QC invited to Explore the River from May 28-Aug. 31

River Action

Registration now is open for the Explore the River Series, part of River Action’s Summer Education Program, where participants learn firsthand about the Mississippi River from experts who host Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks. 

Each talk covers an aspect of living along the Mississippi from its geography and wildlife to its culture and history, and even future economic plans. To purchase tickets or to view the full lineup of Channel Cat Talks and Riverine Walks, visit riveraction.org/education.

There are 52 Explore the River Series sessions in 2024. 

In Channel Cat Talks, participants board the water taxi from the Riverbend Commons in Moline and listen to experts narrate on this 90-minute cruise along the river. Channel Cat Talks are $20 and leave from the Channel Cat dock at 2951 River Drive. 

Examples of this year’s talks include: 

  • Guiness World Record Holder and adventurer, Dana Starkell, will detail his “Fantastic Voyage on the Mississippi” on June 25 and 27.
  • Learn about the new “I-74 Bridge and Its Features” from Geotechnical Engineer Matt Dotson on July 23 and 25.
  • Musician and Jazz Historian Josh Duffee will educate and entertain with his musical presentation of “The Music of Bix Beiderbecke & Louie Bellson” on July 30 and Aug. 1. Boat space is limited so participants should purchase tickets in advance.

Riverine Walks offer unique experiences along the shores of the Mighty Mississippi. Guided walking tours meet at various sites around the QC area and each walk’s meeting location can be found in Explore the River Brochures or online at riveraction.org/education

Among this year’s guest speakers and topics are: 

  • Learn about the “Past, Present, and Future of Moline Centre’s Riverfront” from Kirk Marske of Renew Moline on May 29 and June 1. 
  • On June 5 and June 8, tour Davenport’s Modern Woodmen Ballpark with the River Bandits Owner Dave Heller as he presents “Ballpark Backstage Pass.” 
  • “This is a Farm,” presented by Tapestry Farms’ Hydroponics Manager Sonja Kinser, will offer a tour of a self-contained hydroponic farm. 

Riverine Walks are $10 or free with a River Action membership, which can be purchased at riveraction.org/member

Funding for the series is provided, in part, by MetroLINK, IHMVCU, BITCO Insurance Companies, Modern Woodmen of America, the Quad-City Times and Nelson Brothers Insurance Agency. 

To register for this or any other programs, visit RiverAction.org. Brochures also are available at the nonprofit’s office at 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, or can be mailed upon request. To volunteer or for more information, email Ashley at [email protected] or call (563) 322-2969.

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