Learn about monarchs

Afton State Park

10-11 a.m. Friday

A program on all things monarch butterflies. Meet in the visitor center. (651-231-6968, mndnr.gov)

Tag and release monarchs

Wild River State Park

10-11:30 a.m. Saturday

Help catch and tag monarchs. Limited number of nets. (651-583-2125, ext. 227, mndnr.gov)

Prairie seed collection

Crow-Hassan Park Reserve

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday

Help restore the prairie by collecting native wildflower seeds at the reserve. Learn about the prairie's rich history and how to identify many of the plants. Volunteers must be at least 16 or be accompanied by an adult. To register, call 763-559-6700. (threerivers­parks.org)

Bird banding

Lowry Nature Center

9 a.m. - noon Saturday

See wild songbirds up close as they are safely trapped, studied, banded and released. Drop in anytime and bring your camera. Reservations are required for groups. Groups should call 763-694-7650 to make a reservation. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (threeriversparks.org)

Raptors up close

Lowry Nature Center

2-4 p.m. Sunday

Meet birds of prey. Cameras are OK. Drop in anytime. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (threeriversparks.org)

Collect insects

Richardson Nature Center

3-4 p.m. Sunday

Part of Free Family Fun Days: Get into the prairie and investigate.

I Can Fish!

Whitewater State Park

10:30 a.m.-noon Sunday

An introduction to trout fishing for inexperienced anglers, families and youth groups. Fishing equipment will be provided, but bring your own bait (worms often work best). Fishing licenses and trout stamps are not required. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the South Picnic Area every Sunday through Sept. 4. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)