Quad City Botanical Center
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STAFF

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ryan wille
Executive Director

Email Ryan
Ext 206
Ryan’s love of the outdoors shaped his career path in landscaping, leading him to the Botanical Center, where he worked in both the marketing and education departments before becoming executive director in 2021. He is a native of Palatine, Illinois, and studied English at Bradley University in Peoria. He’s excited to continue programs and experiences that make the gardens the asset they are today while developing new reasons to bring people and plants together in fun and meaningful ways.

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dave searl
head gardener

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Ext 204
Dave has been the head gardener for the Botanical Center since 2000. Growing up on a farm in rural Port Byron, Illinois, he developed an early interest in nature and plants. Working at the Center has given him the opportunity to share his interests and knowledge with others. Dave enjoys traveling and is a long-standing member of the Moline Horticultural Society.

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KARI CAMPBELL
BANQUET RENTALS 
​AND SALES

Email Kari
Ext 201
Kari uses her highly refined customer service skills and positive attitude to assist with rentals, memberships and events. Kari has been a hands-on participant in events at the Center since starting here in 2002. When not at the Center, she can be found spending time with her grandchildren, baking or shopping.

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KATE MAPES
GARDENS, EDUCATION AND PROJECT SUPPORT

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Ext 209
Kate is an assistant gardener and office project coordinator. She enjoys overseeing the Children’s Garden river maintenance and watching children and families enjoying the water. Kate grew up on a dairy farm in Port Byron, Illinois, where the outdoor world inspired her to pursue a career in plants. Kate earned her Bachelor of Science degree in ornamental horticulture at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville. She has been with the Center since 2007.

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SARAH BALKOVEK
ACCOUNTING

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Ext 207
Sarah joined the Botanical Center in 2016. She studied accounting at Saint Mary's College, and continued her education while studying political science at the University of Notre Dame. She was born and raised in the Quad Cities, and after a brief stint working in California, she made her way back home to start a family. Sarah continues gaining knowledge of plants and gardening at the Botanical Center and applies those experiences to her home garden.

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PAIGE UNDERWOOD
SPECIAL EVENTS AND
​MARKETING MANAGER

Email Paige
Ext 202
Paige joined the Botanical Center in the fall of 2019. She was born and raised in the Quad Cities and studied event planning, recreation, and tourism at Western Illinois University. Paige enjoys home and indoor gardening, supporting the music and arts community, and exploring more ways to live sustainably.

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ALICIA DIERIKX
Guest and volunteer 
​engagement manager

Email Alicia
Ext 210
Alicia enjoys interacting with all the visitors and connecting with the community. She was born and raised in Orion just outside of the Quad City area and attended Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, where she received  her bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism Administration and Event Planning. Alicia completed her internship at the Botanical Center over the summer of 2019 and completely fell in love with the people and plants. She started this newly created position at the gardens in January 2020.

HOURS

Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 11am-5pm


Holiday Day Hours 11am-2pm 
Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day

Closed 
Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas

ADMISSION

FREE For Members
$7.00 Adults (16+)

$4.00 Youth (ages 2-15)
FREE For Toddlers (under 2)

No pets allowed, except service animals
​
​
Please remember us in your will and trusts. ​

DIRECTIONS

2525 4th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201

Get directions


​P 309.794.0991
F 309.794.1572
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  • Home
  • VISIT
    • Admission
    • Tours
    • The Garden Store >
      • Online Shop
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • EXPLORE
    • Gardens
    • What's In Bloom
    • Art Exhibits
    • Calling Artists
    • Host An Event
    • Weddings
    • Travel
    • Screen Savers
  • LEARN
    • Children | Families >
      • Activities
    • Adults >
      • Adult Activities
    • Educators >
      • Education Classes
    • Conservation
  • SUPPORT
    • Memberships
    • Give
    • Adopt A Garden
    • Volunteer
    • Planned Giving
    • Tribute Gifts
    • Corporate
  • ABOUT
    • Mission | Vision
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Friends
    • Careers | Internships
    • History
    • In The News
    • Garden Etiquette
    • Plant Sale 2021