Welcome to the Nahant Marsh


A hidden treasure in the Quad Cities

Most people in the Quad Cities have passed the Nahant Marsh without realizing it. The marsh is a 513-acre area next to the Mississippi River in southwest Davenport. If you've driven over the I-280 bridge, then you've seen this marsh! The marsh area encompasses different wetland community types including bottomland forest, open-water habitat, and a marsh--all surrounded by suburban, industrial, and agricultural land. Where did the "Nahant" name come from? No one knows for sure, but it could be that settlers to the area named it after a saltwater marsh town called Nahant, Massachusetts. Or it could be that the word means “almost a river” in a Native American language. Find out more about one of the Quad Cities' hidden treasures.

 

An ecological treasure worth saving

Not long ago, Nahant Marsh was in danger. Some of its wildlife and plant life were dying or deformed. Investigations showed that the marsh had high levels of lead. So a community came together to try to save the marsh and conserve its biotic community. This continuing effort is a real-life illustration of stakeholder participation, environmental cleanup actions, and rejuvenation. The Nahant Marsh Education Center was formed to educate the public about this local ecosystem. Find out more about the Nahant Marsh preservation efforts. For questions about Nahant Marsh Education Center, please contact Brain at nahantmarsh@eicc.edu. For questions about this website, please contact Tony at twilhelm@eicc.edu.

 

Campaign for Nahant Marsh Field Station launched  

 

With the first field station in the Quad Cities, the Marsh offers unrivaled access to its natural resources and the Mississippi River

 

Since 2001, the Nahant Marsh Education Center has had a K-12 / college level education program.  Now, with the purchase of a property at 3706 S. Concord Street, the Nahant Marsh Education Center Board has additional opportunities for more research, easy boat access to the Mississippi River, housing on site for AmeriCorps teams and students, a new educator, improved access to Carp Lake, and additional classroom space close to the present Education Center.

 

"The addition of a field station to Nahant Marsh's already robust program is a step towards reaching the higher echelons of education and research." - Mik Holgersson, Natural Resources Program Manager, River Action

 

The fundraising goal for the campaign is $200,000.  To date, $120,100 has been raised.  The Board hopes that construction will begin this fall with the education program to begin in early spring, 2012.

 

The site became part of the field trip experience at the Marsh when Carp Lake, a former W.G. Block quarry became available in 2004 and was purchased by the Board.  It is a high quality wetland, bottomland forest, and lake that offer trails, research opportunities, and outdoor classrooms.   Until now, the lake was not easily accessible.  This purchase has made possible a trailhead and parking area for hikers, classes, students, and visitors.

 

“The Nahant Marsh field station will provide unique opportunities for students, researches, and visitors alike. Considering its proximity to the Mississippi River, Carp Lake, and Nahant Marsh, it will allow us to expand our educational offerings and improve accessibility to some incredible natural areas.”– Brian Ritter, Naturalist, Nahant Marsh Education Center

 

Funding has come from the Riverboat Development Authority, Scott County Regional Authority, an anonymous donor, Quad City Conservation Alliance, and the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend.  The remaining funds will be raised through the newly launched public campaign.  Donations can be sent to the Nahant Marsh Education Center, 4220 Wapello Avenue, Davenport, Iowa 52802.

For more information, contact River Action at 563-322-2969, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Become a Nahant Marsh Member or order a Nahant Marsh Book

Membership
Show your support for Nahant Marsh by becoming a member. Download and complete the brochure today. Benefits include:
*Free or discounted program fees
*Quarterly newsletter e-mailed to you
*Free admission and/or discounts at other nature centers. Visit www.natctr.org for a list of centers that reciprocate.

Nahant Marsh Book
Buy the Nahant Marsh book and support the Marsh. "Nahant Marsh" by Julie Malake is available for purchase at Nahant Marsh or River Action. This 64 page book captures dramatic images of the Marsh over several years. As a Friend of Nahant Marsh, Julie makes time stand still as she tells the story of the marsh with her camera. At just $25, it's a bargain. With each purchase, a $10 donation will be given to Nahant Marsh.



To purchase a book, go to Nahant Marsh, 4220 S. Wapello Avenue, Davenport, or call (563)323-5196 or e-mail nahantmarsh@eicc.edu. Or go to River Action's office, 822 East River Drive, Davenport, or contact River Action at (563) 322-2969 or e-mail them at riveraction@riveraction.org. You can also purchase the book online and pick it up in person at either Nahant Marsh Education Center or at River Action by going to  http://www.riveraction.org/node/101