No Section

Do This Now at some Minnesota wildlife areas: take birding treks, make maple syrup

Weekend lineup has birding trek on Brown's Creek state trail in Stillwater area.

March 23, 2017 at 4:04PM

binoculars (Robert Timmons/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Birding trek

Brown's Creek State Trail, 8-10 a.m. Saturday

Join a naturalist in a program for beginning birders. Learn about the basics of identification. Binoculars and guides will be available. Meet where the trail crosses Hazel Street in Stillwater. (651-231-6968, mndnr.gov)

Birding trek II

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 8- 10:30 a.m. Saturday

Take a trek at the Bass Ponds trailhead of the Long Meadow Lake Unit and learn about the birds of the spring migration. Call naturalist Craig Mandel, who will lead the hike, with questions. (952-240-7647, bit.ly/MNvalley)

Maple syrup programs

Maple syruping events teaching the basics of the process remain abundant. Here are several:

• Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)

• Wild River State Park; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday:

Bring a lunch. Registration required and limited to 35; call 651-583-2125, ext. 227. (mndnr.gov)

• Eastman Nature Center, 1-4 p.m. Saturday: Drop in anytime. (763-694-7700, threeriversparks.org)

• Tamarack Nature Center, 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday: $7 per person. (651-407-5350, ramseycounty.us)

All about the fox

Coon Rapids Regional Dam, 1-3 p.m. Sunday

Explore through hands-on activities. at your own pace. Drop in anytime. (763-694-7790, threeriversparks.org)

Owls in focus

Lowry Nature Center, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday

Visit owl activity stations, listen to a story and meet a captive barred owl. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations recommend. Cost is $5. (763-694-7650, threeriversparks.org)

Monday birding

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 8-10:30 a.m.

Head to the Old Cedar Avenue trailhead of the Long Meadow Lake Unit. During spring migration observe a mix of waterfowl, raptors, warblers, and other songbirds resting and feeding before they continue their northerly migration. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along binoculars, a favorite field guide, and dress appropriately for the weather. Call naturalist and hike leader Craig Mandel with questions. (952-240-7647, bit.ly/MNvalley)