Weekend at the parks: View stars, band birds, fish for trout

William O'Brien State Park,
9-10:30 p.m. Saturday

Join amateur astronomer Kenny Bahmer on a tour of the night sky. The program begins indoors. Then, head outside to view some of these evening delights through a telescope. If it is cloudy, there still will be an indoor program. Meet at the visitor center. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)

Lowry Nature Center,
9 a.m.-noon Saturday

See birds up close as they are carefully trapped, tagged, studied and released.

This program is free and open to all ages. (763-694-7650, threeriversparks.org)

Whitewater State Park,
10:30 a.m.-noon Sunday

Meet at the South Picnic Area. The program is designed to introduce trout fishing to inexperienced individual anglers, families and youth groups. Equipment is provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own bait; worms often work best. Fishing licenses and trout stamps are not required for this activity. This program will be offered at the park every Sunday through Sept. 4. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)

Afton State Park,
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday

Cooking over an outdoor campfire is something of an art. From building a fire to cooking with a cast-iron Dutch oven, the program covers it all. Learn some skills, or pass on favorite recipes. There will be food to sample. (651-231-6968, mndnr.gov)

Silverwood Park,
8-9:30 p.m. Sunday

Discover Minnesota's native prairies on a hike under the full moon. Make an art project inspired by prairie flowers and roast marshmallows at a campfire. Cost is $8; reservations required. Call 763-559-6700, threeriversparks.org)

Father's Day paddle