DAVENPORT, IOWA (May 21, 2026) — This summer education program invites the public to learn about the history, ecology, and culture along the Mississippi River and surrounding watershed in the Quad Cities area. Participants can cruise the Mississippi River on the Channel Cat Water Taxi or enjoy a leisurely Riverine Walk as expert guides present topics ranging from information about local river wildlife to stories of early Quad Cities history.
There is an abundance of exciting events in this summer’s Explore the River Series lineup that are now open for registration! The series runs May 26 to August 29. Channel Cat Talks cost $20 per person or $200 for a season pass, and run Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10:45AM, at the Riverbend Commons in Moline, Illinois. Riverine Walks cost $10 per person and are free for members. They are held on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. and Saturdays, 9-10:30AM, at various sites of interest throughout the Quad Cities. View the full program schedule and register at www.riveraction.org/education.
New this Year:
New Channel Cat Talks this year will include a tour with Colonel Joe Parker, Garrison Commander of the Rock Island Arsenal, along with Patrick Allie, Director of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, as they discuss the Arsenal’s contributions to national defense and the rich local history surrounding the 946-acre island (May 26 and 28). We will also feature a tour called “River Science with the National Weather Service,” presented by Mary-Beth Schreck, NWS Senior Service Hydrologist, and Tim Gross, NWS Meteorologist. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the hydrology of the Mississippi River, including some notable floods and how the National Weather Service forecasts river stages along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. They will also learn about some fun facts about the river along the way (June 23 and 25).
This year's new Riverine Walks will include a prairie tour at Illiniwek Forest Preserve led by Black Hawk College professor, Isaac Stewart, who will discuss the importance of preserving pollinators, including the federally endangered Rusty-Patched Bumblebee, which has been sighted locally (July 8 and 11). We will also feature a tour guided by filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Emmy Award-winning Fourth Wall Films as they share the compelling true story of eight Mexican-American heroes from Hero Street in Silvis, Illinois. Only a block and a half long, Second Street in Silvis, Illinois lost six young men in World War II and two in the Korean War, more than any other street in America (July 22 and 25).
Explore the River: Just for Kids!
This summer, River Action will expand its summer education lineup to include presentations specifically catered toward QC youth, called “Explore the River: Just for Kids!” This program aims to bridge the summer learning gap and create unique opportunities for kids to connect with nature, develop a deeper understanding of the place we call home, and become environmental stewards. These presentations for youth are being coordinated directly with local QC youth organizations. Please reach out to River Action if you are involved with a youth organization and would like to learn more. “Explore the River: Just for Kids!” is sponsored by Scott County Regional Authority, Moline Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club of Davenport, Davenport Noon Optimist Club, Moline Kiwanis Club, and the East Moline Optimist Club.
Background:
By organizing this program, River Action seeks to create opportunities for the public to connect with their community and strengthen their sense of place here along the Mississippi River. The local experts who present throughout this program showcase the beauty and novelty of the historical and natural places in this area, and help the public develop a deeper understanding of their home. This can inspire people to take pride in belonging to this great river community and to become stewards of the places that define who we are.
Sponsors:
River Action’s Explore the River Series is sponsored by MetroLINK, BITCO Insurance Companies, IHMVCU, Eaton, Modern Woodmen of America, Crawford Company, and QC Times. ‘Explore the River: Just for Kids!’ is sponsored by Scott County Regional Authority, Moline Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club of Davenport, Davenport Noon Optimist Club, Moline Kiwanis Club, and the East Moline Optimist Club.
For more information, contact jlasher@riveraction.org or call River Action at 563-322-2969.
