Garlic Mustard Pull

Posted by admin on May 17, 2013 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Garlic Mustard is an invasive species brought to our region as a food source by colonists in the 1860′s.  This invasive plant spreads fast and has no predator.  The problem with Garlic Mustard is that it adds chemicals to the soil that prevent the growth of other plant species which allows it to carpet the forest floor.  Garlic Mustard can lead to erosion and is tough to eliminate as its’ seeds can live in soil for up to ten years.

Please join us Wednesday, May 22nd from 3:30 to 5:30 at Singing Bird Lodge, Blackhawk State Historical Site, in Rock Island as we pull and bag as much of this plant as we can!  For more information, please email: info@rbwt.org

Outdoor Education

Posted by admin on May 16, 2013 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

On Tuesday, May 13 a group of about 50 Rock Island High School Students spent their day at Prairie Rose Acres overlooking the Mississippi near Illinois City.  The students explored prairies and learned about nature, played with baby raccoons that had been rescued by our Stewards, and had a lunch cooked over the fire.  Thanks to all of our volunteers who came out to teach learning stations, drive the tractor (hayrack rides) and organize the event!  Thanks to the students for coming out – You were a great group!

Moving Forward

Posted by admin on May 10, 2013 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Thanks for visiting our site.  Interstate RC&D is in a transition phase, making for very exciting times within our organization!  About two years ago, Interstate began working with a group of volunteers whose mission was to protect and steward ecologically important lands and to provide education.  This group called themselves the River Bend Wildland Stewards and they’ve been growing and making big plans.  Soon they will split off from Interstate as their own charitable organization (as a Land Trust).  This will leave both organizations stronger and more focused on their primary missions.

Currently the River Bend Wildland Trust is in an approval stage, and operates under Interstate RC&D.  Over the next few weeks and months we invite you to join with us by becoming a charter member/volunteer.  Email us at info@rbwt.org for more information.

River to Bluff Initiative

Posted by admin on Jan 28, 2013 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

The River to Bluff Initiative seeks to expand partnerships with public and private landowners in the Quad Cities area of Illinois and Iowa to provide stewardship for natural lands focused at the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers and associated upland bluffs to increase water quality, reduce soil erosion and stream sedimentation, and connect contiguous woodlands, grasslands and wetlands to improve habitat availability and quality for native wildlife of concern.

Milan Bottoms Work Days

Posted by admin on Jan 27, 2013 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Check back for a list of work days.

River Bend Wildlife Stewards Trivia Night

Posted by admin on Jan 27, 2013 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 16^th, 2013!

A crowd of environmental stewardship supporters, young and old alike, will enjoy an entertaining evening full of fun. Bring the entire family to help answer questions on the environment, wildlife, our local wild places and general knowledge categories. Bring your own snacks – no outside beverages will be allowed but full bar service will be available. A bake sale and silent auction are also planned.

All proceeds will be used for local conservation stewardship and education efforts of the River Bend Wildland Stewards.

Cost is $10 per person (8 chairs per table) – Register your table in advance by contacting Deb Kutsunis at (309)794-1798     Walk-ins welcome.

The event will be held at The Rock on First Street in Coal Valley.