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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE THE WORKSHOP:
Could this workshop be cancelled because of bad weather?
This workshop will go on RAIN OR SHINE. Unless weather conditions are severe, we will still spend as much time as possible outside/on the river. In case of bad weather, alternate accommodations and meeting areas will be arranged.
What will be provided…
The following will be available to all workshop participants:
Life Jackets
Sunscreen
Bug spray
First-Aid Kits
Paper/pen
Bottled Water and Other Refreshments
All Breakfasts and Lunches, and 1 Dinner
If you feel more comfortable, you may bring your own items.
What you need to bring…
Rubber Boots or Old Tennis Shoes
Long Pants
Water Shoes (aka Tevas, Chaco, etc.)
Rain Coat/Gear/Poncho
Wind Breaker/Jacket
Medications/Shots for Allergies
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Photo I.E. (needed to board commercial towboat)
Cash (for lodging, dinner, beer, etc.)
Checkbook (for graduate/professional development credits)
Camara*
Hat/Visor*
Binoculars*
Bathing Suit*
Bag to carry all the Free Materials*
Pre-Paid Calling Card*
*Not necessary, but you may wish you had brought it
What to wear…
This is the Midwest in July. Temperatures will likely exceed 95 degrees. However, the weather can be unpredictable but the temperature on the water is often cooler than on land, we recommend comfortable layers with tank tops and t-shirts as a base layer. Also, we do not recommend wearing anything too nice as there is a small chance it may get dirty. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move around in as you will be moving from the barge to work boats to land and such.
In particular, we ask all participants to wear old tennis shoes or boots because they could get muddy walking around in bottomland forests. Also, because we will be walking through thick vegetation, you must have a pair of long pants to prevent exposure to poison ivy, stinging nettles, etc.
We may do some shoreline puddling, so water shoes would be useful. However, when on the barge, it is REQUIRED that you wear CLOSED-TOED SHOES. Furthermore, because the classroom also functions as the crew living room, we ask that everyone take off their shoes in the foyer. So you may want to be extra sure there are no holes in your socks.
Also, there are shower facilities at the hotels we are staying at…BUT, if you are brave, you may want to bring your suit and join the LL&W crew in a dive into the river!
And please, absolutely NO skirts or flip-flops!!!!
Those with physical limitations…
The staff and crew of Living Lands & Waters try their best to accommodate everyone. However, the Big River Educational Workshops have a bit of a rough edge. Please be aware of the following:
-Moving from plate boat to barge and back to boat can pose a challenge for some as large steps (up to three feet) up and down are necessary. We will have trained staff available that will help anyone in need of assistance.
-A large portion of the workshop (sometimes up to 3 hours) take place aboard the Living Lands & Waters aluminum plate boats, away from any bathroom facilities (besides the trees in the woods). Anyone with stomach problems may want to reconsider or reschedule for a different workshop.
-While we carry a First-Aid kit aboard all vessels, we ask that you bring all required medications or shots, especially if you are severely allergic to bee stings and/or poison ivy.
-Those who do not do well in high heat or humidity may want to reconsider.
Will I be able to make phone calls?
At many points the cell phone reception on the river between Burlington and Rock Island is sketchy at best. LL&W has Verizon and we sometimes have spotty reception in these areas. Please be aware that your cell phone may not work for two-three days. However, the hotels have phones in the rooms or near the property. I recommend that you purchase a pre-paid calling card to use. Also, if need be, a LL&W staff member will be on the grounds with a vehicle if you need to get into to town to make a call.
Where will we stay?
We are arranging lodging at two ports. These accommodations will announced ASAP. LL&W will reserve the rooms but IT WILL BE UP TO YOU TO PAY FOR THE LODGING WHEN YOU ARRIVE!!!!
Where am I going to leave my car while I am gone?
If possible, arrange for a ride to and from the meeting point. Otherwise, I will arrange for you to leave your car in a secure place for the duration of the workshop. This place will patrolled and the local Police Department will be aware of our parking arrangements and will keep an extra close eye. We will return everyone to their cars after the workshop is over. I also encourage car pooling, if possible, to reduce the number of automobiles.
Wear will my baggage be stored while the workshop is going on?
LL&W has a large box truck (like a U-Haul) that will transport everyone’s luggage from port to port. This truck has a lock on the back to ensure the safety of your belongings. Please pack a small day bag to take with you for the items you may need throughout the day. VERY IMPORTANT: Just as if you were taking a flight, please be sure to put your name and contact info on all pieces of luggage so that we can easily locate your belongings when unloading at the port or return the items to you in case they are misplaced.
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