It's a mix of learning opportunities at state and regional parks.
Minneopa State Park
10-11 a.m. Friday
• Learn how to provide habitat and help the monarchs survive. (1-507-384-8890; mndnr.gov/minneopa)
Whitewater State Park
6-7 p.m. Friday
• Yellow-shirted firefighters handle prescribed fires to manage Minnesota private and public land. Learn more about what they do, and then meet Smokey Bear. (1-507-312-2300; mndnr.gov/whitewater)
Tettegouche State Park
1-3 p.m. Saturday
• Demonstration takes place in visitor center meeting room. (1-218-353-8809; mndnr.gov/tettegouche)
Old Mill State Park
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Hear about 19th-century life at the mill, in Argyle, Minn. (1-218-754-2200; mndnr.gov/oldmill)
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Saturday
• Improve your physical and mental health by hiking through the prairie. Practice meditative breathing, reflect on introspective questions, and find soothing natural smells. Cost is $5. Call 763-559-9000 to register. (threeriversparks.org/hike)
Coon Rapids Regional Dam Park
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Saturday
• Explore through hands-on activities. Drop in anytime. (763-694-7790, threeriversparks.org/fun)
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday
Eastman Nature Center
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday
• Help restore the prairie by collecting native wildflower seed. Volunteers increase the amount and diversity of seed planted annually in more than 1,600 acres of restored prairie managed by Three Rivers. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old or be accompanied by a responsible adult. The program is free. Call 763-559-6700 to register.
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