Junior naturalist hike
Lake Maria State Park
10-11 a.m. Saturday
Find out how the animals at the park are preparing for winter. Registration required; call 763-878-2325 to register. (mndnr.gov)
Winter camp how-to
William O'Brien State Park
10-11:30 a.m. Saturday
Learning how to camp comfortably in the winter will allow you to see a whole new world. Join Bear Paulsen, general manager of Northstar Canoes, to learn clothing, safety and how to sleep comfortably through a cold night. He'll discuss how to choose a campsite, shelter options and winter travel. Meet at the visitor center. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)
Winter geocaching
Whitewater State Park
10 a.m.-noon Saturday
After a short indoor presentation, venture out to find a hidden cache. There will be snowshoeing if there is enough snow. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park's. (507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)
The coming of winter
Fort Snelling State Park
1-2 p.m. Saturday
The days are short, and the temperatures are low. Winter officially is several days off, but to wildlife, it is already here. Animals fatten up and grow longer fur. Come to find out more about the changes winter will bring. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
Nature tech
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
1-3 p.m. Saturday
Meet at the visitor center auditorium in Bloomington. National Park Service ranger Sharon Stiteler will talk about smartphone apps that can enhance the outdoors experience. There are apps that help identify birds, butterflies and mammals, and help choose the best place to look for them. Stiteler also will talk about how to shoot photos using a phone and spotting scope. Participants are encouraged to bring spotting scopes if they have them. (fws.gov, 952-854-5900)
