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Do This Now: Editor-selected events at state, regional and local parks

August 7, 2014 at 4:27PM

The annual Perseid meteor shower was expected to peak Monday morning between 3 and 5 a.m. and was visible in Northern Minnesota. This shot, taken Sunday morning near Cotton, MN shows a couple meteors along with the Milky Way at about 12:30 AM. The shower happens as Earth passes through a stream of debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle. If you live in North America, stargazers should be able to spot the shooting stars any time after dark, with NASA predicting up to 100 meteors per hour. ] (NOT FOR RESALE - Send questions to Brian Peterson.) BRIAN PETERSON ‚Ä¢ brianp@startribune.com Cotton, MN - 08/11//2013 ORG XMIT: MIN1308121145581419 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

1 Women's fishing 101

Fort Snelling State Park, Aug. 9, 9-11 a.m.

Everything you need to know to start (or return to) fishing: how to identify different species, how to cast, how to bait a hook. Equipment provided. No fishing license necessary. Registration required; 612-725-2724. More information: www.mndnr.gov.

2 Full-moon stand-up paddleboard tour

Fish Lake Regional Park, Aug. 9, 8-9:30 p.m.

Go for a moonlit paddle around Fish Lake (in Plymouth). Previous paddling experience recommended. Equipment provided (for people up to 220 pounds). Ages 14-plus. $20. Reservation required; 763-559-6700. More information: www.threeriversparks.org.

3 Perseid meteor shower

Whitewater State Park, Aug. 9, 8:30-10 p.m.

Learn about the solar system and galaxy during a presentation by members of the Hiawatha Valley Astronomical Society. The group will end the evening outdoors, watching the best meteor shower of the year. Telescopes provided. More information: 1- 507-932-3007 or www.mndnr.gov.

4 Supermoon photo hike

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Aug. 10, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Meet at Bass Ponds (in Bloomington) for a naturalist-led adventure to photograph the super moon. Start with a leisurely photo hike before making your way to an overlook of the Minnesota River for the 8:10 moon rise. Photographers should bring a tripod to facilitate longer exposures. More information: www.fws.gov/refuge/Minnesota_ Valley.

5 Walk when the moon is full

Carver Park Reserve, Aug. 10, 8-9:30 p.m.

Meet at the park's Lowry Nature Center (in Victoria) for a moonlit stroll with a naturalist. Hikers will search for insects and other animals, with a special emphasis on moths. $5. More information: 763-559-6700 or www.threerivers parks.org.