Quad City Botanical Center
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STAFF

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amI porter
Executive Director

Email Ami
Ext 206
Ami has been honored to serve as executive director of the Quad City Botanical Center since 2007. She started at the Botanical Center in 1998 as rental facility manager. She is a Moline native and graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in English Literature. Ami has a love of gardening and a passion for promoting interaction with the natural world, so she greatly enjoys serving the Quad Cities by bringing people and plants together in fun and meaningful ways.

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dave searl
head gardener

Email Dave
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

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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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.

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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.

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LISA AMENT
administrative support

Email Lisa
Ext 203
Lisa provides administrative support to staff in the gardens. Originally from Wisconsin, she has lived in Iowa for 25 years and graduated from the University of Iowa. Lisa enjoys studying biology and the environment and embraces health and wellness. Gardening and outdoor activities are among her hobbies. She recently moved to the Quad Cities and loves the community.

HOURS

Saturday 10am-4pm
Call to make an appointment to visit with a team member Mon-Sat
 
​
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
    • 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