Maple syruping

There are myriad programs this weekend, all involving the history and production of maple syrup in Minnesota.

Fort Snelling State Park

1-2:30 p.m. Saturday

• All about the history and the process. Help make some, too. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)

Whitewater State Park

10 a.m. to noon or 1-3 p.m. Saturday

• Reservations required. Call 507-932-3007, ext. 226, or e-mail sara.holger@state.mn.us. (mndnr.gov)

Minneopa State Park

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

• Meet on the waterfalls side of the park. (507-384-8890; mndnr.gov)

Fort Snelling State Park

1-2:30 p.m. Sunday

• Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)

Wild River State Park

1-2:30 p.m. Sunday

• You will need a vehicle to drive to another location to tap trees. Meet at the visitor center. Note: Syrup will not be processed at this program. (651-583-2125, ext. 227; mndnr.gov)

Photo hike

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

9-11 a.m. Saturday

Head to the Wilkie Unit to see the changing seasons. Meet in the parking lot. Dress for muddy conditions. (952-361-4500, fws.gov/refuge/Minnesota_Valley)

Art of the fire

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

9-noon Saturday

Nancy Dardis, an exhibitor in the art gallery for March and April, is conducting a live wood burning demonstration in the visitor center in Bloomington. (952-361-4500)

Digiscoping

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

1- 3:30 p.m. Saturday

Have you ever tried taking photos with a digital camera and spotting scope? It's a fun way to get wildlife photos using an SLR or smartphone camera. Join National Park Service ranger Sharon Stiteler to learn more about the photo technique.

Nature walk

Silverwood Park

1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday

Watch and listen for birds and wildlife. Bring binoculars if you have them. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (763-694-7707, threeriversparks.org)

Walk with a photographer

Silverwood Park

8-9 a.m. Wednesday

Join fellow photographers, share photo tips. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. (763-694-7707, threeriversparks.org)