DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 4, 2021) — Nahant Marsh announced today at its 20th anniversary celebration that it has raised $2.7 million of its $3.7-million capital campaign to continue its mission of protecting, enhancing and restoring the marsh. Funds from the “It’s in Our Nature” campaign will be used to expand conservation, research, educational programming, recreational areas, and trail systems, as well as, purchase 40 acres of ag-land to restore to natural wetlands and prairies and build an operations facility.
Brian Ritter, Nahant Marsh executive director, reflected on the past 20 years and all that has been accomplished to transform Nahant Marsh from an environmental hazard into a habitat that over 1,000 species, including many rare plants and animals, can safely call home. Ritter thanked those who formed the public-private partnership two decades ago that made possible the cleanup of the lead-filled water and soil to restore Nahant Marsh. He also thanked Nahant Marsh supporters and staff, as well as, other community partners for their unwavering support to protect the 305-acre wetlands nature preserve — the largest urban wetland between St Paul and St Louis.
“If you can protect just a little bit of land, it’s incredible the amount of wildlife that comes back,” said Ritter. “River otters, sandhill cranes, eagles, and so many other species have returned and are thriving. Together, we are protecting the habitat and wildlife that cannot speak for themselves, as well as, protecting the Mississippi River and our community by mitigating future flooding.”
Wetlands slow down floodwaters and provide water storage, which can lower flood-heights and reduce erosion.
“By utilizing campaign funds to expand Nahant’s acreage, the marsh can further mitigate future floods,” said Ritter. “But with this growth, conservation efforts must keep pace too. Our new wetland mitigation bank will help us restore more wetlands and expand this natural laboratory for conservation researchers from colleges and universities to high school and LSAMP IINSPIRE students.”
In 2014, Nahant Marsh expanded its education center and staff in response to growing demand for environmental and STEM programming. Demand has continued to grow and funds are needed to expand again to ensure school children can continue to visit the marsh, even when field trip money is limited. Spring Forward, known for providing fun, engaging out-of-school programming for local elementary children, frequently brings visitors to Nahant Marsh.
“It’s important that our youngest visitors learn to love, appreciate and protect nature at an early age,” said Dan McNeil, Spring Forward executive director. “They will be stewards for the next generation, and how they care for this planet will matter. Nahant Marsh gives our kids a look at what it means to live in this community on the river and the value of wetlands, wildlife and our natural resources.”
Not only has there been growth for educational programming, more Quad City residents and tourists are visiting Nahant Marsh for recreational opportunities, which is a boost for area economic development. Annual attendance has increased from 2,500 to 22,000 over the last 20 years and will continue to increase with additions made possible by capital campaign donors. One exciting new amenity for hikers and bikers will be a four-mile trail expansion to connect Nahant Marsh’s trail system to the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail and the 3,000-mile Mississippi River Trail.
“My husband and I enjoyed our visits to Nahant since 2009, after the bridge connecting Credit Island to South Concord Street was constructed, many bike rides culminated in visits to Nahant,” said Mary Schermer master conservationist, volunteer and donor. “Nahant feels like an escape, an amazing place that always feels new. My interest in nature led me to participate in Nahant’s Master Conservationist program, which I thoroughly enjoyed and gained a new respect for wetlands and the role they play in ecology. Nahant has been growing on me in a number of ways over the years, and I feel it is a natural next step to invest in and protect this hidden gem in our community.”
After Schermer’s remarks, Ritter invited Nahant volunteers, supporters, and children involved in educational programming to help him reveal the total dollars raised to date by holding up large numeric posterboards. Event attendees gave a large round of applause when the supporters and children unveiled $2,728,611 has already been raised during the quiet phase of the capital campaign.
“I want to give special thanks to all our generous donors, our board of directors, community partners, staff and all our amazing volunteers for helping us protect and grow Nahant Marsh the last 20 years,” said Ritter. “Curtis Lundy and Cal Werner, ‘It’s in Our Nature’ campaign co-chairs and long-time supporters of Nahant Marsh, have been the visionaries for what these wetlands can mean to our community and the wildlife 20 years into our future. Their leadership has been instrumental in cultivating support and gifts from people like you who are here today to ensure the marsh is cherished and preserved for future generations. Thank you to Curtis and Cal — and to all of you for your generous contributions.”
Ritter then called upon other businesses and community members to step up and support “this beautiful marsh and its spectacular array of life.”
“We hope you see the significance of our important conservation and educational programs for area youth and the amazing recreational amenities for residents and tourists,” said Ritter. “Nahant Marsh is a place for all, and it contributes to the economic vitality of our community and the quality of life of our residents. We hope you are inspired by the incredible progress we’ve made toward fundraising to bring us one step closer to growing these wetlands and our programs. Please join your friends and neighbors and make your gift today.”
Gifts may be made in cash or securities. Matching gifts through an employer or spouse’s employer can double or even triple the gift. Pledges are encouraged and may be extended over a period of up to three years. Questions about the capital campaign can be directed to Brian Ritter at britter@eicc.edu or 563-336-3372. Online donations can be made at www.nahantmarsh.org/capital-campaign/.
