Legacy celebration
Itasca State Park
1-3:30 p.m. Saturday
Mark the 10th anniversary of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota. There will be an ATV simulator, live raptors, archery, fishing, geocaching, and campfire cooking. Take a guided hike through the forest or tour the Old Timers Cabin and historic Douglas Lodge to learn about the 127-year legacy of Itasca State Park. Also from 10 a.m. to noon at the park: Get a feel for the early 1900s community of Lake Itasca at the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Showgrounds. See the historic sawmill and explore various buildings, including a country school, one-room log house and a logging museum. (1-218-699-7251, mndnr.gov)
Fish study tools
Fort Snelling State Park
1-2 p.m. Saturday
To study fish populations, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources use nets call seines. In addition to demonstrating the seining process, this program will discuss the habitat requirements of different fish species and how water quality affects fish. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
Lady's slipper walk
Jay Cooke State Park
1-2:30 p.m. Saturday
This one-mile walk will lead to a scenic hillside of yellow lady-slipper flowers. Along the way we'll discover other spring flowers in bloom. The majority of the walk is flat and grassy, but there are hills. (1-218-673-7005, mndnr.gov)
Archery programs
Minneopa State Park
1-2:30 p.m. Saturday
• The sport of shooting arrows has been around for thousands of years. Learn the basics of archery (safety, proper care of the equipment and how to use a bow) and practice shooting at a target. Participants need to be at least 8. (1-507-384-8890, mndnr.gov)
Coon Rapids Dam Park
1-3 p.m. Saturday
• Learn basics of shooting safely and accurately with skilled instructors. Equipment provided. Cost is $10 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700. This program is for ages 7 and older. (threeriversparks.org)
Birding with a phone
Sibley State Park
4-5 p.m. Saturday
You can start to identify birds in five easy steps. Practice by making observations of what you know, then use the Merlin Bird identification app when you hit the trail. Download the free app to your smart device before the program. (1-320-354-2022, mndnr.gov)
Bat count
Whitewater State Park
7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday
Learn about Minnesota's bat population and the lethal White Nose Syndrome that threatens their world. After an introduction, participants will go out and count the resident bat population. (1-507-312-2300, mndnr.gov)
Intro to trout fishing
Whitewater State Park
10:30 a.m.-noon Sunday
Head to the South Picnic Area for some fishing fun every Sunday through Sept. 2. Gear is provided. Fishing licenses and trout stamps are not required. Bring your bait. (1-507-312-2300, mndnr.gov)
