Support the Forest Preserve
7 organizations with 1 goal: Keep the QC outdoorsy
Seven unique organizations make up the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District family: Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, Niabi Zoo, Indian Bluff Golf Course, Dorrance Park, Martin Conservation Area and Amôwa Forest Preserve.
Together, they keep the Quad Cities green and encourage us all to appreciate nature, stay active and preserve the natural beauty of the region.
Our Mission is to maintain and acquire lands with the intent to restore and conserve such lands for the purpose of preservation, education, and recreation for its residents with fiscal responsibility. By investing in the Forest Preserves, you can help us ensure this family of organizations is enjoyed by Quad-Cities families for many years to come. Please consider Rock Island County Forest Preserve for any long-term or end-of-life giving with your family and financial advisors.
Help Protect Our Ecosystems at Amôwa Forest Preserve!
Purchase a t-shirt to support rare species
We’re excited to launch our limited-edition t-shirt fundraiser to support conservation efforts at Amôwa Forest Preserve! For every t-shirt sold, $8 will benefit the Larry Toppert Endowment Fund, dedicated to preserving natural ecosystems and protecting rare species.
The recent BioBlitz at Amôwa Forest Preserve uncovered three rare species: the Protandrena bancrofti bee, the Three-Birds Orchid, and False Mermaid Weed. Your purchase of a t-shirt will help us safeguard these unique species and their habitats.
This forest green t-shirt features a fun design inspired by the beauty of Amôwa's wildlife. It will make a wonderful addition to your wardrobe or a thoughtful gift for a loved one. Plus, you’ll be helping to spread awareness about the importance of conservation!
Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Endowment Fund
The Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Endowment Fund is managed by the QC Community Foundation and is dedicated to capital improvements and new land acquisitions for the purpose of conservation. The Loud Thunder Forest Preserve is the largest in Rock Island County at 1,480 acres and offers a variety of outdoor attractions such as camping, fishing, over 12 miles of trails, seasonal boat rentals, and acres of native hardwood forest and prairie restorations. Your contribution will benefit the endowment fund designated to Loud Thunder Forest Preserve.
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Larry Toppert Memorial Fund
This memorial fund is managed by the QC Community Foundation and was founded by Deb Toppert - in memory of her husband, Larry, who served as an East Moline Alderman and was an instrumental force in establishing a new forest preserve in East Moline. Your gift will support the conservation mission of Amôwa Forest Preserve.
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Motus Wildlife Tracking Station
Fundraising Goal: $7,500
The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is an international collaborative network of researchers that use automated radio telemetry to simultaneously track hundreds of species of birds, bats, and insects. When compared to other technologies, automated radio telemetry allows researchers to track the smallest animals possible, with high temporal and geographic precision, over great distances. The data collected will be used to make informed conservation decisions, educate the public on migration, and assist in the conservation needed to halt and reverse bird declines related to biodiversity loss. Your gift will help install a Motus station at Illiniwek Forest Preserve.
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Loud Thunder Trail Improvements
Fundraising Goal: $7,500
Help Loud Thunder continue its trail restoration efforts in replacing bridge crossings throughout the preserve’s trail paths. The property has both a two-mile and a 12-mile continuous loop for the public to enjoy. Your generous gift will help provide more accessibility to Loud Thunder Forest Preserve.
Donate to This Fund