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Birding, archery, Nordic walking and more make up parks weekend

It's a full slate of activity at Minnesota's state and regional parks and wildlife areas.

May 4, 2017 at 4:19PM

Spring hiking is in order. (Robert Timmons/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Birding walk

Brown's Creek State Trail

7-8 a.m. Saturday

Identify birds by sight and sound during an hour's walk. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Nature Reserve parking area (Neal Avenue crossing). Contact Robert Bystrom at robertbystrom1@gmail.com for more information. (mndnr.gov).

Bluebell festival

Carley State Park

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Spring bluebells are in abundance. A variety of activities will be offered throughout the day, including trout fishing programs for children, archery for ages 8 and older, wildflower walks, and more. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)

Spring birds

Lowry Nature Center

7-9 a.m. Saturday

Search for migrating birds and year-round residents. Identify birds by sound, field marks and habitat. Binoculars available. Cost is $5, and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation. This program is for ages 13 and older. (763-694-7650; threeriversparks.org)

Family archery

Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park

9-11 a.m. Saturday

Head to New Prague for the basics of shooting safely and accurately. Equipment provided. Cost is $10 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700. This program is for ages 8 and older. (threeriversparks.org)

Family archery

Cleary Lake Regional Park

9-11 a.m. Saturday

Learn basics of shooting safely and accurately. Shoot at stationary targets and compete in shooting games. Equipment provided. Cost is $10, and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700. This program is for ages 8 and older.

Photo hike

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

9:30- 12:30 p.m. Saturday

Meet at the Bloomington visitor center, and learn some basics and tips for flower photography. Before the trees leaf out, there are a number of spring ephemerals that bloom. The goal on the hike is locate some and try different techniques for capturing them.

Walking Nordic-style

William O'Brien State Park

1-2:30 p.m. Sunday

Nordic walking uses 90 percent of your muscles and burns more calories than ordinary walking. It also distributes your weight more so your knees don't do all of the work. Demonstration poles will be provided. (Trekking/hiking poles are not the same.) This class is geared to those who walk 45-60 minutes, including small hills, with confidence. Wear comfortable shoes with good tread, bring water, and, if desired, a small camera. Registration required. Call 651-433-0500. Kay Okey, a certified Nordic walking instructor and Minnesota master naturalist, will lead the walk and a talk about points of interest in the woodland. (mndnr.gov)