Take a hike – Nordic style

A free Nordic walking class through the wooded scenery of William O'Brien State Park is planned for noon on June 2. The park is at 16821 O'Brien Trail N., Marine on St. Croix.

Nordic walking uses 90 percent of your muscles and burns more calories. It also distributes your weight more so your knees aren't doing all of the work.

Demonstration poles (which differ from trekking/hiking poles) will be provided for your use. This class is geared to people who walk 45-60 minutes, including small hills, with confidence.

On the walk, Kay Okey, certified Nordic walking instructor and Minnesota master naturalist, will point out facts about the Big Woods ecosystem, including some of the plants and animals that make it their home. Wear comfortable shoes with good tread, bring water and if desired a small camera.

For more information, call 651-433-0500.

The works of Minnesota native Larry Welo will be on display through June at the Stillwater Public Library, 224 Third St. N.

The printmaker's style has garnered praise from critics, and his art is on display across the country. His work is in the permanent collections of museums across the Midwest and beyond. For information, call 651-275-4338 ext. 111 or visit the website: www.stillwaterlibrary.org.

The kickoff program is a three-part class on spoon carving led by instructor Jim Sannerud, beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, and continuing at the same time on subsequent Tuesdays, June 4 and June 11.

Sannerud, who studied traditional spoon carving in Sweden, is an instructor at North House Folk School, the American Swedish Institute, the Vesterheim Museum and the AAW Gallery of Wood Art.

Participants in this class will learn to carve their own spoon and also be instructed on safe carving, knife-handling and sharpening methods. All materials and the use of tools are included in the class tuition. Class size is limited, and tuition is $90. Classes are held at Arcola Mills, 12905 Arcola Trail N.

Additional information on the class is available through Sue Fletcher at 651-342-1654 or at the website, www.arcolamills.org.