River Action's Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks -- July 7 through August 1.
Channel Cat Talks: Tuesday, July 7, through Thursday, July 30
Riverbend Commons Dock, 2951 East River Drive, Moline IL
Riverine Walks: Wednesday, July 8, through Saturday, August 1
Various Area Locales
Delivering a blend of local history, environmental issues, education, entertainment, and fresh air, Davenport's River Action continues its series of outdoor presentations in the annual Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks – weekly "Explore the River Series" programs that, from July 7 through August 1, will address such topics as ferry boats, pollinators, Silvis' Hero Street, and noted area jazz legend Bix Beiderbecke.
Channel Cat Talk participants tour the Mississippi River aboard the Channel Cat Water Taxi, with boarding taking place at Moline's Riverbend Commons Dock. Experts will provide narration on the themed surroundings, with the Channel Cat Talks for July including: "Ferrying on the Mississippi" (July 7 and 9), in which Big River magazine's publisher/editor Reggie Mcleod discusses ferries and why they are an important part of history and river life; "History of the Sauk and Meskwaki Tribes in the Quad Cities Region" (July 14 and 16), with retired director of the Hauberg Indian Museum Beth Carvey explores the culture and history of the last two tribes of American Indians to inhabit the Quad Cities region; "Making Room for the River" (July 21 and 23), a program that finds Riverdale mayor Anthony Heddlesten discussing the Duck Creek confluence and improvements coming to Riverdale's creekbank; and "Bix & Friends" (July 28 and 30), in which local jazz great Josh Duffee celebrates the music of the 1920s by playing recordings and talking about the music that Bix Beiderbecke and other groups recorded during the Roaring 20s. (Participants are encouraged to sign up for both days, as the music and information will be different for each Channel Cat event.)
Riverine Walk guests explore the Quad Cities through a series of guided strolls through various area locales, with the July Riverine Walks series featuring: "The Importance of Pollinators" (July 8 and 11), a kid-friendly program in which Black Hawk College's associate professor of biology Isaac Stewart discusses how native pollinators are essential to healthy terrestrial ecosystems and how we can support bees; "History of Port Byron" (July 15 and 18), in which the Port Byron Historical Society's Dale Hachtel leads a walk along the scenic riverfront and downtown, offering insight into the city's geological and cultural history and current events; "The Legends of Hero Street" (July 22 and 25), with Emmy Award-winning area filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle telling the compelling true story of eight Mexican- American heroes from Silvis' Hero Street, USA; and "Sylvan Island: Unique Creation & Present Uses" (July 29 and August 1), a program that finds retired Augustana College professor Norm Moline speaking on the island’s history, including its last 50 years as a unique nature and history park.
Channel Cat Talks take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. and are $20 per person, while Riverine Walks are held on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m., with admission $10 per person. For more information on these “Explore the River Series” presentations, call (563)322-2969 and visit RiverAction.org.
