Northern Michigan University’s Rock and Mineral Club took a group field trip to the Keweenaw Peninsula to broaden their geological horizons while having fun only a few hours away. 

The club was able to fund this event through the rock sale they hosted in the academic mall on Sept. 10, where they were able to raise $150. The club sold some assorted rocks from local establishments, among others found by members of the club, to raise money for their field trips. 

The five students who attended the weekend trip participated in various rock-centered activities, such as Yooperlite hunting on the beaches of Lake Superior, collecting copper from the Minnesota mines and partaking in an underground mine tour at the Adventure Mining Company. 

One of the students in attendance was Rock and Mineral Club’s President Aura Wahl-Piotrwski, who has had a special interest in geology since she was little. She says her first exposure to the rock community was through her father, who is a geologist. 

“We had a lot of fun. My favorite was definitely the mine tour. I love going underground,” Wahl-Piotrowski said. “I’ve spent every summer since I was born on the rock piles.”

The club tries to get as many hands-on experiences as possible. Wahl-Piotrowski  says allowing members to partake in primarily club-funded events helps encourage more people to be involved in the learning. She adds it also offers a sense of community amongst students within the same major and interests.

“We’re all crazy rock people. There’s that shared excitement in finding something cool that’s awesome to experience,” Wahl-Piotrowski said. “It’s easier to do things in a group, and people have more fun.”