Nahant Marsh
The Nahant Marsh Education Center is the largest urban wetland on the Upper-Mississippi River.
Nestled in southwest Davenport, bordered by Interstate 280 and Highway 22, Nahant Marsh spans 382-acres within a larger 513-acre wetland complex. It’s comprised of diverse ecosystems, including marshy areas, mesic, wet and sand prairie, and bottomland forest. Carp Lake, a spring-fed quarry, and the surrounding grounds also form integral parts of the preserve.
Ownership of the preserve is shared between the City of Davenport and the Nahant Marsh Board, a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status. The board directs these initiatives to ensure the preservation of the marsh's ecological integrity. Meanwhile, EICC oversees educational programming. These programs take place on- and off-site, focusing on midwest ecosystems, conservation, and stewardship.
4220 Wapello Ave., Davenport, IA 52802
Operational Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.,
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (April - October)
Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. If the main gate is locked, trails are accessible from the front parking lot. Look for the opening in the fence near the kiosk.
There is no fee to visit the Nahant Marsh Education Center, but donations are appreciated.
Research
Research at Nahant Marsh plays a crucial role in contributing to a deeper understanding and effective management of the diverse ecosystems within the area. The center is committed to providing valuable opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning and gain practical experience in various fields of study through research projects. Nahant Marsh offers research programs covering a wide range of disciplines, including Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, Botany, Hydrology, Chemistry, Genetics, Geology, Geography, Toxicology, and more.
Conservation
The mission of Nahant Marsh Education Center is to protect, enhance, and restore the Marsh through education, research, and conservation. Each year, the center provides opportunities for volunteers to help with conservation efforts like Spring Clean-up or volunteer days.
Nahant Marsh Education Center
Egret
Great White Front Goose
Lotus
Pelican
Turtle, Red Eared Slider
Sandhill Crane
White Tail Buck
Study Conservation at EICC
Learn in nature's classroom. Through EICC's Conservation Pathway, you'll study wildlife, trees and plants, and the basics of manging fisheries. You also check off a series of general education, like biology, chemistry, and math, which most four-year transfer colleges require. Then, build on your book knowledge with the program's summer wildlife experience and on-the-job training.
Brian Ritter, Nahant Marsh Executive Director and EICC Conservation Program Director