverfront trails and offer participants an opportunity to see and hear all that the riverfront has to offer from the front seat of a golf cart. Choose any of six different tours, three different starting times. All tours are round trip and two hours long: Credit Island to Nahant Marsh, Davenport to Bettendorf, Rock Island Arsenal Island, Rock Island at Sunset Park to Moline on Ben Butterworth Parkway, Moline to Rapids City, and Rapids City to Cordova.

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

Mississippi River, and the towns of LeClaire, IA, and Port Byron, IL, to compete in the annual Tug Fest. Family Day is Thursday, free. Friday and Saturday is $3/day, children under 12 are free. Call 309-523-3705, 309-523-2500 or go to TugFest.org for more information.

River Action’s “Floatzilla”Saturday, August 15, Lake Potter in Sunset Park, Rock Island, ILFloatzilla is a daylong paddling event to raise aware-ness of Quad City Water trails. All hard canoes and kayaks are permitted, no inflatables. Floaters will make an attempt for the largest Flotilla at Lake Potter, 2 p.m., Sunset Park, Rock Island. Join the fun with good food, cold drinks, and live entertainment. Vendors and outfit-ters will participate in the trade show. Different paddle routes are available for all experience levels. Go to RiverAction.org or call 563-322-2969 for more informa-tion, or sign up through www.floatzilla.org.

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

Riverine WalkWednesday, August 19, 6:30-8pm, or Saturday, August 22, 9-10:30am, $5 per person, (free for River Action members) call 563-322-2969 for more information & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. Gold Coast Historic Walking Tour, presented by Marion Meginnis, Historian. Learn about the architecture and history behind the beautiful homes in the Historic Gold Coast Neighborhood in Davenport. Meet at Gaines and 8th St., Davenport, IA

River Action’s Environmental Book ClubTuesday, August 25, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, IA

Toddler Tales2nd Tuesday of each month, 10-11am & 2-3pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportProgram includes a nature-themed story, a craft, and an outdoor adventure. A great way to introduce young children to nature! Ages 3-5. Cost $3. Register at nahantmarsh.org or call 563-323-5196.

Earth Explorers2nd Wednesdays of each month through Oct. , 4-5pm, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportParticipants will learn about weather, wildlife, and geology through science based inquiry & experiments. Ages: 11-14. Cost: $7 for non-members, $5 for mem-bers. Register at nahantmarsh.org or call 563-323-5196.

Muddy Boots Nature Club2nd Wednesday of each month through Oct., 4-5pm, Nahant MarshHands-on activities focusing on wildlife, conservation, outdoor recreation, recycling, and eco-art. Ages: 6-10. Cost: $5 per youth with membership, $7 without mem-bership. Please call 563-323-5196 to register, or visit www.nahantmarsh.org for more information.

Channel Cat TalkTuesday, August 11, or Thursday August 13, 9-10:45am, $13.50 per person. Call 563-322-2969 for more informa-tion & to register, or visit www.riveraction.org. River Landscape Mosaic, presented by Dr. Reuben Heine & Dr. Norm Moline, Augustana College. Study the channel characteristics, riverfront uses & environmental issues from Arsenal Island to Campbell’s Island.

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

Great River Tug FestThursday-Saturday, August 13-16 , LeClaire, IAGet together two teams, a long rope across the

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Quad City Audubon Society Field TripSaturday, September 12,7am, Wildcat Den State Park, Buffalo, IAMeet at Buffalo Shores, Scott County Park (Hwy. 22 just west of Buffalo). Audubon Society field tours are free of charge, open to the public, and led by experienced birders. www.quadcityaudubon.org

Taming of the Slough Mississippi River Adventure Race

Saturday, September 19, 8 a.m., Hampton, ILCanoe/Kayak, Bike, and Run through Illiniwec Park for this 9th Annual Mississippi River Adventure Race! Go to RiverAction.org, or call 563-322-2969 for more infor-mation.

Village of Hampton’s Apple FestSaturday, September 19, 12-4pm, Brettun & Black Museum, 601 1st Ave, Hampton, ILAdmission is free to the event. Varieties of food items, including Mary Jane Nelson’s famous Apple Dumplings, are for sale and benefit the Hampton Historical Society

River Action’s Environmental Book ClubTuesday, September 22, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, IADiscuss The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, by Elizabeth Kolbert. The book discussions are free and open to the public.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and future, unites us socially and culturally, and con-nects communities to invaluable resources and oppor-tunities. This conference targets a multidisciplinary audience. Planners, elected officials, engineers, archi-tects, landscape architects, environmentalist, educators and students are invited to discuss current issues sur-rounding the Upper Mississippi and explore solutions, opportunities and ap¬proaches to incorporating the river in our civic, cultural and personal lives. For a copy of the brochure, or for more information, call 563-322-2969 or go to www.riveraction.org.

3nd Annual Tweed RideSaturday, October 17, registration begins at 10am, ride departs at 12noon from the Freight House, Davenport, IACalling all dapper ladies and gents to join us for a lei-surely bicycle ride along our scenic waterfront as we celebrate an afternoon of fashion, food, and frivolity! Cost: Only asking for a donation that will benefit River Action. Please RSVP on the Tweed Ride Facebook event page or by email to [email protected].

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

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

River Action’s Environmental Book ClubTuesday, October 27, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, IADiscuss The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love, Kristen Kimball. The book discussions are free and open to the public.

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