The Morwick Groundwater Research Centre 

On Tuesday, April 22—Earth Day—we proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Morwick Groundwater Research Centre (MGRC), a major milestone in the history of the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute, 360 College Avenue East, Guelph, Ontario. 

Nestled in the heart of the Arboretum at the University of Guelph, this new facility is an evolution of our original Bedrock Aquifer Field Facility (BAFF), which was first built in 2009 to house field equipment and support early research initiatives. Over time, the BAFF became a critical stepping stone in the growth of Morwick G360, laying the foundation for our emergence as a world-renowned groundwater research institute. 

Now transformed into a state-of-the-science research and education hub, the MGRC features a classroom that can accommodate over 100 people. It will serve as a dynamic space for learning, collaboration, and innovation, equipping us to engage and inspire a wider audience, and to bring visibility to the vital but often invisible world of groundwater. 

At the forefront of the building’s atrium stands an outcrop replica, thoughtfully designed to represent the Silurian Dolostone Aquifer—the primary aquifer underlying Guelph. Constructed by MJ Masonry of Oakville, ON, and inspired by the vision of Dr. Jonathan Munn and Dr. Beth Parker, the wall replicates the aquifer’s layered geology using actual rock types found in the subsurface. This powerful visual installation brings the hidden dynamics of groundwater to life, making the invisible, visible. 

Adjacent to the replica, the building features an installation of rock core extracted from the Silurian Dolostone Aquifer, sourced from the nearby University of Guelph Fractured Rock Observatory (FRO). Originally developed through a MASc thesis project by Andrey Fomenko in March 2013, the GDC-05 borehole was drilled by Aardvark Drilling Inc. and funded by the Ontario Water Consortium and Dr. Beth Parker. 

This rock core exhibit will serve both as a piece of scientific art and as an educational resource, demonstrating key features of the aquifer including lithostratigraphy, mineralogy, and both fracture and matrix porosity. Data from the borehole were analyzed using geophysical and hydrophysical logging techniques performed by Drs. Peeter Pehme, Jonathan Munn, Carlos Maldaner, and Patryk Quinn. The visuals displayed are rendered using WellCAD™ software from Advanced Logic Technology (Luxembourg). 

We extend our deepest gratitude to the generous supporters who made this vision possible, including Solinst, Aardvark, and Haley & Aldrich. Most especially, we thank Mr. Edward Morwick, whose exceptional donation helped make the MGRC a reality. 

This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in groundwater science, one rooted in innovation, collaboration, and a deep respect for the natural systems beneath our feet. We look forward to welcoming researchers, students, and community members into this new space as we continue to explore, understand, and protect our planet’s precious groundwater resources. 

With Phase One now complete and the classroom officially open, fundraising efforts continue to fulfill the full vision for the Morwick Groundwater Research Centre. Future plans include an upgraded field staging facility, dedicated office and meeting spaces, and a rock core library to support research, education, and long-term data preservation. 

If you’re interested in supporting our mission to advance groundwater science and tackle climate change through research, innovation, and education, please contact us at mg360@uoguelph.ca. 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring our new classroom to life — the architects, engineers, builders, tradespeople, project leads, and all those working behind the scenes. Your efforts are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.   

This space exists because of you.