Educator

Spring Wild Edibles

Learn about the wild foods that grow under your feet! Many plants we think of as weeds are actually very nutritious and tasty. This presentation is designed to give participants basic skills and knowledge to identify, harvest and prepare spring greens, herbs, and flowers. Many of the plants covered in the class are ones that can be found in your backyard.

Butterflies and Their Host Plants

Caterpillars have specific needs when it comes to their food source. Many butterflies search out specific plants to lay their eggs on. By knowing what plants serve as a caterpillar nursery, you can witness their amazing life cycles. 

Warblers of Iowa

Increase your birding skills by learning tips about how to identify the charismatic and colorful (but notoriously-difficult) wood warblers of the Quad Cities. 

Waterfowl Migration

Living along the Mississippi River provides a great opportunity to observe the natural phenomenon of migration. This presentation will explore theories behind waterfowl migration and what species can be spotted along their journey. 

Frogs and Toads

Explore the biology of frogs and toads in the Midwest and what role these cold-blooded creatures play in conserving natural habitats. Participants will also learn how to identify species by call and physical traits.

Spring Woodland Wildflowers

Learn about the types of flowers that can be found carpeting the forest floor in the springtime. The presentation will also explore the faunal associations and historical uses of these plants. 

Enrich Your Yard with Native Plants

Yards are a great place to incorporate native plants – but where to start? This presentation will identify yard ecosystem types, native plants that are best suited for those habitats, and the wildlife that benefits from them. Additionally, you’ll also hear of a variety of resources to start plugging natives into your landscapes.

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Ever wonder why dragonflies and damselflies are found near water? It’s because of their unique life cycle. In this presentation, you will learn about their biology and what common species are found in our area. 

Prairie Insects

Insects are a vital part of any ecosystem by being both predators and prey. Learn about different groups of insects that can be found in a prairie. 

Intro to Native Bees

Did you know that North America is home to over 4,000 species of bees? Join us for the morning as we explore the world of wild bees, their life cycles, nesting habits, and identification

Snakes of the QC Region

Explore the species of snakes found in our region, their unique adaptations, and the research, we are doing at the marsh on these limbless creatures. 

Turtle Research at Nahant Marsh

Learn about the variety of turtles that live in our region and the decades-long research that is conducted at the marsh. 

Bats of the QC Region

This introduction to the bats of the Quad Cities will describe each of the nine species here and explain their biology, conservation status, and how you can help local bats survive and thrive. 

Summer Wild Edibles

Learn about the wild foods that grow under your feet! Many plants we think of as weeds are actually very nutritious and tasty. This presentation is designed to give participants basic skills and knowledge to identify, harvest and a variety of wild foods. Many of the plants covered in the class are ones that can be found in your backyard.

Warblers of Iowa

Increase your birding skills by learning tips about how to identify the charismatic and colorful (but notoriously-difficult) wood warblers of the Quad Cities.

Waterfowl Migration

Take a look at the phenomenon of migration, its patterns, and the species that take part in it. In this presentation, we will learn about some of the waterfowl that migrate through the marsh.

Monarchs & Migration

Participants will learn about these amazing insects including their lifecycle, adaptations, and migration patterns. In the fall, participants may be able to tag these butterflies for monarch conservation research. Live caterpillars and Monarch butterflies may be used if season allows. 

Turtle Research at Nahant Marsh

Learn about our regional aquatic turtle species, why they are an important part of the ecosystem, and what Nahant Marsh is doing to protect threatened populations.

Native Fruit & Nuts

Our region is home to a variety of fruit and nut-bearing trees and shrubs that are not only beneficial to diverse groups of birds, mammals, and insects, but also to humans. In this presentation, you will learn the faunal associations, habitat needs, and culinary uses of these unique native plants.

Predators of the Night Sky

Learn about the nocturnal raptors that call Iowa home, and the adaptations that help them thrive. 

Woodpeckers of the QC Region

How do woodpeckers prevent headaches? This group of birds has amazing adaptations for excessive hammering, extracting food, and more. Participants will learn about the various species and how to attract them to your backyard.

Attracting Winter Birds

Birds have many adaptations that help them survive the cold winter months. Learn which species stick around from the cold months and how you can attract them to your feeder. 

Predators of the Sky

Our region is home to a wide variety of hawks, falcons, and eagles. Learn about each species and their role in conservation. 

Winter Wildlife

Explore the fur-bearing animals that are active in winter, their characteristics, and survival skills. 

Winter Tree ID

Twigs from different trees all have variations in buds, leaf scars, shape, and size. Students will learn how to identify a tree solely based on studying the anatomy of a twig. During this interactive program, participants will determine which species of tree each twig belongs.

The History of Nahant Marsh

Hear the tale of how a polluted sportsman’s club went from an EPA Superfund site to a restored 382-acre wetland preserve. Our story includes information on our education program, field research, and restoration practices. 

Wildlife Conservation in the U.S.

Learn about the history of hunting and trapping in the United States and the importance of these activities to wildlife conservation. 

Mysterious Mississippi Mussels

Mussels are the most endangered species in the U.S. Learn about the adaptations, diets, life cycle, and history of these shelled creatures. Mussel shells will be shown and students will learn to identify common species.

Invasive Plants and their Native Alternatives

In this presentation, participants will learn about the invasive plant species of Iowa, including how to identify them, the tools to control them, and native alternatives that are better suited to gardens or pollinator habitats.