In August 2013, the QCCA was gifted a 58-acre wetland property located in East Moline, Illinois. The Dowsett family, who previously owned the land and had placed it into a conservation easement, donated the property to the QCCA in hopes that it would be restored and preserved as a natural wetland and protected from urban development. The family also wanted to see the space used for public education and scientific study. 

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Since taking ownership of the property, the QCCA has worked hard to fullfill the Dowsett family's wishes. They've worked with local state and federal agencies, educational institutions, civic organizations and corporate sponsors to restore and enhance the property. 

 

Added features of the property include: 

 

• 26 x 16 ft. Open Shelter (Eagle Scout Project)

• Parking Area (Materials donated by McCarthy Improvement)

• 8 x 22 ft. Equipment Building

• Boat Dock (Donated by Superior Dock & Seawall)

• Kayak Dock (Eagle Scout Project)

• Research Boat (Donated by Ted's Boatarama)

• Boat Launch Area

• One (1) mile trail around the lake

• 11 Bat Houses (Eagle Scout Project)

• 7 Wood Duck Houses (Eagle Scout Project)

• 2 Osprey Nest Towers (Eagle Scout Project, Installed by Mid American Energy)

• Bird and Animal Observation Blind (Eagle Scout Project)

• 5 Beehives (Donated and maintained by R's Honey)

• Butterfly Garden (Constructed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

• 50 Warbler Houses (Western Illinois University) 

• Pit Toilet - handicapped accessible (Eagle Scout Project)

• 24-foot Pontoon for handicapped accessibility(Donated by Bass Pro Shops)

• 14-foot Specialized Trailer for handicapped accessibility (Donated by local foundations, Arconic and personal donations)