River Action

Book Review: Bicycling Guide to the Mississippi River Trail

The Only Guidebook for the Mississippi River Trail

When cyclists think of crossing the country on bike, perhaps one of the major east-west touring routes comes to mind first.

However, it would be a big mistake to overlook the Mississippi River trail, a marked bike route that follows the historic river on its 2,000 mile course from Itasca State Park, where the river's headwaters are found in northern Minnesota all the way down to where the Mississipi enters the Gulf of Mexico at the southernmost point in Louisiana.

To help guide fellow travelers on their own version of this epic trip, author and cyclist Bob Robinson has compiled the Bicycling Guide to the Mississippi River Trail.

Call for Nominations for 13th Annual Eddy Awards

eddy (ed’i), n., 1. moving against the current. 2. a departure from the main current of thought or life.

River Action is currently seeking nominations for its thirteenth annual Eddy Awards [nominations due by Jan 25]. Make a 2012 Eddy nomination now!

The Eddy Awards recognize individuals, organizations, companies, schools or governments for outstanding riverfront activity or development – well designed and environmentally responsible – in the following categories:

1. Art (performance, written word, fine arts)
2. Design (renovation, new buildings, livability)
3. Education (innovations, program, curriculum)
4. Revitalization (commerce, business, industry)
5. River Activity (recreation, relaxation)
6. Stewardship (environmental enhancement of the river)

2011 Winners
Art - Julie Malacke - Nahant Marsh book
Design - Genesis Health Systems: Genesis East Green Roof
Education - Ballet Quad Cities: The Ugly Duckling
Revitalization - Restoration St. Louis: Hotel Blackhawk & Forrest Block
River Activity - Quad Cities Transit System: The Loop
Stewardship - Fritz Fuhs: Area Maintenance Persons

Full descriptions of 2011 award winners and projects.

Make an Eddy nomination for 2012. [due Jan 25]

Earth Day is every day - Buy a rain barrel

Buy a rain barrel now for just $75 online, then pick up at the RA office [822 East River Drive, Davenport]!

Every gallon of rainwater collected keeps it out of our already swollen rivers and streams, and potentially out of your basement or business. EVERY GALLON COUNTS!!

CLICK HERE to purchase your rain barrel with a regular diverter [2X3 in. downspout].

CLICK HERE to purchase your rain barrel with a large diverter [3X4 in. downspout].

Rain barrels include a 60-gallon barrel, lid, mosquito netting, downspout diverter, spigot, and two overflow attachments.

WHY? - Collected rainwater can be used to irrigate lawns, water landscape beds or wash cars. Rain barrels also reduce stormwater runoff lessening the impact on storm sewers, local streams, and rivers.

WHERE? - Barrels can then be picked up at our Davenport office: 822 E. River Drive (Please note we can not ship rain barrels).

Rain barrels are part of River Action's Retain the Rain program, an initiative to conserve water and lower flood levels in local rivers and streams.

Using a rain barrel is one of the simplest actions you can take to reduce runoff by collecting the rain that runs off your home.

HOW? - The diverter channels water into the barrel when needed, and fits all downspouts, metal or plastic. The barrels are 0.1875” thick recycled polyethylene and can be joined together with a garden hose. When the barrel is full, the diverter can be flipped up to a closed position to let the downspout function normally.

If you have questions call (563) 322-2969.

Go Green with a River Action Membership

For the past 26 years, River Action members have worked to improve our common RiverWay, encouraging greater access to the riverfront, helping build and expand riverfront recreation trails, protecting endangered habitat and cleaning up the river and RiverWay.

Your membership supports the mission of a healthier Mississippi River and more vibrant Quad Cities.

CLICK HERE to choose a membership level.

Benefits include:

  • Free admission to Riverine Walks
  • The eddy magazine delivered quarterly
  • Discount on Fish & Fire Celebration tickets
  • River Action window decal

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