Check out the 2019 'Explore the River Series'

Explore the river this summer through a program which teaches participants first-hand about the wildlife, history, culture and geology of the Mississippi River and the Quad Cities through Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks, May 28 through August 31.

Join us in learning about the unique nature and culture of the Quad Cities. Check out our schedule below and register online.

We'd like to extend a special thanks to to our sponsors this year: Illinois Humanities, US Bank, Quad City Times, MetroLINK, Mancomm, Greg & Judy Gackle, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

When registering online, the shopping cart will add the two programs (Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks) together unless you "Clear" the cart between viewing the two different shopping cart links below.

Popular I-74 Bridge project tours back

This year there will be a total of eight Channel Cat Talks focused on the new I-74 Mississippi River Bridge Project aboard the Channel Cat Water Taxi.

The tours will be offered noon to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on four days: Wed., Sept. 4; Friday, Sept. 6; Wed., Sept. 11; and Friday, Sept. 13.

Join Danielle Mulholland, I-74 project manager, as she discusses the planning and construction process for this important east-west link in the nation’s transportation network. You'll learn about the design and building process of the new $1.2 billion bridge and get the latest updates on construction.

The Channel Cat will leave from the Riverbend Commons dock, 2951 East River Dr, Moline. These programs are $20 a person.

Register now for Channel Cat Talks/Riverine Walks

CLICK HERE to register online for Channel Cat Talks.

CLICK HERE to register online for Riverine Walks.

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the 2019 Explore the River Series brochure.

If the captain or Riverine Walk leader cancels, a rain date may be scheduled. If you have paid and are unable to attend, River Action will consider your payment a donation. No refunds will be given.

New in 2019 – Art Along the River

For five Sundays, special "Art Along the River" sessions will be held as part of the Explore the River Series.

The programs, which cost $5 for non-members of River Action, include:

• Poetry along the Banks with poet laureate Dick Stahl, Sunday, May 19. Participants will get a short introduction to the art of poetry writing and have an opportunity to write about a river sight or experience. Meet at the LeClaire Park picnic shelter.
• Painting: The River and its Structures with watercolor artist Tom Hempel, Sunday, June 23. Participants will do a personal individual sketch with coloring. Meet at Bechtel Park, Davenport.
• Readers' Theater: Sunday in the Park Alive with Chuck Oesterich Sunday, July 14. Participants will read lines written with a Quad City slant based on the 'Sunday in the Park' statues at Credit Island Park, Davenport. Meet at the Credit Island statues.
• Native American Drumming with Regina Tsosie, Sunday August 11. Participants will receive an introduction to cultural and artistic aspect of Native American drumming. Meet at Watch Tower Lodge at Black Hawk State Historic Site, Rock Island.
• Painting: The River Atmosphere with artist Stacey Replinger. Participants will learn techniques for making clouds, the sky, trees and water. After a short painting demonstration, participants will create their own watercolor painting.

To register for the five Sunday 'Art Along the River' sessions, click on the Riverine Walks link above.

Volunteers Needed for Channel Cat Talks & Riverine Walks

This year marks the 16th Annual Henry Farnam Dinner.

Since 2004 we have met once a year, hoisted a toast to Henry Farnam and explored some aspect of the Mississippi River, railroads, bridges, the environment, our region, and how our local area affected the nation.

This year, at long last, we will not only toast Henry Farnam, but also celebrate the man and his work. After all, Farnam was the man who brought the railroad to the Mississippi River and then built the first rail bridge across Ol’ Man River, opening the West.

Farnam’s life and work will be reviewed by a group of experts at the 16th Annual Farnam Dinner Thursday, March 28. The event at the Radisson Hotel, 111 E. 2nd St., Davenport, begins with cocktails at 5 p.m., then dinner at 6:15 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m.

To make your reservation online, CLICK HERE.

Or, CLICK HERE to download the reservation form and then mail with your check (payable to River Action) to River Action, 822 E. River Dr., Davenport, IA 52803.