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Some of what we've accomplished in the last 41 years...

2025: River Action launches “Getting Back to Our Roots” an initiative that 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.

2024: River Action launches “Roll Out the Rain Barrels” an initiative that seeks to distribute 400 rain barrels throughout the Quad Cities | River Action begins construction on the First Bridge project, a pedestrian bridge commemorating the first rail bridge to cross the Mississippi River and providing access to the Mississippi River trails from Downtown Davenport.

2023: River Action begins Explore and Seek, a scavenger hunt that leads participants to various outdoor places in search of answers to a series of questions.

2022: River Action hosts the 38th Ride the River event. A bike ride event along the Mississippi River that thousands of Quad Citians participated in on Father’s Day.

2021: River Action hosts “Write Your Song” with singer-songwriter David G. Smith at Schwiebert Park. Participants learned how a song is put together and other musical fundamentals for aspiring artists.

2020: River Action’s first inaugural Environmental Film Series launches to bring educational and inspirational environmental films to the community and encourage grassroots activism.

2019: River Action opens the city’s first permeable alley behind their office designed to clean water before it goes into storm drains. Eddy Scholarships are launched offering tuition assistance to environmentally focused students who embody the spirit of the Eddy Awards.

2018: Organized the QC Flood Resiliency Alliance; formed Scott County Conservation Consortium to promote land conservation measures; brought in AmeriCorps NCCC team for rehabilitation of Black Hawk State Park trails.

2017: Installed a bioreactor in Scott County to demonstrate how to treat storm water runoff from farmland. Developed “Raise the Grade” Action Agenda. Erected osprey nesting platforms. Installed “floating islands” of wetland plants in local lagoons to improve water quality.

2016: Organized riverfront clean-up projects as part of United Way Day of Caring; held “RiverStages” performing arts events to raise awareness of environmental issues.

2015: Initiated QC Bike Share study and plan, built retention and infiltration projects in Duck Creek and Black Hawk Creek watersheds, and organized Hennepin Canal clean up and planting.

2014: Completed $220,000 wetland and prairie restoration project at Green Valley Nature Preserve, Moline, with multiple partners. Retained historian Douglas Brinkley to address the annual Henry Farnam Dinner.

2013: Joined forces with Augustana College’s Upper Mississippi Studies Center for biodiversity documentation at Green Valley Nature Preserve and developed a framework for QC RiverWay development.

2012: In conjunction with the Waterfront Center of Annapolis, organized Upper Mississippi River/Urban Waterfront Conference in Davenport for urban planners from across the U.S.

2011: Partnered with Nahant Marsh Education Center to fund turtle research and organized Rock Island County Conservation Consortium.

2010: Developed Quad City Water Trails map and helped fund a bicycle/pedestrian bridge connecting Credit Island to Davenport riverfront.

2009: Partnered with Moline Foundation to create an online e-Tour and organized first “Floatzilla” paddle festival.

2008: Founded QC Wild Places to preserve natural areas in the region through service, funding, and awareness.

2007: Formed an Environmental Book Club and funded projects demonstrating best practices for stormwater control.

2006: Developed interactive “Retain the Rain” kiosks and organized “Taming of the Slough Adventure Race”.

2005: Introduced first audio cell phone tours and Illinois Mississippi River Trail tour to highlight local riverfront.

2004: Partnered with Davenport to fund green roofs, held first Upper Mississippi River Conference, and staged “Grand Excursion of 1854” re-enactment.

2003: Partnered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and other organizations to host fishing clinics for over 250 children.

2002: Partnered with Riverboat Development Authority to develop “Channel Cat Talks & Riverine Walks”.

2001: Added porous concrete parking and directional signage along Mississippi Riverfront trails.

2000: Distributed 30,000 “Six Simple Things...” booklets to teach residential stormwater retention.

1999: Built an overlook at 20th Street for eagle viewing; organized RiverWay 2006 Bridge Celebration.

1998: Constructed porous parking lot in LeClaire and completed Arsenal Island bicycle/pedestrian crossing.

1997: Participated in RiverVision planning for Davenport and Rock Island riverfront improvements.

1996: Organized neighborhood groups for stormwater solutions and “Walk to the River” pedestrian events.

1995: Initiated Channel Cat Water Taxi service and planted native prairie grasses for stormwater detention projects.

1994: Established “Retain the Rain” program with a $560,000 grant to reduce runoff using green roofs and permeable parking.

1993: Hosted Mississippi River Mayors’ Flood Summit.

1992: Established Eddy Awards program and restored Duck Creek streambank.

1991: Obtained $2M EPA grant for Nahant Marsh lead clean-up, conducted riverfront housing inventory, and held youth sailing/rowing lessons.

1990: Conducted first Senior Citizen Riverfront Golf Cart Tour for QC RiverWay awareness.

1989: Established “Adopt-A-Path” program with Quad City Bicycle Club.

1988: Installed 26 RiverWay artworks; funded study on residential redevelopment along riverfronts.

1987: Developed first Riverfront Master Plan for Quad Cities and wayfinding system for trails.

1986: Spearheaded Centennial Bridge lighting and purchased/restored Nahant Marsh into 513-acre preserve.

1985: Founded “Ride the River” annual Father’s Day bike ride along riverfront trails.

1984: River Action, Inc. founded; hosted Midwest Urban Riverfront Task Force addressing Mississippi River-related issues.

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