Timberdoodle dance
Afton State Park, 7:30-9 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 are something to behold. Meet at the visitor center. (651-231-6968, mndnr.gov)
Making tracks
William O'Brien State Park, 10-11 a.m. Saturday
Crack the mystery of which animals are roaming about the park and in backyards in this program for children. Make a plaster cast of a found track. Registration required; call 651-433-0500. (mndnr.gov)
Hike in nature
Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday
Two major rivers meet in Fort Snelling State Park. Join a park naturalist for a walking discussion on the natural and cultural history at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
Roving naturalist
Hidden Falls Trail in Hidden Falls Regional Park,
Starting Saturday and continuing through May 15
Naturalists will be stationed along Hidden Falls Trail at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park to assist with wildflower identification, pollinator observations and other signs of spring. The dwarf trout lily, an endangered Minnesota wildflower, is likely to bloom in late April to early May. Find the geocache hidden at the park and collect your 2016 special edition Call of the Wildflowers card from the roving naturalist. (507-333-4840, mndnr.gov)
Prairie restoration
Lowry Nature Center, 7-9 p.m. Tuesday
Learn about managing prairie habitat and the process of restoring a large prairie in Carver Park Reserve. Cost is $5 for the general public. It is free for Three Rivers volunteers. Call 763-559-6706 to register. (threeriversparks.org)
Fly fishing for women
French Regional Park, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday
Discover the rhythms and techniques of fly fishing and learn about related gear. Equipment and fishing license provided for class only.
Cost is $15, and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 and reference number 225051-00. This program is designed for women ages 12 and older. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. (threeriversparks.org)
Wednesday walk
Brown's Creek Trail, 1-2:30 p.m.
Meet at the trailhead in Stillwater and get out with a naturalist. (651-231-6968)