Paddle and hike
Hidden Falls Regional Park
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
A chance to discover Fort Snelling State Park and the area's history with a paddle around Pike Island at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. There also will be a hike around the giant cottonwoods of the island. Trip is guided by Wilderness Inquiry, and cost is $45. Register online at wildernessinquiry.org. Meet at the north gate of Hidden Falls park. (612-676-9400)
Paddleboard
Fish Lake Regional Park
9-11 a.m. Saturday
Head to Maple Grove and get a lesson in the fast-growing sport. Equipment provided. The paddleboards available at Three Rivers Park District have a manufacturer's recommended weight limit of 220-250 pounds. Cost is $35 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700, reference activity number 325911-04. This program is for ages 14 and older. There is a similar lesson at Cleary Lake Park, too. (threeriversparks.org)
Monarch butterflies
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
10-11 a.m. Saturday
Learn more about monarch butterflies, their life cycle and the amazing journey they make to get here each year, as well as how you can help this species survive. (507-333-4840, mndnr.gov)
Wild edibles
Flandrau State Park
7-8 p.m. Saturday
Flandrau State Park
Head to New Ulm and learn about some of the more recognizable plants in the area, such as the common dandelion, which can be used in salads. Meet at the playground near the swimming pond. (507-384-8890, mndnr.gov)
Kids' fishing
Wm. O'Brien State Park
1-3 p.m. Saturday
Learn fishing basics and then go fishing. Equipment provided. (651-433-0500)
Bird banding
Whitewater State Park
12:30-2 p.m. Sunday
Help handle and release birds after they have been caught, studied and banded with a tag. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)
Nature sleuth
Fort Snelling State Park
10 a.m.-noon Tuesday
Become a detective for the day and go on a hike with a naturalist looking for clues about the wildlife. Learn basics about tracking and animal behavior. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
