ROCK ISLAND, Illinois (KWQC) – Augustana College environmental studies seniors wrapped up a three-year wildlife study at Duck Creek this fall, partnering with Davenport officials to track how people and animals use the popular park.
The students interviewed people in the park and set up trail cameras to track animals and observe how wildlife interacted with people using the area.
They presented their findings to Davenport officials and offered recommendations to improve the space so it better supports both wildlife and the community. Their report included suggested changes to help protect habitat and make the creek corridor more enjoyable for residents and animals alike.
Project builds student connections
The research project created bonds among the students while they pursued their studies.
“I feel like our class really bonded this year. We’ve had classes all together before, but with this we were just really close,” said Gianna Zampogna, a senior at Augustana College. “Being able to like learn how to use the wildlife cameras together was a lot of fun. Going to do field work with a partner. It was a really good bonding class this year.”
Jordyn Van Santen, also a senior, said working with like-minded classmates enhanced the experience.
“It’s exciting to be able to work with people who are also really passionate about the environment,” Van Santen said. “It was really cool to get close to people through field work and class experiences.”
Study examines ecosystem connections
The students focused on understanding the relationships between human activity and wildlife behavior in the Duck Creek area.
“It was really important to look at the interconnections between these because these do not exist in their own vacuum,” Zampogna said. “We are always influencing each other. The ecosystem affects us just as we affect the ecosystem.”
Kevin Geedey, professor of biology and the environment at Augustana College, said the study demonstrates the success of the Duck Creek area.
“The student study this semester shows that the Duck Creek Parkway is succeeding both as a wonderful amenity for the community and an important habitat corridor for birds and wildlife,” Geedey said. “And it’s awesome that we can have both.”
The students will graduate next spring and move on to other projects, but this one left a mark on them.
“It feels like we’re leaving the area with something that’s actually going to hopefully make a change,” Van Santen said.
Estefanía Pinto Ruiz is the water, ag & environment reporter for KWQC TV6 News and The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk. She is also a Report for America corps member.
Copyright 2025 KWQC. All rights reserved.