The syrup process
Cleary Lake Regional Park
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
• Identify trees, tap and collect the sap. See how it boils into syrup. Cost is $5. (763-694-7777, threeriversparks.org)
Richardson Nature Center
2-3:30 p.m. Saturday
• Learn the process. Tap a tree, collect sap and bring it to the evaporator. Try maple syrup or sugar. Cost is $5. (763-694-7676, threeriversparks.org)
Whitewater State Park
10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday
• Celebrate the coming of spring in the park's sugar bush. Get into the history and process of syruping. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and taste pure maple syrup. Call 507-312-2308 to register. (mndnr.gov)
Wild River State Park
1-2 p.m. Sunday
• Meet at the visitor center. You will need a vehicle because there is a drive to another location to tap the trees. Syrup will not be processed at this program. Call 651-583-2125, ext. 227. (mndnr.gov)
Fort Snelling State Park
1-2:30 p.m. Sunday
• Learn all about the process and what you need to produce your own. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
Fly-tying
Afton State Park
12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday
Spin fibers into flies that you can use for fly fishing. Materials are provided, and the program includes discussion of how flies imitate the preferred food of a fish. For ages 8 and older. (651-231-6968, mndnr.gov)
Back in time
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
1-2:30 p.m. Saturday
Step back in time, look at artifacts and take a short walk on foot or snowshoe to locations where archaeologists found evidence of a village from the 17th century and a "campsite" dating to more than 3,000 years ago. Meet at the interpretive center. (1-320-532-3269, mndnr.gov)