Learn about bears, turtles, fire-making at parks programs

McCarthy Beach State Park

7-10:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday

• Learn to identify constellations without a telescope, or learn how to use a telescope. Documentaries, lectures and more are planned. (1-218-274-7200; mndnr.gov/mccarthy)

St. Croix State Park, 5-6 p.m. Saturday

• Learn how to coexist with black bears. (1-320-384-6591; mndnr.gov/stcroix)

Wild River State Park, 2-3 p.m. Saturday

• Live turtles are featured in family friendly program. (651-583-2125; mndnr.gov/wildriver)

Bear Head Lake State Park

1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday

• All ages are welcome to learn different ways to start and build a fire. (1-218-235-2520; mndnr.gov/bearhead)

Crow-Hassan Park Reserve

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

• Help prairie restoration by collecting native wildflower seeds. Volunteers increase the amount and diversity of seed planted in more than 1,600 acres of restored prairie. Learn about the prairie's rich history and how to identify many of the plants. Must be at least 16, or accompanied by an adult. Call 763-559-6700 to register. (threeriversparks.org)