Do This Now: Editor-selected events at state, regional and local parks

1 Spring nature walk

Fort Snelling State Park, April 13, 1-2 p.m.

Join a naturalist for a walk in the park to search for signs of spring. More information: 612-725-2724 or www.mndnr.gov.

2 Early evening bird walk

Whitewater State Park, April 12, 4-5:30 p.m.

With spring migration here, Whitewater State Park has become a hot spot for birding activity. Join park volunteer and avid birder Julie McCormick for a short primer on species seen in the park. The presentation is followed by a birding stroll. Binoculars available. More information: 1-507-932-3007 or www.mndnr.gov.

3 Walk when the moon is full: Tree hike

Meet at Richardson Nature Center for a moonlit hike, learning as you go about the park's various trees and the creatures that rely on them. $5. More information: www.threeriversparks.org.

4 Heron homecoming

North Mississippi Regional Park, April 16, 10:30 a.m.-noon

Meet at Kroening Interpretive Center to celebrate the return of the great blue herons. Learn about their lives and their migration routes. Then take a shuttle to the park's heron rookery to view these long-legged birds as they rebuild their nests and settle in for the season. $5. Reservation required; 763-559-6700. For more: www.threeriversparks.org.

5 Naturalist skills series