Publications | Resources and Tools | Webinars
Milan Bottoms/Casino West Site Development | Take Action
Nestled at the convergence of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, the Quad Cities form a vibrant community that spans southeastern Iowa’s Davenport and Bettendorf to Northwestern Illinois’ Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline. The Quad Cities offers a delightful blend of river life and Midwestern charm, where the mighty Mississippi isn’t just scenery—it’s our backyard playground for kayaking, riverside trails, and stunning sunset views. Home to nearly 400,000 residents, the region is the kind of place where you can catch a minor league baseball game one evening and explore a world-class art museum the next. Biodiversity and wildlife thrive with access to historic sites, nature preserves and a river that boasts some of the best bald eagle viewing in the Midwest.
Because of its proximity to the Mississippi River, the Quad Cities are also highly prone to flooding and other extreme weather events, posing risks to public safety, infrastructure, and the economy. Amidst growing climate challenges, the Quad Cities must navigate evolving environmental, social, and economic impacts for a resilient future.
Publications
- Navigating Climate Challenges in the Quad Cities: A Comprehensive Assessment and Paths to Resilience
- Effectiveness of nature-based solutions to reduce flooding in Quad Cities Metro Area (QCMA) using SWMM-HEC based flood model
- Nature-based solutions: an effective approach for flood mitigation and resilience in the Quad Cities in future climate
Resources and Tools
Webinars
- Unveiling The Quad Cities Flood Map – A Tool for Climate Change and Community Resilience
- Green Blueprint: How Nature Provides Solutions for Our Communities
Milan Bottoms /Casino West Site Development
- A Hidden Gem at a Crossroads: The Fight to Protect Milan Bottoms
- Rock Island City Council Approves Sale of Land – Threatening Surrounding Wetlands
- Prairie Rivers Network Honors Illinois Environmental Advocates
- Casino West Cannabis Dispensary and Gas Station Project
Take Action
Meet Our River Health and Resiliency Organizer
Nina Struss joined PRN in 2023 and actively works to advance nature-based solutions specific to river health in the Quad Cities region. In collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation, she educates, engages and activates the public and community leaders about the benefits of natural river, wetland, and floodplain functions and their impacts on the Quad Cities. She is an active environmental partner through involvement with organizations like the Clean River Advisory Council and the Bi-State Conservation Action Network.
With a background in nutrition as a registered dietitian, Nina has spent much of her career focusing on improving the overall health and wellness of the Quad Cities community. Her ample experience in education, community engagement and media relations have proven to be a valuable asset to the environmental community in the region she calls home. Nina enjoys reading, gardening, crafting, traveling, and spending time in nature with her husband and son.
Reach out to Nina via email at nstruss [at] prairierivers [dot] org.
