About woodcocks
Afton State Park
7:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
Timberdoodle is the nickname given to a ground nesting, long-beaked little bird called the American woodcock. The mating flight and dance is amazing. Meet at the visitor center. (651-231-6968, mndnr.gov)
Learn orienteering
French Regional Park
Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
Learn map and compass skills from Minnesota Orienteering Club experts through classroom instruction, skill stations geared for beginners, guided practice courses, and an official "sprint" course. Courses close at 3 p.m. (763-694-7750, threeriversparks.org)
Maple sugaring
Maplewood State Park
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Stop by anytime during this ongoing demonstration. Meet at the trail center/sugar shack. (1-218-863-8383, mndnr.gov)
Spring walk
Fort Snelling State Park
1-2 p.m. Saturday
Join the park naturalist to see what is popping up or still covered in layers of snow. Meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
Fly-tying
Camden State Park
1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday
The Friends of Camden are offering three fly-tying workshops in preparation for the fishing season. All equipment and supplies to tie an American pheasant tail nymph fly will be provided. The program is for ages 10 and older. Call 1-507-865-4530 to register. (mndnr.gov)
Naturalists on the move
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Naturalists will be present on the Hidden Falls boardwalk to help you identify signs of spring. Specifically, they will point out the federally endangered Minnesota dwarf trout lily, other wildflowers, and some plants that do not bloom. (1-507-384-6140, mndnr.gov)
Snakes 101
Fort Snelling State Park
1-2 p.m. Sunday
A change to get answers to which snakes are poisonous?; do they ever blink?; why do they stick out their tongues?; and do they have tails? (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
