Bird banding, old-world crafts part of lineup of programs at Minnesota parks

Tettegouche State Park

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Learn how to create your own soaps and salves using locally available materials such as deer fat, beeswax and balsam fir pitch. Bring a sharp knife, safety glasses, a wooden or plastic mixing spoon, a shallow plastic container (at least 16 oz. in capacity), a small bottle of essential oils (your choice on scent), and wear work/craft clothes. Registration required. E-mail kurt.mead@state.mn.us. (1-218-353-8809, mndnr.gov)

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

8 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday

Songbirds will be captured, tagged, studied and released. (threeriversparks.org)

• Lake Shetek State Park

• Glacial Lakes State Park

12:30-3 p.m. Saturday

Children (toddlers to sixth grade) are encouraged to search for 3,500 eggs hidden in Lake Shetek State Park. Save time by getting your vehicle permit in advance at mndnr.gov/reservations. (1-507-763-3256, mndnr.gov)

Glacial Lakes will host its annual gathering, too. Children will be divided into two groups: preschool and grades kindergarten through third grade. Fourth- and sixth-graders will have their own challenge. Before and after the egg hunt, there will be games and activities at the group camp shelter. (1-320-239-2860, mndnr.gov)

Lowry Nature Center

Meet captive raptors. Learn about these amazing birds of prey. Cameras welcome. Drop in anytime. This program is free and open to all ages. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (763-694-7650; threeriversparks.org)

Whitewater State Park

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Pack a picnic and bring the family out to the park for a day of volunteer work. There are several projects, from planting trees to weeding and mulching, to picking up litter. All ages are welcome. To sign up, e-mail sara.holger@state.mn.us or call 1-507-932-3007, ext. 226. (mndnr.gov)

Fish Lake Regional Park

Learn about equipment, casting, shooting the line, fly types and presentation. Equipment and fishing license provided for class only. Cost is $15, and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 and reference activity #225951-00. (threeriversparks.org)

Black Dog Preserve unit, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday