Bird count

Carver Park Reserve

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

Head to Lowry Nature Center in Victoria, and take part in a nationwide bird census. Go birding on your own schedule — this is not a guided hike. Call 763-694-7650 to sign up for a park section for a full or half-day. Sponsored by Minnesota Ornithologists' Union, the program is free and open to people 10 and older. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (threeriversparks.org)


Deer difference?

William O'Brien State Park

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday

Part of the Kids Winter Wonderland Program. Learn about the similarities and the differences between reindeer and white-tailed deer. After the talk, make an ornament. Registration required; call 651-433-0500. (mndnr.gov)

Birds II

Wild River State Park

1-2 p.m. Saturday

Find out how to attract birds to your yard and what they want to eat. You will also get a chance to make your own suet feeder to bring home and hang from a tree. Registration required; call 651-583-2925, ext. 227. (mndnr.gov)

Birds III

Afton State Park

9-10:30 a.m. Sunday

Winter is a great time to learn to identify birds because there are fewer of them during the winter months. Binoculars and field guides are available. (651-436-5391, mndnr.gov)

Wildlife at winter

Fort Snelling State Park

1-2:30 p.m. Sunday

Leave for the winter or stay? For wildlife, it's a life-or-death decision. Is one choice better than the other? Stop by the visitor center to find out which critters leave, which ones stay, and the amazing things they do to stay alive until spring. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)

Ski basics

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday

Designed for the family to learn classic skiing together. Cost is $15, or $22 for ski rental, for ages 6 to 12. It's $26 with ski rental for ages 13 and older. Call 763-559-6700 to register; reference number 122256-00. (threeriversparks.org)

Family ski tour

Cleary Lake Regional Park

1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday

Search for animal signs on a classical cross-country ski tour. Warm up with hot cocoa afterward. Basic skiing skills are taught; some experience recommended. Ski rentals available for an additional fee. Call 763-559-6700 to register; reference number 144555-00.