Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Interpretive center, New Auburn, WI
After a few driving hiccups, we arrived at the center first thing in the morning where we met with Dr. Garry Running about the glacial landscape. The first thing you notice about the interpretive center is its location atop an ice walled lake plain. The elevated location, and cleared vegetation, allowed for great views of the landscape and kettle lakes. Garry informed us that the native vegetation to the area is woods and wetlands, however, the ice walled lake plains are ideal for agriculture so many, like this one, have been cleared. The location of the interpretive center also served as an ideal location for Garry to point out many glacial features of the landscape such as kettle lakes, hummocks, bedrock highs, and the extent of the Chippewa glacier lobe. After some physical geography background, Garry led us on a mile looped trail and educated us about vegetation.
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Blue Hills Felsenmeer, Weyerhaeuser,WI
Blue Hills Felsenmeer was the second stop of day 3. We first stopped at the point that GPS directed us to, which was on a dirt road surrounded by farmland. We found another couple who were just as confused as we were. Because this place is a State Natural Area, there is not much signage or direction of where to go. Because Hailee had done research in the felsenmeer, she had written directions that were from the DNR website and they were very poor directions. She led us to a place that seemed right to begin with. What we did not know when we began our hike was that it was a 4-mile hike to get to the felsenmeer. If we had high-clearance vehicles, it would have been a short drive. After about a mile walk, we decided to give up. She gave her presentation right in the middle of the woods in the middle of the trail. While we did not get to see the felsenmeer, it was still a good memory.
Jennie-O Turkey Store, Barron, WI
One of the last stops of day three was at the Jenni-O Turkey Store plant in Barron, Wisconsin. The significance of this plant did not reside in the production or manufacturing of turkey products, rather, the significance was held in the workers at the plant. A remarkable amount of second and third-generation Somali-Americans were employed at the plant marking a cohesive and interesting demographic change in the area. This demographic change is largely marked by the children and grandchildren of first-generation Somali-Americans residing near the Twin Cities branching out to neighboring areas. Furthermore, the class was able to personally witness how cultures and people move, disperse, exert influence, and develop a sense of place by noticing the demographic flows present in Barron and at the Jenni-O Turkey Store. Although no formal tour of the plant was given due to COVID-19 interferences, we learned valuable lessons regarding the flows of people and their interactions with the space around them.
Altaqwa Masjid Islamic Center, Barron, WI
On Sunday October 4th, the field seminar continued at the Altaqwa Masjid Islamic Center. We were welcomed by a member who explained the history of the mosque and the growing influence of Somalians in Barron county. The mosque we visited was the second mosque constructed with a much older one at the opposite end of town. Prayer is held five times a day and several members gather outside awaiting entrance. The mosques are part of a larger Islamic network with their goal being to show Islam’s true values and to serve as a place of worship for local Muslims.
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