1 Bird banding

Elm Creek Park Reserve, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-noon

Observe wild songbirds as they are trapped, studied, banded and released. Participants will learn to identify birds in the hand. Some will get to hear a bird's heartbeat. More information: www.threerivers parks.org.

2 Moonlight golf

Fort Ridgely State Park, Sept. 13, 8-10:30 p.m.

Play a round of golf by moonlight (or you can play a few holes). The course will be lit with glow-in-the-dark lights and players will be given glow-in-the-dark balls. Registration begins at 7:30 p.m. $13 for adults, $7 for children 15 and under. More information: 1-507-426-7840 or www.mndnr.gov/ptcalendar.

3 Fall colors hike

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-noon

Meet at the park's visitor center for a naturalist-led hike through birch and pine forests to a scenic overlook of Lake Superior. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic before hiking back to the visitor center. More information: 1-218-834-3855 or www.mndnr.gov/ptcalendar.

4 A key to tree ID

Fort Snelling State Park, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-noon

Take a walk with a naturalist to learn about the park's trees and how to identify the various species. More information: 612-725-2724 or www.mndnr.gov/ptcalendar.

5 Making tracks, healthy hikes

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Sept. 15, 9 a.m.-noon

Meet at the Louisville Swamp Unit for some ranger-led exercise. Participants will go for a long, brisk hike through wetlands and some of the Refuge's finest habitat. More information: www.fws.org/refuge/minnesota_valley.