Challenges and potential impacts of climate change will be illustrated in an exhibit at the St. Croix River Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls, Wis.: "Legacies and Paradise Lost? Climate Change in the Northwoods and Beyond."

The exhibit features art and science through painting, sculpture and poetry. It will be available for viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 5.

In conjunction with the exhibit, a special program on the impact of climate change on brook trout will take place on Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. The presentation will focus on the search for strategies for protecting and restoring habitat for brook trout and other native species in the Namekagon River. Patrick Shirey, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Notre Dame, will provide perspectives from ecology, history and law during his talk.

The St. Croix River Visitor Center is situated at 401 N. Hamilton St. in St. Croix Falls. Admission is free.

Franconia

Hot Metal Pour coming on Aug. 3

Franconia Sculpture Park will host its annual Community Collaboration Hot Metal Pour on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The event includes both the chance to watch professional sculptors creating metal art and for visitors to create cast iron sculptures.

It will be led by artists Tamsie Ringler, professor at St. Catherine University, and Kristy Summers, professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Eleven iron artists and four iron artist interns also will participate. Performances by the contemporary "found object" percussion band, Savage Aural Hotbed, are scheduled at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Preceding the event, attendees can go to one of four free community workshops for mold-making: July 27 and 28 from 1-4 p.m., and July 31 and Aug. 1 from 4-8 p.m. Mold prices are $25, $40 and $75, depending on size. For more information, e-mail info@franconia.org, or call 651-257-6668.

Franconia Sculpture Park, situated just north of Washington County's border with Chisago County on Hwy. 95, is an arts organization for emerging and established artists. The free park has a collection of more than 75 contemporary sculptures and is open to the public 365 days a year.

Woodbury

Golf course hosts youth fundraiser

Eagle Valley Golf Course, in conjunction with The First Tee, will be hosting a fundraising event on Aug. 2.

The golf event will begin at noon and a dinner and program will follow at 5 p.m. All proceeds will go toward The First Tee program to help with local youth development.

Registration includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, dinner and a program, plus on-course activities and prizes.

Register before July 22 for $125 per player, or $150 per player between July 23 and July 29. Questions can be directed to Dan Moris, golf operations manager, at 651-714-3753 or djmoris@ci.woodbury.mn.us.

Afton

Attention beginners: Learn geocaching

A Geocaching 101 course will be taught from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on July 27 at Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Av. S., in southern Washington County.

Participants will use a GPS unit to find hidden treasures. This is a program designed for beginners, who will receive hands-on training.

Participants can bring their own GPS units or use one belonging to the park.

For more information, call 651-436-5391.

Kevin Giles, Jim Anderson