1 Bird-watching trek
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, March 15, 8-10:30 a.m.
The refuge is hosting a series of bird-watching treks this spring, each exploring a different unit. This installment convenes at Old Cedar Avenue in Bloomington for a guided hike in search of waterfowl during the early part of the spring migration. More information: www.fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_valley/events.html.
2 Bluebird workshop
William O'Brien State Park, March 15, 1-3 p.m.
Get ideas on attracting bluebirds to your back yard and establishing a "bluebird trail." Purchase and assemble your own nesting box. Bring your own hammer. $17.50. More information: 651-433-0500 or www.mndnr.gov.
3 Maple syruping for the whole family
Whitewater State Park, March 15, 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.; March 16, 1-3 p.m.
Take a kid-friendly course on maple syrup history before learning to tap trees and process maple syrup. For more information: 507-932-3007 or www.mndnr.gov.
4 Full-moon walk/maple moon
Eastman Nature Center and Lowry Nature Center, March 16, 7-8:30 p.m.
These concurrent events feature hands-on lessons on the ancient skill of syruping, plus moonlit strolls through the sugarbush. Both occasions end with real maple syrup tastings. $5. More information: www.threeriversparks.org.
5 Soar with eagles
North Mississippi Regional Park, March 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Transportation is provided for this field trip to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. See eagles up close and tour the center. The event includes eagle-viewing stops along the Mississippi. $22. Ages 16-plus. Reservation required; 763-559-6700. More information: www.threeriversparks.org.