Forage, Fossils, and Fun! Soul Craft—a Bloomington forestry school for children—hosted a two-hour workshop designed to spark curiosity about the natural world. The program introduced young participants to ethical foraging practices, guiding them in responsibly gathering plant materials while creating eco prints and botanical palettes.

Students also explored ancient fossils, including crinoids—marine invertebrates from the class Crinoidea. Often called “sea lilies” when attached to the ocean floor by a stalk, these otherworldly organisms even inspired the design of creatures in the film Alien. Through hands-on observation, participants discovered that the crinoid fossils they examined dated back approximately 340 million years, offering a glimpse into a time when this region was covered by ancient seas.

The workshop also introduced geology through the exciting process of opening geodes. Students learned how geodes form, requiring water and either volcanic activity—where gas bubbles create cavities—or sedimentary processes, where organic material decays and leaves voids that later fill with crystals. Despite living in a region without oceans or volcanoes today, participants explored how Earth’s constant motion and transformation have shaped the landscape over millions of years.

A highlight of the experience was using a sledgehammer to crack open geodes, revealing stunning crystal formations inside. Each student left with a collection of their discoveries, including crystals, eco prints, and botanical materials gathered during the workshop.

Sponsored by Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, the workshop also included complimentary spring memberships for each participant, encouraging families to visit the Bob Ross collection and explore exhibitions by regional artists.