Rock Island Field Office biologist Kraig McPeek discusses river habitats during the recent Channel Cat ‘Ride the River’ course. - FWS photo

The Rock Island Field Office teamed up recently with River Action of the Quad Cities to hold three courses on the "Channel Cat" water taxi.  

Each course focused on the ecology of the Mississippi River and traveled throughout Pool 15 for an hour and a half.  During the  boat ride, Kraig McPeek of the Rock island Field Office discussed the importance of the river to the Quad Cities and how significant the river truly is.  

The majority of topics revolved around upland wetland management, the importance of riparian zone management, exotic species, freshwater mussels and sampling techniques.  

McPeek and Heidi Woeber, Rock Island biologist, demonstrated the use of ponar grabs for observing sediments, sampling invertebrates and assessing organic matter.  In addition to the ponar grab, they showed attendees how to use a mussel brail and fish sampling techniques.  

The local television station, Quad Cities WQPT, was aboard the Channel Cat and prepared a 10-minute special that aired on the local, “Life and Times of the Quad Cities” with Karen McPherson.  

The Courses were so popular that River Action has expressed an interest in pursuing similar classes next summer.