Day 1
8:00 a.m. – Pick up in Grand Rapids
9:15 a.m. – Pick up in Bemidji  

10:00 – 10:30
Introduction:  Workshop overview at Mississippi River Headwaters.

• The activities of the workshop will follow the geographic path of water through the watershed as well as follow a chronological path from the history of the watershed to current uses.
• “What is a watershed” activity.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Program 1:  Formation of the Minnesota watersheds

• Glacial Geology Activity – Hands on introduction to glacial features and how they form. Interpretive hike to reveal glacial features such as eskers, moraines, erratics, and kames.  This activity will illustrate how glaciers impact topography, geology, and ultimately watersheds. 

11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Program 2: Early Inhabitants and Their Relationship to the Watershed

• Humans have shaped the land in the Mississippi River Headwater watershed for over 9,000 years.  Why did various groups choose this site and why did they make the choices for use that they did.
• Archeological Dig Site Activity- Learn how to create an archeological dig site for your class. Explore the tremendous potential of this learning tool to engage students in the historical and geological study of a watershed.

12:30 – 1:00 p.m.   Lunch

1:00- 1:45 p.m. Travel to Lake Bemidji State Park

1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Program 3:  Early Historic Significance of the Watershed

• This period is defined by the extensive fur trade and European exploration

• Pontoon tour on Mississippi River exploring key sites from this era.

3:45 - 4:15 p.m.
Wrap up and build transition to day 2.

4:15 – 5:00 p.m. Return to Itasca State Park for night.

Day 2

8:00 – 9:45 Drive from Itasca State Park to Forest History Center
                        Watch pertinent sections of Minnesota A history of the Land

9:45 -10:00 a.m.
Check in at Forest History Center

10:00-12:00 p.m.
Program 4 Recent Historic Lumbering to Current Forestry Practices in the Watershed

• Living History visits to
• 1900 Logging Camp
• 1901 River Wanigan
• 1934 MN Forest Service Cabin
• Visitor Center Tour with current forestry equipment

12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch at Forest History Center

12:30 – 1:30

• Measuring and Reading the Forest- Stand Structure and Composition Activity
• Exotic species in our forests

1:30- 1:45 Travel to Rapids Energy Center

1:45- 3:00 p.m.

Program 5 Our Current Relationship with the Watershed

• Tour and Discussion on
• Tour and Discussion on
• One of the first major water users on the river.
• Minnesota Power is a leader in providing power from a variety of sources with special consideration for environmental impacts.
• How regulations help to insure that down-river industry and ecosystems remain healthy.

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Workshop Wrap Up

• Conclusion and Reflection on how teachers will  implement in the classroom