Regional park events ramp up with hikes and fishing workshops

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Brown's Creek Trail, 1-2:30 p.m.