The Dirt: Nature photography, Champlin garden tour, author appearance

Award-winning nature photographer Chris Linder gets up close and personal when he's shooting images illustrating climate change around the world. Linder will share many of his photos and experiences from his travels during a photography symposium, "Conservation Through the Lens," from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Oswald Visitor Center. There will also be free time to shoot on the arboretum grounds and an opportunity to take a master class ($25) with Linder. Cost is $95, $80 for members; includes lunch. Go to http://bit.ly/109A41c or call 952-443-1422.

This year, Champlin's Father Hennepin Festival will pre­sent free self-guided tours of six public and private gardens featuring all different sizes and styles, including sun and shade beds, a train garden, gazebos, water gardens and a back yard modeled after the Canadian North Woods. The Champlin Garden Club-sponsored event kicks off at 9 p.m. Saturday with a "nightscape" tour highlighting lit waterfalls and garden accents along winding walkways. Other gardens will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tour maps are available at Champlin City Hall, Fair's Nursery, Lynde Garden Center and at www.fatherhennepinfestival.com. The Father Hennepin Festival is Fri.-Sun. and features a parade, rides, live music and family activities.

Environmentalist and author Dawn Pape will give a talk on her new book, "A Lawn Chair Gardener's Guide," share landscaping tips and answer questions, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.Hedberg's Landscape, 8400 60th St., Stillwater. Hedberg's recently opened a new Outdoor Living Design Center at this location. Call 651-748-3158.

Have you always wanted to start a perennial garden? The Gertens Perennial Fest will offer workshops on topics such as plant selection, rain gardens, attracting butterflies and birds and growing fruit. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. Call 651-450-1501.

At PlayCleanGo Day on Saturday, volunteers will explain how to "Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks" and hand out information at six state parks. Invasive plants and animals discussed will include earthworms, buckthorn, wild parsnip and emerald ash borers. For information, go to www.PlayCleanGo.org.