Conservation in Action

This engaging event will bring the region’s conservation and community-minded professionals together for a day grounded in one simple idea: confluence - the place where people, land, and ideas meet. Held on Credit Island, the day is designed to be as much an experience as it is a meeting, blending history, hands-on creativity, movement and genuine connection. 

What You'll Experience: Opening with a keynote on the history of Credit Island, attendees will experience a shared sense of place before breaking out into participatory experiences. Spend a session translating real regional environmental data - from the Flood Protection Corridor and the QC Climate Assessment - into a piece of mixed-media art that reflects your environmental passions. Head outside for a guided hike across the island, learning to spot and understand the species that call it home. For those craving a slower pace, a dedicated space is available to snack, browse vendor tables, and strike up a conversation with both familiar faces and new ones.

Who Should Attend: Environmental organizations • Community groups • Local businesses • Educators • Students • Municipal leaders • Farmers • Neighborhood associations • Anyone passionate about creating positive environmental change

No previous experience with art, hiking or environmental data is required. Leave feeling more connected to the land, to the data and history that shape it, and to each other - growing new relationships and collaborations along the way.

8:00 AM - Registration/Networking/Breakfast

8:45 AM - Welcome

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM - Keynote: History of Credit Island with Brian Ritter

10:00 AM - 10:55 AM - Choice of: Hike, Art Workshop or Networking

11:00 AM - 11:55 AM - Choice of: Hike, Art Workshop or Networking

11:55 PM - 12:00 PM  - Bi-CAN Closing

#1 - Translating Nature Through Mixed Media and Environmental Data Visualization - In this hands-on workshop, we take real ecological data from the Quad Cities Flood Protection Corridor, the QC Climate Assessment and translate it by hand into mixed media art. Working with printed map layers from ARC GIS, illustrated maps by artist Meghan Hollister, lovingly pressed prairie plants, and relief techniques, participants find their own place inside the data: the spot where they grew up, a species they recognize, a piece of land they want to see protected. No mapping or art experience needed. Come and create something personal out of the data that informs our home. 

#2 - Nature Hike - Join Jimmy Wiebler on a hike focused on birds, or join Rob Liva on a hike focused on plants throughout Credit Island. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Hikes will take place outside unless conditions are considered unsafe. 

#3 - Find a Friend - Enjoy a semi-quiet space to snack and network with other like-minded people. Visit our vendor tables and learn about organizations - new and seasoned. The networking area is dependent on the amount of people that choose this as an option for their breakout.