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Scott Community College
Environmental Club
www.sccenvironmentalclub.org

Last meeting of the semester:
May 6, 4:10 p.m., in Room 1200.
Pizza party and election of Fall 2009 officers.
Come and take a break from studying for finals!

(Environmental Science students: Click here for information on earning activity points.)

The Scott Community College Environmental Club was founded in 1988 by Mark Aronson, an ecologist and full-time biology faculty member. The club is a grassroots group of student activists who work on a variety of local, state, national and international environmental concerns. The club encourages student participation and the development of personal approaches to environmental activism and advocacy.

Author and outspoken ecologist Edward Abbey wrote, "The love of wilderness is more than a hunger for what is always beyond reach -- it is also an expression of loyalty to the earth, the earth which bore us and sustains us, the only home we shall ever know, the only paradise we ever need -- if only we had the eyes to see." The SCC Environmental Club promotes the concept of wilderness, and the importance and reality of it, in our everyday lives.

The club follows the advice of naturalist, outdoorsman, and author Doug Peacock to environmental activists: "Start in your own backyard."

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Activities

Upcoming events are below.
Keep watching this space for future additions!
Got a cool environmental event to add? Email here.
(Environmental Science students: Click here for information on earning activity points.)

Check out the info about the EICCD Chancellor's Sustainability Initiative!

Visit the SCC Environmental Club's Trails Committee on Facebook!

Starting Fall 2009, EICCD will be offering a new
Conservation Technology A.A.S. degree.
Click to see the flyer and brochure.

New Davenport Freight House Farmers' Market hours:
Tuesday: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Support local vendors offering the very best in produce, specialty meats and cheeses,
delicious baked foods, specialty crafted goods, organic products, and much more!
421 West River Drive, Davenport

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Starting Thursday, May 14
Enroll in Retain the Rain College,
an educational series sponsored by River Action.
The series offers insights and solutions for dealing with drainage problems and erosion,
improving water quality and attracting birds and butterflies to one’s yard.
River Action has spent the last year creating the Rock River and Duck Creek Watershed Plans.
The Retain the Rain College is a component of the watershed plan’s awareness and education campaign
and will include detailed information on the conditions
of these waterways and behaviors that degrade and improve their condition.

Registration required, www.riveraction.org, 563.322.2969

Click here to view a flyer with more details about the various classes in the series.

Friday May 15
Canoe and Kayak Tour ~ 6:00 P.M. ~ West Lake Park, Gate 1 ~
Canoe or kayak around Lake of the Hills at West Lake Park.
Preregistration requested by calling (563) 328-3286.
Admission is free, and all equipment and boats are provided.

Saturday, May 16
Volunteer Stewardship Workday & Chili Cook-off, 9 a.m. to noon.
The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, 31555 52nd Ave., Dixon, IA,
will host a spring workday. The workday will focus on habitat cleanup
and erosion control improvements. All skill levels are welcome, so bring the whole family
and invite a friend! Afterwards, enjoy several varieties of chili at the Chili Cook-off
sponsored by the Friends of the Wapsi Center.
Call to register at (563) 328- 3286.

Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17
Celebrating what’s working in our communities, the Chicago Green Festival™,
a joint project of Global Exhange and Green America,
showcases more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses.
More than 150 renowned speakers appear for insightful panel discussions and presentations.

You’ll also enjoy great how-to workshops, green films, a Fair Trade pavilion, yoga classes,
kids’ activities, delicious organic beer, wine and cuisine, and live music.

Find out how Midwest neighbors, community nonprofits and city departments
are working together to make their cities healthier places to live.

Prices range from free to $15; go to http://www.greenfestivals.org/chicago/ for more info.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago

Register by May 22 for event on Thursday and Friday, May 28 and 29
Boat Iowa: Safety Certification Course ~ 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Conservation Headquarters - West Lake Park, Gate 3 ~
Participants will learn about navigating the water safely,
properly maintaining your boating equipment,
keeping up to date with Iowa boating laws,
handling boating emergencies and more!
Call (563) 328-3286 to register by May 22.
Space is limited, so don’t hesitate to take part in this opportunity!

Saturday, May 23
Owls, Bats & Moths – Oh My! ~ 7:00 P.M. ~
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, 31555 52nd Ave., Dixon, IA ~
Learn more about Mother Nature’s night shift as we look
for nocturnal creatures at the Wapsi Center. See firsthand
how moths, bats and owls survive and thrive in the
woodlands along the Wapsipinicon River.
Participants should bring a small flashlight.
This program is free.

March 1 to May 31
GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP
Is your neighborhood, church grounds, office area or local park in need of some spring cleaning?
You can take action by participating in the Great American Cleanup™ from March 1-May 31.

The Great American Cleanup,™ organized by Keep America Beautiful, Inc.,
is the nation's largest annual cleanup, beautification and community improvement program.

If you would like to participate in the 2009 Great American Cleanup™
contact your local Keep America Beautiful affiliate:
Scott County : iLivehere: myhome our community: www.ilivehereqc.org or call 563-468-4218.
Rock Island : Keep Rock Island Beautiful: www.keepribeautiful.org or call (309) 786-1334.

Now through May 10
Main Gallery of the Putnam Museum, 1717 W. 12th Street, Davenport, IA
The Climate Change Show is a one-of-a-kind experience filled with magnificent environmental effects,
recreating weather and climate changes right inside the theatre.
The story is told by a fast-talking, but informed animated sheep that talks about
the past, present and future of the world’s climate and how it affects life on earth.
Locally sponsored by Exelon and Scott County Regional Authority.

Friday, June 5
Canoe and Kayak Tour ~ 6:00 P.M. ~ West Lake Park, Gate 1 ~
Canoe or kayak around Lake of the Hills at West Lake Park.
Preregistration requested by calling (563) 328-3286.
Admission is free, and all equipment and boats are provided.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 5, 6, 7
Free Fishing Days ~ Let’s go fishing!
During these three days, Iowa residents may fish and
possess fish (within legal limits) without a fishing license.

Saturday, June 6th
Fishing Clinic ~ 8:00 a.m. to noon
West Lake Park - Rolling Hills Shelter, Gate 1 ~
Kids, kindergarten - 6th grade, and an adult chaperone are invited to attend
this event. Registration will begin at 8 A.M. at the Rolling Hills shelter.
The individuals will spend the morning traveling to five
different stations learning about fishing identification;
casting; fish cleaning and tasting; laws and ethics, and equipment.
There is no charge for this fun-family event!

Saturday, June 13
Monsignor Menke Open House ~ Dusk ~
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, 31555 52nd Ave., Dixon, IA
Join Dr. Mitchell, Director of the Monsignor Menke Observatory,
for a tour of the summer sky. Please call (563) 333-6141
on the day of the event to find out if the weather conditions will permit viewing.

Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28
American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid-- 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center,
31555 52nd Ave., Dixon, IA
Can you respond to emergencies in a wilderness situation?
Join a certified Red Cross instructor at the Eagle View Eco Center
for this life-saving course! Objectives include learning to identify, prevent and
give aid to injuries; respond in delayed help situations; experience simulated rescues;
and much more. To complete the course, adventurers must
attend both scheduled days. Call the American Red Cross at (309) 743-2166 to register.
Cost for this wilderness challenge is $80, which includes training
and textbooks. Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch.
Dormitory-style lodging is available at the Owl’s Nest Dormitory for a minimal fee;
call the Wapsi River Center at (563) 328-3286 for reservations.

June 29 to July 9
Junior Conservationists Day Camp ~ 9:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Daily ~
Nahant Marsh ~ The junior conservationist day camp, for 9-12 year olds,
will allow kids the opportunity to learn and explore the natural
world, renewable energy and history as it relates to the environment.
Lunches, snacks and beverages will be provided.
Call Nahant Marsh for more details at (563) 323-5196.

Saturday, July 11
Canoe and Kayak Tour ~ 10:00 a.m. ~
Scott County Park, South Entrance ~
Canoe or kayak around Pride Lake at Scott County Park.
Preregistration requested by calling (563) 328-3286.
Admission is free, and all equipment and boats are provided.

Saturday, July 18
Monsignor Menke Open House ~ Dusk ~
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, 31555 52nd Ave., Dixon, IA
Join Dr. Mitchell, Director of the Monsignor Menke Observatory,
for a tour of the summer sky. Please call (563) 333-6141
on the day of the event to find out if the weather conditions will permit viewing.

Ongoing, Saturdays
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center
31555 52nd Ave., Dixon, IA
The Eagle View Eco-Center is open on Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please call 563-328-3286 to volunteer to host the Center.
No experience is necessary, and it’s a great way to learn about the Wapsi Center for yourself.
It's a beautiful and peaceful place to spend an afternoon.

Ongoing, Saturdays
Nahant Marsh has volunteer workdays every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Call 563-323-5196 for details.
4220 Wapello Avenue, Davenport

Ongoing, monthly
River Action's Environmental Book Club, 7 p.m.
River Action office, 822 E. River Drive, Davenport
Apr. 27: Water Wars: Privatization, Pollution, and Profit by Vandana Shiva

Ongoing, anytime
"Iowa Public Television produces The Iowa Journal, a regular, in-depth look at the issues that impact Iowans. The series analyzes various issues and events that are in the news. It also explores Iowa's variety and diversity."
There are many episodes that deal with environmental issues.
Click here to see a list of past, current, and upcoming episodes;
find out what times and days the current show will be on TV;
and watch full-length current and past episodes online.

(Want more opportunities for activities??? Check out the related links page.)

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The Scott Community College Environmental Club is
proud to be a member of the following organizations:

Living Lands and Waters
Friends of Nahant Marsh
Quad Cities Earth Week Coalition
Friends of the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center

Iowa Environmental Council
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Iowa Prairie Network

Alaska Coalition
National Audubon Society
National Wildlife Federation
The Nature Conservancy
Sierra Club