Visitors from Poland focus on Northfield's energy, climate projects

A group of visitors from Poland stopped in Northfield last week to study climate changes within a local American community. Members of the Northfield Rotary Club hosted the guests at various locations around town including the wind turbine at St. Olaf College, Carleton College’s geothermal system and the solar field on the west side of town.

The group started with a tour of City Hall and stopped for lunch at the Northfield Public Library where they heard a presentation on the city’s climate action plan.

The visitors were invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Their program is arranged by World Learning.

Karen Baumgaetner, professional exchanges manager, accompanied the visitors on the bus tour with the foreign guests, along with Northfield Mayor Rhonda Pownell.

Rotarians Richard DeBeau and Alan Anderson greeted the guests during a tour of DeBeau’s home to show them the NVAC heat pump, pollinator garden, solar panels and induction range.