Check out the 2020 '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 26 through August 29.

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, Humanities Iowa, 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 four Channel Cat Talks focused on the new I-74 Mississippi River Bridge Project aboard the Channel Cat Water Taxi. The I-74 Channel Cat programs are $20 each, while the other Channel Cat Talks are $15 this season. Sorry, all I-74 bridge programs aboard the Channel Cat Water Taxi are now full.

All Channel Cat Talks leave from the Riverbend Commons dock, 2951 East River Dr, Moline.

Register 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 2020 Explore the River Series brochure.

Please note that the first Channel Cat Talk will be "Commercial Fishing" May 26 and 28, and the second talk will be "Paleontology" on June 2 and 4. The two talks were reversed on the printed order form mailed to members. Please write down which event you would like to sign up for and then select the date you will be attending. The online form for downloading above is correct as is the online shopping cart.

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.

Back for 2020 – Art Along the River

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

CLICK HERE to register online for an Art Along the River session.

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

• Hey! Let's Write a Short Story, Chuck Oestreich: Sunday, May 17 - Participants will collaborate in planning and writing a short story. Each will write a part and then we will put the whole story together. Meet at Schwiebert Park pavilion, Rock Island, IL. Rain Location: Rozz Tox, 2108 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL.
• Videography, Colleen Tomlinson: Sunday June 28- Learn camera and YouTube basics to feel comfortable creating your own pieces and uploading to the platform. Spend time on the riverfront and use the Mississippi River as a subject. Start at Creative Arts Academy, 306 W River Dr., Davenport – 2nd floor, bus station.
• Readers' Theater: The Happy Journey, Chuck Oestreich: Sunday, July 12 - Participants will read lines from four characters as they both age and bicycle along the river, participating in many community and personal events. Meet at Steps in Leach Park, Bettendorf. Rain Location: Bettendorf Community Center, 2204 Grant St., Bettendorf.
• Native American Drumming, Regina Tsosie: Sunday, August 23 - An introduction to the cultural and artistic aspects of Native American drumming. Participants will experience group hand drumming influenced by inter-tribal pow-wows. Meet at Watch Tower Lodge, Black Hawk State Historic Site, Rock Island. Weather alternative: Inside the Watch Tower Lodge.
• Painting: Watercoloring the River, Stacey Replinger, September 6 - Participants will learn techniques for painting clouds, the sky, trees and water, starting with watching a short painting demonstration. The group will then create their own take home watercolor painting. Meet at Schwiebert Park's pavilion, Rock Island. Weather alternative: Rozz Tox, 2108 3rd Ave., Rock Island.

Volunteers Needed for Channel Cat Talks & Riverine Walks