Do This Now: Minnesota parks have busy slate this weekend

Syrup-making activities

There are several related activities at metro and regional parks this weekend. Here is a partial list:

Whitewater State Park

10:30 a.m.-noon or 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday

• Learn about the long history of maple syrup and sugar-making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap, and taste pure maple syrup. Groups of 10 people or more can schedule an activity specifically for their group. Call 507-932-3007, ext. 226, or e-mail sara.holger@state.mn.us . (507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)

Fort Snelling State Park

1-2:30 p.m. Saturday or Sunday

• Learn about the natural history of maple trees, and the history of making maple syrup. Also, learn the process. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)

Wild River State Park

1-2 p.m. Sunday

• Visit the park's sugarbush and learn about the process. Syrup won't be made, but participants will drive to an area where trees will be tapped. Note: You will need a vehicle. (651-583-2125, ext. 227, mndnr.gov)

Eastman Nature Center

1-4 p.m. Sunday

• Drop in anytime. This program is free and open to all ages. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (763-694-7700, threeriversparks.org)

Walk with a naturalist

Silverwood Park,

1-2 p.m. Sunday

Stroll through the park, watching and listening for seasonal birds and other happenings. Bring binoculars if you have them. Stay after for Puppet Adventures with Ned the Naturalist in April and May. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (763-694-7707, threeriversparks.org)

Bird banding

Eastman Nature Center,

9 a.m.-noon Saturday

See wild songbirds safely trapped, studied and tagged with numbered rings. Drop in any time. (763-694-7700, threeriversparks.org)

Explore volunteering

Lowry Nature Center,

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

Share talents, passion and energy to help Three Rivers Park District. Meet staff and volunteers while exploring the many ways to give back at your favorite park. Drop in any time. For more information, visit the main volunteer page at threeriversparks.org, call 763.559.6706, or e-mail volunteer@threeriversparkdistrict.org.