Volume 6, Issue 2 | May/June/July 2016
A PUBLICATION OF RIVER ACTION, INC. www.riveraction.org
Connecting people to the river
2016 eddy Award Winners
Going against the Current : : : : : : : :
More Inside: eddy Award Winners Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks When the Mississippi Ran in Reverse eddy Calendar
PUBLISHER’S LET TER
Read and Be Inspired
T May/June/July 2016 _______
Volume 6 Issue 2
KATHY WINE, Publisher / Executive Director BETH CLARK, Managing Editor, Milepost Ventures, LLC. JEFF VanECHAUTE/pi design, inc., Design EILEEN SIPES, Calendar Editor Contributing Writers EILEEN SIPES, River Action Staff KATHY WINE, River Action Staff STEPHANIE DRAGO, River Action Staff Printing Services JOHNSON PRESS of AMERICA © eddy Magazine and River Action, Inc., all rights reserved, 2016. 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
his awards issue, perhaps more than any other, has an unabashed missionary purpose. We hope you will share it with as many people as possible. It is one of the easiest and most exciting ways to show the spectrum of work in which designers, educators, leaders, farmers, and elected officials are immersing themselves today, and the leadership they provide in bringing together so many disciplines in revitalizing the Mississippi River. If you need a lift, read it and be inspired. Kathy Wine Nominations for Eddy Awards are made by people who have special insights into what an eddy means. The awards go to people who have gone against the current, as in an eddy, to get things done on the river. Winners also have an impulse to do good, compounded by a much greater awareness of the importance of community service which is ingrained in them. This is all good news, and why we look forward to doing the awards so much each year. This year’s winners had no trouble finding worlds of need. Projects originate in some kind of disjuncture, and there is a need for a vision of connection to start each plan. Themes of guts, determination, and endurance somehow always find their way into most stories of success. Deliberations by the jury always revolve around what was hard about making a plan a reality. This year, like every other, these remarkably daring, focused, and determined folks built some great programs and projects. We live in an interconnected watershed, a place where people you might not have heard about, as well as those you have, are influencing the way we live. Read about Brian Parkinson, a farmer, and the effect he is having on the environment and his neighbors. Leadership unleashed by Tim Huey in creating a zoning that is the first of its kind in Scott County, points up more connectedness. Metro and Renaissance Rock Island connected excellent residential design and affordable housing with transit. Bill Gluba found ways to take the Mississippi River and make it great. Sheer stick-to-itiveness resulted in the Riverdale MRT, the Mississippi River Eco-Tourism Tours, and an education center. Those with vision, like Pat Stolley, Josh Rose, and Dick Bittner, are influencing the way we live with art. Zach Peterson reminds us of the power of good design, and Lisa Whalen proves there is much to learn on the water. What our award presentation on Earth Day really honors is a INSIDE THIS ISSUE collection of elite doers. They are leaders with 4 2016 eddy Awards outstanding resumes and are disproportionately by Kathy Wine gifted with the talents needed to build much 10 Featured Stories needed programs and projects in the Quad 10 The RiverStages Education Series: Cities.
Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks by Stephanie Drago
Published by River Action, Inc. 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803 563-322-2969 www.riveraction.org To Advertise: Contact Beth Clark 309-269-3455 or contact Deb Girard at debgirard@hotmail.com. For rates, ad dimensions and deadline information email BethC@milepostventures.com To Subscribe or become a member of River Action: call 563-322-2969 or visit www.riveraction.org
On the cover: Top row: Richard Bittner, Josh Rose, Pat Stolley, Zach Peterson, Lisa Whalen
11 When the Mississippi Ran in Reverse, by Stephanie Drago
12 eddy Calendar:
May, June, and July by Eileen Sipes
Second row: Mark Roberts, Brian Hollenback, Jeff Nelson, Sonya Paddock, Bill Gluba Third row: Brian Parkinson, Tim Huey, Pat Bolton, Tom Bolton, Walt Bassow
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.
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eddy AWARDS
Each year we take special care to honor the individuals and organizations that we feel best represent the spirit of true river action. Introducing the eddy
2016 eddy Awards — By Kathy Wine
Art eddy Award for “Lincoln with Boy on Bridge” Richard Bittner/Bechtel Trusts It is mesmerizing; it informs as well as delights, and we applaud Dick Bittner with Bechtel Trusts for the vision of placing this public art in Bechtel Park in view of the river. If there is something about Lincoln’s part in Quad City history that is being shown, it is likely that Dick Bittner had something to do with it. Interested in Lincoln’s greatest case in which he defended the Rock Island Bridge Company and the Railway Company when they were sued by the owners of the Effie Afton, Mr. Bittner, a lawyer, writer, historian, trust officer, community activist and outdoorsman himself has been instrumental in making known Lincoln’s legal vision, courtroom prowess, and pivotal role in advancing the transcontinental railway in Davenport. He shared several Lincoln quotes at the statue dedication in February, one of which was Lincoln’s response to the son of the bridge engineer who gave him knowledge of river currents, “I’m glad I came out here where I can find a little less opinion and a lot more fact.” It appears Mr. Bittner’s going against the current was also Lincolnian. He has used the resources of history to inform our civic life.
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Art eddy Award for Supporting Art in the Quad Cities Pat Stolley and Josh Rose
This year, we recognize leadership in supporting area artists. Pat, with an understanding of construction, how buildings go together, and especially the acoustics in them, partnered with Josh who had the desire to lure a young audience and artists to Rock Island’s 3rd Avenue. Together, they brought an underused building to life. As artists themselves, Pat has a band, and Josh is an artist, they never limit themselves, but live in the future. In creating something remarkable in their building, they have created community, too. Extending art from The District and venturing into the East End, since 2014, when they took over the building, they have remodeled, offered discount space for artist studios, created a recording studio, and offered affordable practice spaces. With Rozz-Tox next door, they have been able to offer sound set ups for those concerts. Their joint mission has been to add more life, diversity, and culture to the 3rd Avenue neighborhood. Now there are all sorts of overlapping events, and through their hard work, they have brought fresh life to the art and music scene in Rock Island.
photo: Jeff VanEchaute
Award recipients for 2016:
eddy AWARDS
Design eddy Award for River Heritage Park Zach Peterson
Zach’s design plan aims to revive a distressed industrial site without losing its surviving assets, those of a working riverfront and fantastic views. This project draws people closer to the river. It is discreet in design within a setting of public trails, parking, and a future touchdown for the First Bridge project. Landscapes are for the long haul, and this park design underscores the remarkable power of good design. Zach has incorporated the Government Bridge work into the railings on the seawall, and the meandering river is incorporated into the river promenade. As we congratulation Zach on his eddy Award, we acknowledge another he will receive this month. He will be given an Honor Award for the design of River Heritage Park from the Iowa Chapter the American Society of Landscape Architects!
Education eddy Award for Mississippi River Programming Mark Roberts/Mississippi River Eco-Tourism Center When you read all that Mark Roberts, Education Director, has done you wonder if anyone else has done what he’s done. In a state of the art center on the Mississippi River at Rock Creek, he has built permanent displays and received special traveling exhibits. The next two involve riverbanks with a special emphasis on the box turtle in and around sand prairies on the Upper Mississippi, and the traveling exhibit of a 69-foot rattlesnake skeleton, due to open May 1st. According to our jury, the hardest task he has undertaken is “The Heron” and the many tours he has given on the backwaters. Operating a large pontoon boat is one thing, but the variety of tours, the number (at least 200 each summer) and the fact that he makes the program sustainable without passenger fares (a Coast Guard ruling requires that there be no charge for the narrated trips) is truly remarkable. Whether you take an eco-cruise or visit the many displays, The Center has put together a package of facilities and services that will rival any on the river.
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eddy AWARDS
Education eddy Award for Environmental Education and Outreach Lisa Whalen A whip smart teacher not content to limit lessons to the classroom, Lisa has opened the eyes of her students to the outdoors. She uses the internet, teams, community speakers, field trips to Nahant Marsh, Duck Creek, Lost Grove Lake, and the river all to conduct water testing, observe insects, waterfowl and plants.
She’s dynamic, positive, and real, and we are only at the beginning of her special brand of outdoor education; she would like to see a science academy in her school district in the future. In other words, Lisa is fearless. Following her curriculum and seeing the faces of her excited students makes us think we should all get out of our buildings more and question, am I smarter than a Lisa Whalen 5th grader?
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Revitalization eddy Award for The Locks and District Station MetroLINK/Renaissance Rock Island With persistence and resourcefulness, this team of Jeff Nelson, General Manager of MetroLINK, and Brian Hollenback, Executive Director of Renaissance Rock Island, has gone from ambitious project to ambitious project. They have that rare combination of talents and resources to accomplish big developments such as the square block project known as The Locks and District Station in Rock Island. Talents such as untethered creativity and commercial savvy answered the need for more market driven housing. In 2011, they created a Transit Line to Development Plan that called for market rate housing and a connection to inner city transit. Construction began in 2014, and when finished in 2015, 100 people were on the waiting list; every unit was taken two weeks after rentals began. With their great sense of innovation, these two men know what we are going to want to do before we do.
eddy AWARDS
River Activity eddy Award for Riverfront Trail Mayor Sonya Paddock, City of Riverdale The Eddy Award recognizes those who have taken the responsibility to promote projects and address the questions of how something will actually be funded and work when completed. The Riverdale extension of the Mississippi River Trail is one such integrated, long-range project successful because of Mayor Sonya Paddock. Challenged by homeowners not wanting the trail, US 67 design trials, and funding in a setting of a city of less than 1,000 population, she has tackled them all. The resulting trail that links Duck Creek Trail, the Mississippi Trail, Alcoa, and the entrance to Scott Community College, is an asset that looks like it has always been there. We know differently, and the jury applauds the hard work of taking it from the design stage to completion.
Stewardship eddy Award for Best Farming Practices Brian Parkinson
Two things you should know about Brian Parkinson, a Rock Island County farmer: he wants to make the world a better place, and he doesn’t wait for someone else to do it. With invention and innovation, he modified his corn and bean planters in the 1990’s to plant no-till. And today he has gone undercover. He uses cover crops on his 1,300 acre farm to help slow soil erosion, increase soil organic matter, reduce compaction, and improve soil health. After experimenting with rye for several years, he can tell us cover crops do all of these things as well as reduce input costs and consequently increase profitability. Cover crops and no-till go together, he says, because they control erosion, keep nutrients in the field, and protect water quality. His grassed waterways, buffer strips, and terraces contribute to that, too. Brian is a steward of the land; he goes beyond saving topsoil to building it. He works with the Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rock Island, and shares his conservation success with neighbors.
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eddy AWARDS
Stewardship eddy Award for Conservation Zoning Tim Huey
In an era of polarization, it is easy to forget that bipartisan efforts are invariably the best way to tackle problems that need to be addressed. When that is done, it is not just a vision, it is a reality. Such was the case at Lost Grove Lake when developers were eyeing the site. Tim is that man who would save the Lost Grove Lake water. Believing in sustainable growth, he helps the county decide how to best control its natural resources. As its Economic Development Director, he has had to find the balance between development and preservation. Having studied the Park View development during a period of time, he realized that development and housing around Lost Grove Lake, if implemented in the same way, would be detrimental to the lake’s water quality. He prepared zoning that would prohibit development and assure conservation in the acres surrounding the north Scott County lake, and as a result, the water tests very clean today. Fishing and recreation flourish as a result of Tim’s zoning plan and Scott County’s action.
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Volunteer eddy Award for River Involvement Tom and Pat Bolton
Tom and Pat believe people are basically good, and if you give them the opportunity to be good, they will be. This is how the couple have such a big following of volunteers for the many programs and projects they undertake for the Coast Guard Auxiliary including travel to distant disaster areas like Katrina, the Quad City Bicycle Club, and River Action. Whether it is mounting a large safety plan with 16 boats for Floatzilla, creating the Grand Excursion Bike Ride from the Quad cities to St. Paul, volunteering for TOMRV, showing up at every Tune Up for Taming event and patrolling and guiding paddlers, completing a flotilla of boats for Taming of the Slough, selling thousands of helmets for participants on Ride the River, or cleaning up a Channel Cat dock, the Boltons, the true Power Couple, inspire all who know and work with them.
eddy AWARDS
Special Recognition eddy Award for River Leadership Bill Gluba
Bill likes to work big; it is a metaphor for his success. The Eddy Jury found his many successes on the riverfront worthy of special recognition. When asked where his passion for the river comes from, he answers ‘from his childhood and his academic studies that delved into why his ancestors settled here.’ Often, as mayor, he declared his mission was to build a world class riverfront on the Mississippi. To that end, he sold Viking River Cruises on the idea of making Davenport a Port of Call, led efforts to tear down storage buildings at the site of what is now the spray park in Centennial Park, led the tearing down of the Dock Restaurant, cleared the site, and created green space, established Veterans Memorial Park and preserved 43 acres of land for future park expansion, and was a founding member of the Mayor’s Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative, a national advocacy group. Mayor Gluba worked closely with the Levee Commission and contributed greatly to RiverVision planning during his service as mayor from 2008-2016. Revive, but don’t lose, a major asset was his watchword. It is also his great legacy.
Volunteer eddy Award for Major Gifts Walt Bassow
Captain Walter Bassow so ably runs his barge business, Mississippi River Fleeting, Buffalo, Iowa, that few would know how generous he is with his tow, barge, and time for non-profit groups. For twenty years, he has pushed upstream on Father’s Day to carry bikes from Bettendorf to Moline on Ride the River. This has required resourcefulness when currents have been swift, docking has been difficult, and bringing loading ramps and life jackets has proved to be challenging. Yet, every year, Walt gives up Father’s Day to volunteer and perform these duties at no cost to Ride the River. In addition, he stages Red, White and Boom, and he invites participants on Riverine Walks, to tour one of his six tows and hear about the barge industry past and future. Walt is a volunteer extraordinaire!
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FEATURE STORY
The RiverStages Education Series:
Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks — By Stephanie Drago
E
very 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 newly renamed RiverStages Education Series, which includes interactive classes in two formats, Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks. Both formats offer one-a-kind classes led by distinguished professionals from the Quad Cities. Channel Cat Talk participants tour the Mississippi River aboard the Channel Cat Water Taxi, while experts narrate where Riverine Walk
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participants explore the Quad Cities through a series of guided walks. This summer learn about: water quality, the emerald ash borer, the underground rail road in the QC, birding, photography, and much more. 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. For more information or to register for a program please visit www.riveraction.org/ education or call (563) 322-2969. This program is funded by Illinois Humanities Council.
FEATURE STORY
A depiction of the aftermath of one of the New Madrid Earthquakes (PD-US).
When the Mississippi Ran in Reverse — By Stephanie Drago
I
t was 2am on December 16th, 1811 when one of the largest earthquakes recorded in the continental U.S. shook the nation. This event was referred to as one of three New Madrid earthquakes which occurred between 1811 and 1812. These earthquakes were named after the largest settlement on the Mississippi River at the time, New Madrid, Missouri, which sits on a 150 mile long fault system extending into five states in the southern Midwest. The December 16th event was estimated to be a magnitude (M) 7.7, causing the formation of fissures emitting sulfurous smells, the ground to rise and fall, land to sink, trees to bend, and people to fear for their lives. None of the events from these earthquakes were quite as fascinating as what happened to the Mississippi River on February 7th, 1812.
After the M7.7 earthquake of February 7th, massive uplifts were created due to the movement of faults near New Madrid. A thrust fault created a dam that was several feet high near a meander on the river. Due to the change in elevation, water spilled over the dam, causing the river to appear to move backwards. The uplift deformed the riverbed, causing water displacement from the sudden movement of the land, which generated a fluvial tsunami. An eyewitness, Eliza Bryan, described: “At first the Mississippi seemed to recede from its banks, and its waters gathering up like a mountain, leaving for the moment many boats, which were here on their way to New Orleans, on bare sand, in which time the poor sailors made their escape from them. It then rising fifteen to twenty feet perpendicularly,
and expanding, as it were, at the same moment, the banks were overflowed with the retrograde current, rapid as a torrent - the boats which before had been left on the sand were now torn from their moorings, and suddenly driven up a little creek, at the mouth of which they laid, to the distance in some instances, of nearly a quarter of a mile”. This type of phenomenon is known as a seiche, which is temporary disturbance in an enclosed/partially enclosed body of water. Seiches are generally large waves that are created due to high winds or seismic activity, like in the case of the New Madrid Earthquakes. Although this seiche, caused the river to “flow backwards” for only a few hours, the event still managed to cause islands to give way and banks to collapse into the river. There is no telling what the damage will be when the next New Madrid Earthquakes occur. Some seismologists believe that high magnitude earthquakes occur at the New Madrid fault every 200 years, meaning that we are due for the next cataclysmic event. With denser populations near the New Madrid fault, it is likely that we will suffer significant infrastructural damage, thousands of fatalities, and the displacement of millions people. Nonetheless, these events demonstrate the raw power of earthquakes and their ability to deform the land, and even reverse the flow of our nation’s largest river. To learn more about the New Madrid Earthquakes you can visit these sites: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/ states/events/1811-1812.php http://www.showme.net/~fkeller/quake/ mississippi_river_ran_backward.htm
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eddy C A L E N D A R
eddy Calendar
May
Five Monday’s of May Birding
May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, 31555 52nd Ave, Dixon, IL Meet at the Wapsi Center from 6am – 9am. Wander the Wapsi Center and Sherman Park in search of the spring migration, hopefully finding Summer Tanagers, Wood Thrush, and many more wonderful neo tropics. Contact Dick Sayles, 563-676-9616.
Black Hawk State Historic Site Invasive Plant Removal
Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show Team Celebration River Cruises
Location: Celebration River Cruises, 2501 River Dr, Moline, 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 the website, celebrationbelle.com
The Twilight Riverboat
Location: Twilight River Cruises, Wisconsin St, Le Claire, IA, 800-331-1467 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 the website, riverboattwilight.com
Channel Cat Talks & Riverine Walks
Memorial Day through Labor Day, Channel Cat Talks meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Riverine Walks meet Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings; 563-322-2969 The summer is here and that means it’s time for River Action’s Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks, part of River Action’s RiverStages Education Series. Topics vary week by week. Don’t miss out on this fun way to hear about your favorite topics! Channel Cat Talks are $13.50 each. Riverine Walks are $6 for non-members, free for River Action members. riveraction.org.
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Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 5000 44th Street (44th St. & the Rock River) Rock Island, 309-786-8987 The Backwater Gamblers are a non-profit water ski show team that performs free water ski shows every Wednesday and Sunday at 6:30pm, on the Rock River in Rock Island, IL. The shows last approximately one hour with a 15-20 minute intermission in which donations are accepted. backwatergamblers.com
RiverStages Play Reading
Friday, May 6, 7:30pm, Butterworth Center (Library), 1105 8th St, Moline, 563-322-2969 River Action will host the play reading, Spill, by Leigh Fondakowski. A discussion about spills in the Upper Mississippi will follow the reading. riveraction.org
Breakfast Nature Club
First Friday of each month, 8-9am, Nahant Marsh Ed Center, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, 563-323-5196 Learn the secret life of Iowa’s wildlife during this monthly class at Nahant Marsh. Each month we will explore the characteristics and adaptations of a group of local flora and fauna. A continental 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 join in a “coffee talk” after and share stories of wildlife encounters and anything nature related. nahantmarsh.org, for schedule and fees.
Nahant Marsh Nature Hike
First Saturday of each month 9-10am, 4220 Wapello Ave, Davenport, 563-323-5196 Join our naturalists for a guided hike around the Marsh. Trails are mostly flat terrain making this guided hike perfect for everyone. Grab your binoculars or camera and explore the wonder of the wetlands! nahantmarsh.org
Saturday, May 7, 9am, meet at Singing Bird Center, north of 46th Ave (IL Rte 5, Blackhawk Rd) at 15th St in Rock Island, 309-788-9536 Come help remove Garlic Mustard. If left unchecked, this invasive plant will destroy the biodiversity of the forest. Trash bags will be supplied, but bring work gloves; long pants are advised. If you wish to take your garlic mustard home to eat, bring your own collection bags. blackhawkpark.org
Quad City Get Out and Trail (GOAT) Event
Saturday, May 7, 9am-1pm, QC trail, Bettendorf.org/ parks, 563-344-4113; cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks, 563-328-7275; molineparks.com, 309-524-2424; Rigov. org, 309-732-7275 May is Bike Month! Walk, jog, bike, rollerblade as much or as little of the many trails as you want in any direction and starting from any location. Various hosts will be located throughout the loop from 9am-1pm and will have refreshments available. This is a free event and no registration is needed. Maps of the routes are available at any of the web sites listed above.
Beaux Arts Fair
Saturday & Sunday, May 7 & 8, Figge Art Museum Plaza, 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, 563-326-9042 Artists from across the country display their works in downtown Davenport. Artist’s works range across the art spectrum. beauxartsfair.com
Illinois Spring Bird Count
If interested in helping with the Illinois Spring Bird Count, contact Tim Murphy at 309-764-9779.
Mother’s Day on the Marsh
Sunday, May 8, registration deadline May 6, Celebrate Mother’s Day while you enjoy a leisurely paddle around Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge. You do not need to bring your Mother, although it is encouraged! This paddling trip will be held on the Odessa Water Trail and is open to the public. Registration is required and participation is limited so make sure you register early. If you do not have your own kayak or canoe we have some available for rent. Participants should pay the day of the event with cash or check.
eddy C A L E N D A R
The trip is open to everyone but children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This trip is an official Odessa Water Trail event cosponsored by Port Louisa Wildlife Refuge and Louisa County Conservation. louisacountyconservation.org
FOX: Family Outdoor eXploration
Every second Saturday of the month, 10-11am Grab the family and explore the wonders of the outdoors at Nahant Marsh. There are so many fun, engaging and amazing things to discover at the Marsh. Together, families will learn about our local plant and animal communities through hands-on activities. nahantmarsh.org for schedule and fees
John Deere Family Houseboats
photo: Jeff VanEchaute
Tuesday, May 10, 6-7pm, Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Ave, Rock Island, 309-794-0991 Director of Programs and Collections for the William Butterworth Foundation, Gretchen Small, will be presenting “Houseboats on the Mississippi.” For over 40 years the Deere and Butterworth families owned houseboats which traveled along the Mississippi River.
Quad City Audubon Second Wednesday Birding
Wednesday, May 11, 7am, Marquette Landing, Davenport Meet at Marquette Street landing at 7am, and then drive to the River Bend Wildland Trust property off of Andalusia Road. We will view Eagles and Heron Rookery. Contact Dick Sayles, 563-676-9616.
Quad City Audubon Monthly Meeting
Thursday, May 12, 7pm, Butterworth Center, 1105 8th Street, Moline, 563-676-9616 Andrew DiAllesandro, Private Lands Biologist, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will present a program on, “Habitat Restoration and the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program”. It will include helpful tips on habitat restoration on private property and how U.S. Fish and Wildlife can help.
Bike-To-Work Week / Bike-To-Work Day
May 16-20, area Quad City participating businesses are offering discounts. Your helmet is your ticket to area business discounts! Bike to Work Day (May 20) is an annual event across the United States and Canada that promotes the bicycle as an option for commuting to work. Bike to Work Day was originated by the League of American Bicyclists in 1956 and is a part of Bike-to-Work Week, which is in turn part of National Bike Month. quadcitiesbicycleclub.org
Eagle View Group, Sierra Club Program Meeting
Monday, May 16, Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL, 309-797-4416 Book Club meets from 6-6:45pm, followed by program at 7pm. Book Club will discuss Slow Food Nation: Why Our Food Should Be Good, Clean and Fair, by Carol Petrini and Alice Waters. Program: Eric Anderson, Executive Director of River Bend Wildland Trust. sierraclub.org/illinois/eagle-view
Black Hawk Hiking Club Hauberg Memorial Hike
Saturday, May 21, 2:30pm, Loud Thunder Forest Preserve (see directions below) John Hauberg, founder of the Black Hawk Hiking Club, was also part of the group who established Loud Thunder Forest Preserve where one of the trails is named for him. Today we will hike in honor of Mr. Hauberg. Sandy Cline will present a brief tribute to John Hauberg as we remember his many contributions. A potluck dinner will follow the hike. Bring a dish to share, table service and a cup. You may also wish to bring a folding chair. Beverages will be furnished, and electricity is available for crockpots. From US 67 South in IL, take IL 92 West through Andalusia. Turn right at the Park’s entrance. Continue past Lake George and turn left at the next road. Follow HIKE signs to Deer Haven Shelter. blackhawkhikingclub.org
59th Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon – SUP’s welcome
Sunday, May 22, Des Plaines River, 847-604-2445 The Des Plaines River Canoe and Kayak Marathon, founded in 1958 by Ralph Frese, is the second oldest continual canoe race in the United States. The race is 18½ miles on the beautiful and historic Des Plaines River. There are numerous classes to accommodate people of all ages and levels, with a 5.25-mile noncompetitive Minithon option. Everyone is welcome to participate. First time participants, repeat paddlers, and serious competitors can all enjoy the excitement, challenge, and camaraderie that this historic event provides. canoemarathon.com
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, May 24, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, 563-322-2969 Discuss, Cows Save the Planet: And Other Improbable Ways of Restoring Soil to Heal the Earth, by Judith Schwartz. Book discussions are free and open to the public. riveraction.org
Saukenuk Paddlers Canoe and Kayak Club Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, May 25, 7pm, Red Cross Building, 1100 River Dr, Moline, 563-359-5974 Saukenuk Paddlers is an active club that paddles whitewater and flatwater in canoes, kayaks and sea kayaks. Meetings are held the last Wednesday of every month (except November and December) and are open to the public. Paddling adventures are scheduled for almost every weekend from ice out until the leaves fall. (Meetups are posted on meetup.com) saukenuk.org
Presentation by Iowa artist Nancy Purington / RiverStages Play Reading
Thursday, May 26, 5:30 & 7pm, Figge Art Museum (River Views Exhibit), 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, 563-322-2969 Iowa artist Nancy Purington presents, “Futuristic Rhythms: Currency and Change.” Following the 5:30 pm presentation, Purington will sign copies of her book Moonlight on the Mississippi, a collection of paintings and photographs of the Mississippi River. At 7pm, two short plays on environmental themes by Minneapolis-based playwrights Theo Goodell & Rachel Jendrzejewski will be presented in the auditorium, followed by a post-play discussion with the playwrights. This will be the official launch of WVIK’s “RiverPlay Podcast Series.”
RiverStages Play Reading / Riverine Walk
Saturday, May 28, 9:30am, Midwest Writing Center, 225 E 2nd St #303, Davenport, 563-322-2969 A nature walk along the river followed by a writing workshop with writing prompts, conversation, and music! Writers of all walks of life and levels of experience will create radio plays. riveraction.org
The 51st Annual Quad Cities Criterium Returns to Village of East Davenport Monday, May 30, Village of East Davenport The Quad Cities Criterium, contested each year on Memorial Day, provides a challenging and exciting course in the Village of East Davenport. This setting gives cyclists and fans alike a great day of racing and fun. This marks the 51st running of the Quad Cities Criterium. quadcitiescriterium.com
June
Moline Centre Summer Concert Series
Every Thursday evening, Bass Street Plaza, corner of River Dr and 16th St, Moline, molinecentre.org
Friday Live at 5 – Summer Concert Series
Every Friday, June – September, 5pm, River Music Experience, 129 N Main St, Davenport rivermusicexperience.org
Ballet Under the Stars
June 3, 4, 5, Lincoln Park Classic Theatre, Rock Island, 309-786-3779 Ballet Quad Cities’ annual gift to the community, an evening of dance under the stars at Lincoln Park Classic Theatre. No admission charged! balletquadcities.com
Quad City Audubon Field Trip to Mississippi Palisades
Saturday, June 4, 6am, meet at Brothers Restaurant in Rapids City, IL Meet at Brothers Restaurant and then travel to Mississippi Palisades for resident neo tropics. We will stop for lunch in Thomson, but you are welcome to bring your own. Contact Dick Sayles 563-676-9616.
Music on the Levee – Josh Duffee & His Orchestra
Sunday, June 5, 7pm, Petersen Pavilion, LeClaire Park, Davenport, 563-888-2235 The Davenport Levee Commission presents free concerts at the LeClaire Park Bandshell throughout the summer. All concerts are free. Concessions available.
Quad City Audubon Second Wednesday Birding
Wednesday, June 8, 7am, Marquette Landing, Davenport This week’s destination will be determined at that time. Any question please contact Dick Sayles, 563-767-9616.
TOMRV (Tour Of the Mississippi River Valley)
Sunday, June 11 & 12 A challenging bicycle ride sponsored by the Quad Cities Bicycle Club, TOMRV has been a Midwest cycling tradition since 1978. Every year 1,500 bicycling enthusiasts come to ride the TOMRV tour. They enjoy a well-supported, ride on scenic roads, through Midwest farmland, and grand views along the Mississippi River. On Saturday, bikers will ride Bettendorf through Illinois to Dubuque; on Sunday, Dubuque to Bettendorf. The route is hilly with 6,000 feet of climbing on Saturday and 4,000 feet on Sunday. Best (free) sag stops anywhere. qcbc.org/tomrv
Music on the Levee – The RiverCity 6
Sunday, June 12, 7pm, Petersen Pavilion, LeClaire Park, Davenport, 563-888-2235 The Davenport Levee Commission presents free concerts at the LeClaire Park Bandshell throughout the summer. All concerts are free. Concessions available. Continued, next page >>>
May/June/July 2016 | eddy Magazine
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Music on the Levee – Army Material Command Band
Wednesday, June 15,6pm, Petersen Pavilion, LeClaire Park, Davenport, 563-888-2235 The Davenport Levee Commission presents free concerts at the LeClaire Park Bandshell throughout the summer. All concerts are free. Concessions available.
RiverStages Play Reading
Friday, June 17, 7:30pm, Putnam Museum (Balcony), 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, 563-322-2969 River Action will host the play reading, Two Degrees, by Tira Palmquist. A post play discussion about climate change and political action will follow.
Music on the Levee – Tewanta and Company
Sunday, June 19, 7pm, Petersen Pavilion, LeClaire Park, Davenport, 563-888-2235 The Davenport Levee Commission presents free concerts at the LeClaire Park Bandshell throughout the summer. All concerts are free. Concessions available.
Touring the Wilderness of North America
Sunday, June 19, 2pm, German American Heritage Museum, 712 W 2nd St, Davenport, 563-322-8844 An in person history presentation, as Brian “Fox” Ellis steps into the shoes of Prince Maximilian of Wied; sharing tales of his adventures and travels with artist Karl Bodmer through the American Wild West! photo: Jeff VanEchaute
Museum Week
June 18-26 This is an opportunity to visit museums throughout the Quad Cities and enjoy and learn from the special exhibits featured in this annual program. qcmuseumweek.com
Eagle View Group, Sierra Club River Clean-up
QC Pollinator Conference
Saturday, June 18, 10am-1pm, 563-332-5373 or gmn14r@aol.com River Mile Clean Up at next parking lot up-stream of Celebration Belle in Moline on the Ben Butterworth Parkway. Bags, gloves and grabbers will be provided. sierraclub.org/illinois/eagle-view
Thursday & Friday, June 23 & 24, River Center, 136 E 3rd St, Davenport, 563-323-5196 This conference is geared toward the agricultural community; municipal, state and federal government employees; landowners; homeowners and urban dwellers; beekeepers; students; and educators. nahantmarsh.org
The 17th Annual QC Triathlon
Saturday, June 18, 7am, 608-209-1054 West Lake Park - 14910 -110th Ave, Davenport, ericsarno@msn.com
Music on the Levee – Ken Paulsen Orchestra
Sunday, June 26, 7pm, Petersen Pavilion, LeClaire Park, Davenport, 563-888-2235 The Davenport Levee Commission presents free concerts at the LeClaire Park Bandshell throughout the summer. All concerts are free. Concessions available.
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
River Action’s Ride the River Annual Father’s Day Ride
Sunday, June 19, 6am-4pm, $12 per adult - kids ride free, starting point: Quad City Times buildings, 500 E 3rd St, Davenport, 563-322-2969 Enjoy a bi-state tour of the Quad Cities along riverfront bike trails. Plus, cruise the Mississippi River aboard the Celebration Belle riverboat from Iowa to Illinois. New this year, head up river to Riverdale and ride on the newly opened section of the MRT! See the Pocket Parks placed for your family enjoyment. For more information on the route, registration and packet pick-up, please visit the website at www.riveraction.org
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Tuesday, June 28, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, 563-322-2969 Discuss, The Monkey Wrench Gang, by Edward Abbey. Book discussions are free and open to the public. riveraction.org
Heritage Days
Sunday & Monday, May 29 & 30, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, Scott County Park, 18817 290th St, Long Grove, IA, 563-328-3283 Walnut Grove was a Scott County cross-roads settlement and stage coach stop of the 1860s. The Village includes 18 historic buildings, some relocated from rural Scott County. Pioneer Village has accessible and modern restroom facilities. mycountyparks.com
Saukenuk Paddlers Canoe and Kayak Club Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, June 29, 7pm, Red Cross Building, 1100 River Dr, Moline, IL, 563-359-5974 Saukenuk Paddlers is an active club that paddles whitewater and flatwater in canoes, kayaks and sea kayaks. Their meetings are open to the public. (Meetups are announced on meetup.com) saukenuk.org
July
Red, White & Boom!
Sunday, July 3, 6-10:30pm, Schwiebert Park, along the riverfront in Rock Island Be part of the fireworks over the Mississippi River between Rock Island and Davenport with family activities before the fireworks. www.downtowndavenport. com and www.ridistrict.com
Genesis Firecracker Run
Monday, July 4, East Moline, 309-751-9800 Check out the details and register at www.firecrackerrun.com
Music on the Levee – SwingShift
Sunday, July 10, 7pm, Petersen Pavilion, LeClaire Park, Davenport, 563-888-2235 The Davenport Levee Commission presents free concerts at the LeClaire Park Bandshell throughout the summer. All concerts are free. Concessions available.
Quad City Audubon Second Wednesday Birding
Wednesday, July 13, 7am, Marquette Landing, Davenport Meet at Marquette Street landing at 7am. This week’s destination will be determined at that time. Any questions please contact Dick Sayles, 563-676-9616.
Music on the Levee – Eastern Iowa Brass Band & Big River Brass Band Sunday, July 17, 3pm, Petersen Pavilion, LeClaire Park, Davenport, 563-888-2235 The Davenport Levee Commission presents free concerts at the LeClaire Park Bandshell throughout the summer. All concerts are free. Concessions available.
RiverStages Play Reading
Thursday, July 21, 7pm, location to be announced, 563322-2969 RiverPlay Radio Release Event: celebrating the release of eight new short radio plays written by local authors about local natural places. A collaboration between River Action and WVIK, these plays will be featured on WVIK’s new environmental website, TallgrassQC.org.
QCBC RIGBRAI XLIV
July 23-30, 563- 221-9093 (evenings & weekends) or dxnvy@mchsi.com RAGBRAI, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. Heading into its 44th year, RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in the world. RAGBRAI ends its week-long ride across Iowa in Muscatine this year. ragbrai.com
River Action’s Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, July 26, 7pm, River Action office, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, 563-322-2969 Discuss Living Downstream: An Ecologist’s Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment, by Sandra Steingraber. Book discussions are free and open to the public.
Quad City Times Bix 7 Run
Saturday, July 30, downtown Davenport, 563-359-9197 Run/Walk – One of the top ten running events in the United States. Covering 7 miles, elite runners from around the world fly in to compete in this worldrenown event in downtown Davenport. www.bix7.com
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