Lights! River! Action! lit up the Centennial Bridge in 1988, creating one of the most photographed symbols of the Quad Cities community. Ride the River has become a major Fathers’ Day event in the Quad Cities, bringing together thousands of families for a unique ‘bicycle tour’ of our river fronts. The RiverWay Project, with its accessible signage and informational kiosks, helps promote the historical and scenic wonders of more than 65-miles of Mississippi riverfront trails that people may enjoy by walking, jogging, or bicycling in both Iowa and Illinois. All of this is possible thanks to the tireless efforts of River Action, Inc.

River Action has also been working to save Nahant Marsh, a unique 500-plus acre urban wetland in southwest Davenport. Thousands of cars whiz by it daily on nearby Iowa Highway 22 and Interstate 280. Unfortunately, this urban wetland was used for many years as a dump site for construction debris, junked out cars and trucks, and hazardous waste materials. Adjacent development altered the water flows and changed the plant communities. Saving Nahant Marsh has taken unprecedented cooperation among governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. Progress has been accomplished through careful planning, and a great deal of work and time.

Thanks to a Designated Fund established by a private donor with the Community Foundation [for the benefit of River Action’s Nahant Marsh work], the project receives annual support to preserve this important wetland area.

To learn more about River Action, visit www.riveraction.org.