The final meeting of the Geological Society of Minnesota for 2021-2022 is the return of the Spring Banquet at U Garden Restaurant (http://www.ugardenrestaurant.com/), 2725 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, (612) 378-1255, near the East Bank U of MN campus. This is the same location as the Fall Banquet held (long ago) in September, 2019. The restaurant is on the north side of University Ave SE, east of 27th Ave SE.  Map  There is a parking lot behind the restaurant.  

The banquet starts at 5:00 PM. No reservation or registration is needed. We recommend the buffet, which is priced at $17.50 + tax & tip. Hot tea and other beverages (except water) are extra. Ordering from the menu at the posted price is also an option. To make payment easy, we encourage everyone to plan to pay using cash. The restaurant does not accept checks.

You may come for just the lecture, skipping the meal if you wish; however we encourage you to enjoy the meal also, as the restaurant appreciates our business in return for hosting this event.  

During the banquet, the Video Library will be open for returns and rentals as usual.

Following the banquet, starting around 6:45 PM, is our last lecture of the year. As with all GSM lectures, this lecture is free and open to the public.

Abstract: Take a quick tour of the entire Minnesota underground, including caves, mines, tunnels, and mining museums, in this illustrated banquet talk by Greg Brick, co-author with Doris Green of the new book, MINNESOTA UNDERGROUND, by Henschel Haus Press. Unlike Greg’s previous cave books, this one is a practical guidebook for visiting 81 publicly accessible sites in 23 different counties, with 13 museums. Several popular sites in bordering states are included. For each site listing, directions, season/hours the site is open, length and precautions if appropriate, amenities, and other information are all provided. Not to mention the 21 special sidebars. Copies of the book will be available for sale at $20 which includes tax.

Biography: GSM member Greg Brick Ph.D. was employed as a hydrogeologist at several environmental consulting firms, at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and has taught geology at local colleges and universities. He has edited the Journal of Spelean History for the past 20 years. He has published more than 200 articles about caves and was the recipient of the 2005 Cave History Award from the National Speleological Society. His first book, IOWA UNDERGROUND: A GUIDE TO THE STATE’S SUBTERRANEAN TREASURES, was published by Trails Media Group in 2004. His second book, SUBTERRANEAN TWIN CITIES, published by the University of Minnesota Press in 2009, won an award from the American Institute of Architects. His third book MINNESOTA CAVES: HISTORY AND LORE was published by Arcadia Press in 2017. His fourth book, MINNESOTA UNDERGROUND, was co-authored with Doris Green (2019). He served as co-editor of CAVES AND KARST OF THE UPPER MIDWEST, a textbook covering Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa (2021). His work has been featured in National Geographic Adventure magazine as well as on the History Channel. He has led guided tours of caves for the Minnesota Historical Society and the University of Minnesota College of Continuing Education. His website is https://drgregbrick.com/ .