A legacy of conservation and community

Some of Kai Swanson’s earliest memories involve the Loud Thunder Forest Preserve—it’s where he learned to canoe and fish, and it’s where he developed a lifelong love for nature.

Now, as president of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commission, Swanson is helping make Loud Thunder more accessible and sustainable through philanthropy and partnerships with local organizations like the Quad Cities Community Foundation, where the nonprofit holds an endowment fund.

“Loud Thunder is more than just a park,” said Swanson. “It’s a living, breathing ecosystem that provides so many opportunities to our community. Thanks to many generous and tireless supporters over the years, we are now able to preserve, grow, and share Loud Thunder with more people than ever.”

Spanning 1,621 acres, Loud Thunder is the largest forest preserve in Rock Island County, Illinois, and a cherished natural haven for residents and visitors alike. The roots of the natural area extend back to 1944.

Marvin Martin, a Muscatine resident with a deep love for Loud Thunder, helped to ensure its future by establishing a trust in 1986. Upon his passing in 1993, his trust provided consistent funding for land acquisition and capital improvements. When the trust reached its term limit, it became a $1.4 million endowed fund at the Community Foundation designed to support the preserve’s ongoing conservation efforts.

“The trust, endowment, and partnership have transformed what we are able to do,” said Swanson. “It’s allowed us to build bridges and docks, to make our bathrooms ADA compliant, and to build infrastructure like parking and offices. It all makes the preserve more usable and welcoming for the community.”

Accessibility has become a key focus in recent years. While nature should be for everyone, trails, docks, and facilities haven’t always been accessible to all visitors. That’s changed thanks to infrastructure improvements and programs like archery for injured veterans and kayaking trips for Big Brother Big Sisters, which provide more ways than ever for the community to connect with Loud Thunder.

“There’s no better time to visit some of our amazing local parks,” said Kelly Thompson, vice president of grantmaking and community initiatives at the Community Foundation. “Like Loud Thunder, many of our natural areas are also nonprofits themselves or cared for by nonprofits. We’re proud to partner with and support this work that makes our community a happier, healthier, and more beautiful place to live and visit.”

You can support the Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Endowment—and the many organizations that make the Quad Cities wonderful—at QCCommunityFoundation.org.