The Clean River Advisory Council (C-RAC) is a community-driven council working across the Quad Cities region to improve water quality, expand natural infrastructure, and deepen connections between residents and the Mississippi River.

Mission:

To elevate community voices in shaping local environmental solutions that improve water quality, expand natural infrastructure, and strengthen connections to the Mississippi River.

Vision:

Guided by the Mississippi River Equity Vision (MREV), C-RAC envisions a future rooted in shared stewardship—where culture, wellness, and a clean, accessible river drive environmental resilience and regional prosperity.

C-RAC’s work expanded significantly beginning in 2023, supported by the Walton Family Foundation and in partnership with the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Since then, the council has focused on strengthening neighborhood-level collaboration, advancing nature-based solutions, and addressing environmental injustices through trusted community partnerships.

MREV stands for the Mississippi River Equity Vision. It serves as the guiding framework for C-RAC’s work and centers shared stewardship, cultural connection, environmental wellness, and equitable access to a clean Mississippi River for all residents.

C-RAC’s work focuses on:

• Improving local water quality

• Expanding natural infrastructure (trees, wetlands, rain gardens, floodplain protection)

• Promoting education, engagement, and environmental stewardship

• Strengthening neighborhood-level partnerships

• Ensuring inclusive, community-led environmental solutions
  
  

Through its QC River Connections Grants, C-RAC specifically supports projects that:

• Strengthen neighborhood collaboration

• Advance physical improvements using nature-based solutions

• Promote river education and stewardship

You can explore the full 2025 Annual Community Impact Report or visit CleanRiverQC.com

Highlights from 2025 include:

• 465 community survey responses

• 300+ trees planted across the Quad Cities

• 102 volunteer hours logged

• 86 seed packets distributed through the Seed Library

• $682,000 distributed to 25 community organizations through QC River Connections Grants

Community members can get involved through:

• Neighborhood cleanups

• Tree planting events

• Community garden partnerships

• Environmental trainings, panels, and workshops

Residents can also engage through the mobile Seed Library and river-related educational programming.

Community members can get involved through:

• Neighborhood cleanups

• Tree planting events

• Community garden partnerships

• Environmental trainings, panels, and workshops

Residents can also engage through the mobile Seed Library and river-related educational programming.

C-RAC welcomes partnerships with nonprofits, schools, neighborhood groups, civic leaders, and community-based organizations.

Partnership opportunities may include:

• Hosting educational workshops or resource fairs

• Implementing nature-based solutions projects

• Collaborating on neighborhood-level initiatives

• Applying for QC River Connections Grant funding

• Presentations, C-RAC involvement

The QC River Connections Grant program provides funding to support community-led environmental projects across Illinois and Iowa.

Since 2023:

• 61 applications have been received

• 25 organizations have been funded

• $682,000 has been distributed directly to the community
  2025.C-RAC.Annual+Community+Imp…

The grant program prioritizes projects that:

• Strengthen neighborhood partnerships

• Use nature-based solutions

Promote education, engagement, and stewardship connected to the Mississippi River.