As winter approaches, the animals of Nahant start to prepare how they will best survive the harsh cold, blowing snow, and frozen ground. Depending on the animal, they will either start packing for a 4 – 5-month tropical vacation or preparing to stay in their marsh neighborhoods all winter.

When you think of hibernators, you may think of the typical examples: bears, groundhogs, and bats. It’s not as well-known that queen bumble bees exert a process similar to these hibernators as well! These queens are absolutely essential for the continuation of the colony. Each winter, the new queen will find a spot for shelter to escape the harsh, cold, and nutrient-deficient environment. These spots could be piles of leaf litter, under bushes, or in old burrows.

Ending Protections Wetlands and Streams

2025 UN Climate Conference

River Action, along with The Camera Corner in Davenport, is hosting a Winter Photo Contest to inspire everyone to get outside during the colder months and enjoy the beauty of our local wildlife and landscapes — especially along the Mississippi River.

River Action works to make greener cities by providing events and spaces for exercise, improving people’s mental health, helping children as they develop, and reducing exposure to pollution and extreme heat

Volunteers are needed and can get more details by contacting River Action at 563-322-2969 or by email at riveraction@riveraction.org.

Leave your Leaves

I have known Dean Mathias for 30 years, and he is the complete essence of activity on the river and off. His goal is to increase bike users in the QC’s, and whether he thinks of himself as a leader or not, he leads by example

Inspiring Youth to Care about Nature

The 7th season of the QC Environmental Film Series begins next January in our new venue…St. Ambrose’s Galvin Fine Arts Center theater!

The Riverfronts are to be Enjoyed panel at River Action’s Upper Mississippi River Conference, October 15-16, will seek to enthuse future riverfront festival planners in new ideas and practical how-to advice.

Why Do We Measure

The Upper Mississippi River Conference is returning for its 19th year on October 15th and 16th, with a strong focus on river issues and environmental change.

Water is a defining force that shapes the character of each place it touches. The role of water in transport, industry, sanitation, and nourishment made it the reason for human settlement. It is a feature to be celebrated—not treated just as cosmetic or as a commodity.

Maintenance Needs to Keep Up

A RiverWay story by Dale Hachtel, volunteer at River Action and one of the directors of the Blackhawk Hiking Club.

River Action’s 2025 Upper Mississippi River Conference will include an exciting new addition! We will feature a dinner panel on the evening of October 15th to celebrate Aldo Leopold’s lasting legacy in conservation.

Riveraction : Senior Golf Cart Tours

To learn more and sign up for this Talk or any other Explore the River Series events, visit riveraction.org/education or call River Action at 563-322-2969.