What Nahant Marsh Education Center does

Nahant Marsh Education Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental education center and 382-acre urban wetland preserve located in southwest Davenport, Iowa, operating within a 513-acre wetland complex bordered by the Mississippi River. Founded in 2000 on 78 acres following an EPA Superfund cleanup that removed 140 tons of lead contamination, the organization delivers environmental education, applied conservation research, and habitat restoration. Its educational portfolio includes PreK-12 field trips ($8/child), off-site outreach visits ($60/hour), group tours ($55-$185), summer camps ($25-$260), homeschool programs, the Master Conservationist Program with Iowa State University Extension, and a 2-year Conservation Technology associate degree administered through Eastern Iowa Community Colleges.

The underlying 'technology' stack consists of ecological research methods rather than software or AI: GPS and radio telemetry for Blanding's Turtle population monitoring (ongoing since 2010), acoustic recording devices and species-identification software for surveying all nine Iowa bat species, water quality testing, wildlife population studies, and habitat restoration techniques. NSF-funded summer research internships provide undergraduate field experience. The organization maintains a website (nahantmarsh.org) and uses Mailchimp for newsletter distribution and Neon CRM for donations, memberships, and event registration.

Revenue is generated through a diversified non-profit model: program fees, annual memberships (tiers $25-$1,000+), individual donations, corporate sponsorships ($1,000-$10,000+ tiers), animal adoptions ($75/year), and facility rentals ($50-$75/hour). Major fundraising channels include the John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity program. The customer base spans K-12 schools, homeschool families, college students, adult learners, volunteers, and donors in the Quad Cities region. The preserve is jointly owned by the City of Davenport and the Nahant Marsh Board, with the organization governed by a 17-member Board of Trustees.

Name

Nahant Marsh Education Center

Legal name

Nahant Marsh Education Center

Website

https://nahantmarsh.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Nahant Marsh Education Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit operating a 382-acre urban wetland preserve in Davenport, Iowa, delivering environmental education, conservation research, and habitat restoration programs to K-12 schools, families, college students, and adult learners in the Quad Cities region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Education and Wetland Conservation

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Interpretation & Education Centers (Visitor Centers, Museums) (THAAAFAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Environmental Education & Outreach (BPAGAGAH), Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning) (THAAAOAA)

Keywords

• Environmental education
• Wetland conservation
• Nature programs
• Wildlife research
• Community education

Headquarters

HQ city

Davenport

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Program Fees: Revenue from educational programs including field trips ($8/child), outreach visits ($60/hour), group tours ($55-$185), summer camps ($25-$260), and facility rentals ($50-$75/hour). Programs serve schools, families, and community groups.
2. Membership Dues: Annual membership program with tiers from Student ($25) to Lifetime ($1000+), providing discounts on programs and store, plus newsletter subscription.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations, corporate sponsorships (Benefactor $10,000+ to Partner $1,000-$1,999), and special event fundraising including Birdies for Charity through John Deere Classic.
4. Animal Adoptions: 'Adopt'-an-Animal program at $75 for one year, including certificate, photo, and recognition plaque.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship tiers from $1,000 (Partner) to $10,000+ (Benefactor) with benefits including free facility rental, logo placement, and guided hikes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Nahant Marsh Education Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit nature center operating on a 382-acre urban wetland preserve in Davenport, Iowa, delivering hands-on environmental education programming for all ages (PreK through adults). Core offerings include guided field trips, off-site outreach visits, group tours, summer camps, homeschool classes, adult education (Master Conservationist Program, Nature Labs, Breakfast Nature Club), and the EICC Conservation Technology two-year degree program, complemented by on-site conservation research on turtles, bats, birds, and water quality.

Product overview

Nahant Marsh Education Center operates as a single, unified environmental education center offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services centered around wetland conservation education. The core offerings include field trips, outreach visits, group tours, summer camps, and adult education programs including the Master Conservationist Program and Nature Labs. The EICC Conservation Technology Program represents a distinctive 2-year degree pathway. Supporting services include animal adoption, membership, facility rental, and Nature Explorer Packs for self-guided exploration. All programs connect participants to the preserve's 382-acre urban wetland ecosystem through hands-on learning experiences.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Field Trips Nature-based educational field trips for Pre-K through 12th grade students featuring hands-on outdoor activities on wetlands, wildlife, plants, stewardship, and conservation. Priced at $8 per child with free admission for teachers and chaperones, with scholarships available for fees and busing during spring (mid-April to end of May) and fall (September to mid-October) seasons.
• Outreach Visits Off-site environmental education programs delivered by Nahant Marsh naturalists at schools, libraries, and community facilities for PreK through adult groups. Topics include vertebrates, insects, plants, mammals, and reptiles; priced at $60 per hour.
• Group Tours Guided naturalist-led tours of Nahant Marsh including Trail Explorer, Leisurely Wetland Wander, and Rockingham Bottoms Restoration Tour options. Tiered pricing based on group size from $55 (5-10 guests) up to $185 (25-30 guests), with additional fees for after-hours tours.
• Summer Camps Nature-themed summer camps for various age groups including Toadstool Camp (PreK-K, $25), Critter Camp (Grades 1-2, $55), Outdoor Survival Camp ($165), Nature Adventure Camp ($260), Jr. Naturalist Camp ($165), Outdoor Survival Camp 2.0, and Art in Nature Camp.
• Master Conservationist Program Multi-session continuing education program delivered in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension covering Iowa's natural resources, prairie, forest, aquatic ecosystems, and conservation practices through field trips across eastern Iowa. Priced at $160 for Members and $200 for Guests (which includes Individual Membership). Over 180 participants have completed the program since 2012.
• Request an Educator Lecture-style presentations on local ecology and conservation topics available for adult groups covering seasonal themes including spring wild edibles, butterflies, warblers, waterfowl, snakes, bats, and invasive plants.
• Breakfast Nature Club Monthly nature education class for adults exploring characteristics and adaptations of local flora and fauna, with continental breakfast included.
• Nature Labs Hands-on adult workshops including owl pellet dissection, mushroom spore prints, pressed flower art, flower dissection, fossil crafts, leaf-imprinted pottery, and seed truffle making.
• Homeschool Program Monthly natural science classes designed for homeschool students in grades K-8th, providing flexible-format immersive nature education.
• EICC Conservation Technology Program Two-year accredited associate degree program offered by Eastern Iowa Community College with courses taught on-site at the 382-acre preserve. Prepares students for conservation-based careers including Conservation Scientists, Environmental Educators, Wildlife Biologists, and Botanists. Executive Director Brian Ritter serves as Program Director.
• Membership Program Annual membership program with tiered dues from Student ($25) to Lifetime ($1000+), providing discounts on programs and store access plus a newsletter subscription. Tiers include Student, Senior, Individual, Family, Grand Family, Associate Individual, Associate Family, Benefactor, and Lifetime.
• Animal Adoption Program Symbolic Adopt-an-Animal program allowing supporters to sponsor resident animal ambassadors including turtles, snakes, and amphibians for $75 for one year, including a personalized certificate, photo, and recognition plaque.
• Facility Rental Room and facility rentals for events, corporate meetings, birthday parties, and gatherings with AV equipment and naturalist-led program options. Priced at $50-$75/hour depending on organization type and time of day, with birthday parties at $150 for 2 hours including a program.
• Nature Explorer Packs Self-guided exploration kits available for checkout at the Education Center including Insect Catching Kit, Nature Hike Kit, Bird Hike Kit, and Water Bug Catching Kit with guides, equipment, and scavenger hunts.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 22,000 children, adults, and families served annually through educational programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partnership where EICC's Conservation Technology program is administered with most courses taught at Nahant Marsh. Executive Director Brian Ritter serves as Program Director for EICC Conservation program.
• AmeriCorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts AmeriCorps Naturalist positions annually. Multiple staff members began as AmeriCorps educators before becoming full-time employees.
• City of DavenportcoreOthersCo-owner of the 382-acre preserve with the Nahant Marsh Board. Provides ongoing support and recognition as a community asset.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered during EPA Superfund cleanup (1998-1999) to remove 140 tons of lead. Continued involvement in conservation and research efforts.
• U.S. Environmental Protection AgencymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeclared Nahant Marsh a Superfund site and led extensive lead cleanup. Transformed contaminated site into protected wetland preserve.
• Iowa State University ExtensionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in the Master Conservationist Program, providing curriculum and technical information from ISU researchers and educators.
• Iowa Department of Natural ResourcesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in conservation efforts and wildlife management. Collaborated to save the marsh and conserve its biotic community.
• River ActionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed grass-roots rehabilitation effort for the marsh in 1998-1999 alongside other community partners. Ongoing collaborative conservation partner.
• Quad City Audubon SocietymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered to save the marsh and conserve its biotic community. Active in bird conservation and education efforts.
• Iowa Natural Heritage FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner providing support for wetland preservation and restoration efforts in eastern Iowa.
• Living Lands and WatersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental conservation organization partner supporting river and wetland cleanup efforts.
• Partners of Scott County WatershedsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal watershed conservation partnership supporting water quality and habitat protection.
• Delta WaterfowlminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterfowl conservation organization partner supporting wetland habitat efforts.
• St. Ambrose UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal university partner; Development Director Victoria Edwards graduated from St. Ambrose with Biology degree.
• Scott County, IowaminorOthersLocal government partner in the Quad Cities region supporting conservation efforts.
• City of Davenport Parks and RecreationminorOthersMunicipal partner in park and recreation services for the Davenport community.
• XStream CleanupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional watershed cleanup organization partner.
• Riv-ActionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRiver conservation organization partner in the Quad Cities area.
• Continental CementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner in the Davenport, Iowa area.
• Waste Commission of Scott CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaste management and environmental services partner supporting sustainable operations.
• John Deere Classic / Birdies for CharitymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual participation in Birdies for Charity program through the John Deere Classic PGA tournament, providing fundraising exposure and community engagement.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Brookfield Zoo / Chicago Zoological Society: Midwest zoological institution running conservation research and education programs at a much larger scale, comparable in programming philosophy and conservation focus.

Direct peers

• Cincinnati Nature Center: Midwest nonprofit nature preserve offering environmental education, school programs, and conservation research on a comparable acreage scale to Nahant Marsh.
• The Morton Arboretum: Illinois-based nonprofit tree-focused outdoor education and conservation organization with strong research and youth programming, similar educational mission to Nahant Marsh.
• Forest Preserve District of DuPage County: Large urban forest preserve district near Chicago offering environmental education, conservation, and recreation programming at a comparable scale and visitor model.
• River Action: Quad Cities-based nonprofit dedicated to Mississippi River protection, partnering closely with Nahant Marsh on marsh rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
• Living Lands and Waters: Regional river cleanup and conservation nonprofit working on the Mississippi River system; existing Nahant Marsh partner with overlapping mission around watershed stewardship.
• Quad City Audubon Society: Local Audubon chapter that is an active partner of Nahant Marsh, focused on bird conservation and education in the same geographic area.
• Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: Statewide Iowa nonprofit focused on land conservation and protecting natural areas; partner with Nahant Marsh and highly comparable mission, scope, and geography.

Broad incumbents

• Ducks Unlimited: Large national wetland conservation nonprofit partnering with Nahant Marsh on waterfowl habitat; broader geographic scope but similar wetland-focused mission.
• Mass Audubon: Larger, multi-site New England nature conservation and education nonprofit demonstrating the scaled version of Nahant Marsh's nature-center-with-preserve model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nahant_marsh
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles28 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nahant Marsh Education Center