Getting Back to Our Roots

From the Mississippi River and its tributaries to their floodplain wetlands and backwaters, to the wooded bluffs and upland plains, more than 16,000 acres of publicly accessible natural areas lie within an hour's drive of the Quad Cities metro area. Native landscaping is the dominant feature of our 66 QC Wild Places. It stabilizes soils, prevents erosion, reduces maintenance, and provides essential habitat for native and migrating birds, butterflies, and insects. These open spaces are free for our community to explore, hike, picnic, birdwatch, take wildlife photographs, and paddle.

Nature thrives in the Midwest, and the Quad Cities region is no exception.

"Getting Back to Our Roots" aims to plant, restore, or enhance over 20 acres of prairie with native prairie plants that have roots extending 3 to 10 feet deep. In addition to creating excellent wildlife habitats and beautifying our region's natural landscape, these deep-rooted plants divert runoff and capture rainfall, helping to replenish groundwater and allow streams to flow with clean, cool water year-round.

CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can be part of this important restoration work.