***Out of an abundance of caution and concerns due to COVID-19, the 2020 workshop was CANCELLED.

General Information:

The MMEW is a three-day workshop for K-12 Earth Science educators and pre-service teachers that offers short courses and field trips focused on the geology and mineral resources of Minnesota. The upcoming 23rd annual MMEW will be held June 23-25, 2020 at Winona State University. Come learn about the geology of Winona and southern Minnesota from a broad range of experts including faculty at Winona State University, the Minnesota Geological Survey, the Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Department of Education, industry representatives, and many others!

On the first day of the workshop, choose between 12 different short course topics taught by professional geologists, academics, government scientists, and K-12 educators. The second and third days of the workshop will take you on field trips designed to provide direct experiences with the geology and mineral resources in southern Minnesota. You will receive resource materials including rock and mineral samples, lesson plan ideas, posters, maps, and other useful information.

Short Course Offerings:

We are offering 12 short courses this year. They include an update on teaching standards, curriculum development, Winona State University research flume and stream tables, rock and mineral identification, area geology and much more! Course descriptions and information on instructors will be available online in the coming month. When you register, you will identify your choice for each session.

Short Course Schedule:

Field Trips:

Two days of field trips are designed to familiarize participants with the geology and mineral resources of the Rochester and Winona area. On Wednesday, we will focus on the Paleozoic stratigraphy of the area. There will be opportunities to collect rock and fossil specimens. Highlights include field stops, led by leading state geologists, to karst terrain, quarries, and more. On Thursday, we will explore the area around Winona including a boat cruise on the Mississippi River to observe active river geomorphologic processes, visit a lock and dam, learn about river commerce and more!

Tuesday Evening Event:

On Tuesday evening, join us for an event that will be out of this world! This event includes dinner, guest speaker Dr. Jennifer Anderson, Planetary Geologist at WSU, followed by a hike to the Garvin Heights Lookout (transportation provided). While at the lookout, we’ll view the river valley, area geology, and set the stage for the two field trip days. Weather permitting, at dusk we’ll have a star party at the Garvin Heights Lookout led by Dr. Jennifer Anderson. We’ll use reflecting telescopes and solar scopes to view the moon and other items of interest in the deep sky.

Food:

Included with each registration is a continental breakfast, lunch, and beverage/snack breaks for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. An optional dinner is included Tuesday night for registered attendees, a $15 fee for guests (note – must add on the Tuesday Evening Event with your ticket purchase.) Attendees are on their own for dinner Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Lodging:

Again this year, special donations to the workshop by the Aggregate & Ready Mix Association of Minnesota, the Iron Mining Association, and Mining Minnesota will provide lodging at discounted rates.

Lodging for this year’s workshop will be a 4-bedroom dorm suite on the Winona State University campus (Haake Hall.) Each dorm suite contains 4 bedrooms, common area, bathroom, and shower. Each bedroom contains 1 single bed. Four roommates per dorm suite will be assigned based on gender/roommate request made during registration. The per person fee of $50 covers 3 nights: Monday (6/22), Tuesday (6/23), and Wednesday (6/24). For details on the WSU campus dorm layout and amenities please visit the WSU Haake Hall website.

NOTE: Lodging at this rate is on a first come first serve basis and NOT AVAILABLE after June 1, 2020.

Other Lodging Accommodations in the Greater Winona Area

Other lodging options in the area include the following hotels and campgrounds.

(note: these options are listed as a courtesy and not affiliated nor part of MMEW lodging arrangements)

Hotels

· The Plaza Hotel & Suites, Winona https://www.plazawinona.com/

· Holiday Inn Express & Suites https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/winona/wnoes/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-EX-_-US-_-WNOES

· Riverport Inn & Express Suites https://www.riverportinn.com/

· Fairfield Inn & Suites https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lsefw-fairfield-inn-and-suites-winona/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2

· AmericInn by Wyndham – Winona. A block of hotel rooms for MMEW instructors and volunteers has been reserved at the AmericInn-Winona for check-in Mon. June 22^nd and check-out Thurs. June 25^th. Call the hotel directly (507-474-7700) to make your reservation for the “MMEW” rate of $87/night. Reservations must be made by May 22^nd.

Camping

· Whitewater State Park https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00280#homepage

· Great Bluffs State Park https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00244#homepage

· Prairie Island Campground https://www.prairieislandcampground.com/

Registration:

Early registration cost for the workshop is $45. This fee covers all short course and field trip costs, breakfast and lunch for all three days, and a picnic dinner on Tuesday evening. Lodging fee is $50 per person, for three nights in the University campus dorms.

Registration will be conducted online, via Eventbrite. Early registration begins February 6 and ends May 15, after which the registration cost will increase to $60.

In early June, you will receive more information on your short course schedule as well as other information to prepare for the workshop!

Transportation:

Transportation by train between St. Paul Union Depot and Winona State University is available through Amtrak www.amtrak.com . The Amtrack train from St. Paul arrives just blocks from the Winona State University campus. Cost varies depending on date booked. The train is a 2 hour ride departing St. Paul Union Depot around 8AM, arriving Winona around 10:00AM. For the return, a Winona departure around 8PM arrives St. Paul around 10PM. Please note these are general times – please refer to the Amtrack schedule/website.

Carpooling:

If you are interested in carpooling, a carpool group “MMEW Winona 2020” via GoupCarpool has been set up to pair willing-drivers with willing-riders. You specify “ride” or “drive” along with other details including the city and dates. http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/3p820k Note: this is not managed via the MMEW planning team. If you sign up to carpool, it is your responsibility to connect with the drivers/riders for exact pick up location and time, and recommended you provide your phone number in addition to your email.

Questions?

Check out www.mcmre.org (click on MMEW in the upper right) or contact Sara Welna at 612.723.8302 or Sara.Welna@state.mn.us

Check us out on Facebook @MNMMEW