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
OFFICE MANAGER

Email Kari
Ext 203
Kari uses her highly refined organizational skills and positive attitude to assist with member and donor relationships.  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

Email Kate
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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HEATHER BALLOU
​
EDUCATION MANAGER 

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Ext 208
After studying animal science at University of Illinois, Heather came to the Quad Cities to further her education in biology. After spending time focusing on natural resources, she served in environmental education for five years before finding herself at the Botanical Center. She is looking forward to engaging with the community and sharing exciting learning opportunities.

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PAIGE UNDERWOOD
SPECIAL EVENTS AND
​MARKETING MANAGER

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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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BRIT GRAY
banquet and private events manager

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Ext 201
Brit is our banquet and private events manager and an Iowa native who loves spending time outdoors with her family in every season. A wife and mother of three, Brit knows how to organize and promote successful events. A favorite hobby is making cyanotype prints from pressed local plants, and her passion for gardening and gathering in groups helps her fit right in with our botanical team.

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AMELIA SEUTTER
GUEST SERVICES AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Email Amelia
Ext 210
Amelia joined the Botanical Center in 2021. She graduated from St. Ambrose University with a bachelor’s degree in history and art history and also graduated from Western Illinois University with a master’s degree in museum studies. She loves working with people and always has a positive attitude. Amelia enjoys planting herbs and pollinator-friendly plants.​

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SARAH BALKOVEK
ACCOUNTING

Email Sarah
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.

HOURS

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

Closed Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas

ADMISSION

FREE For Members
$9.00 Adults (16+)

$6.00 Youth (ages 2-15)
FREE For Toddlers (under 2)

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

DIRECTIONS

2525 4th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201

Get directions


​P 309.794.0991
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  • HOME
  • VISIT
    • Admission
    • Tours
    • The Garden Store
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • EXPLORE
    • Event Calendar
    • Gardens
    • What's In Bloom
    • Art Exhibits
    • 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
    • Garden Etiquette