Plaster tracking

Blue Mounds State Park

4-5 p.m. Friday

 

Learn to identify the tracks and trails left by coyote, rabbits and other wildlife. Replicate a track with plaster. Meet at the picnic shelter for the cart-in campsites. (1-507-283-6050; mndnr.gov/bluemounds).

Fly rod casting

Afton State Park

1-2 p.m. Saturday

 

Learn the basics of casting a fly rod, or improve your skills. Choose from an all-women’s or mixed-gender group. Limited number of rods provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own rods. (651-436-5391; mndnr.gov/afton).

Nature journaling

Whitewater State Park

1-3 p.m. Saturday

 

Lake City artist Joanne Klees will demonstrate the creative process behind nature journaling. Bring a journal from home, learn a few basics and then step outside to record what you see. (1-507-312-2300; mndnr.gov/whitewater).

Getting oriented

Coon Rapids Day Regional Park

1-3 p.m. Saturday

 

Learn how to use a map and compass to find your way in the outdoors. Call 763-694-7790 to reserve a spot. (threeriversparks.org)

Photographing swans

Lake Maria State Park

1-2 p.m. Saturday

 

Learn about the trumpeter swan and the best way to photograph them. Nature photographer John Pennoyer will offer tips. (763-878-2325; mndnr.gov/lakemaria).

Bird walk

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

8-10:30 a.m. Saturday

Head to the Bass Ponds trails at the Long Meadow Lake Unit in Bloomington. Volunteer naturalist Craig Mandel will lead a walk. Learn about some of the 220 species that stop during their migration. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have one. Meet at the Bass Ponds trailhead. (952-854-5900, bit.ly/birdingwalk)

 

Sap to syrup

Eastman Nature Center, 1-4 p.m. Sunday: Learn the history of making maple syrup and the techniques to doing so in Dayton. Taste the final product. Drop in anytime. This program is free and open to all ages. (763-694-7700, threeriversparks.org).

 

• Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday: Tour the maple syrup operation at Cedar Lake Farm in New Prague. Identify and tap a maple tree. Collect sap and learn how it’s boiled down to syrup. Cost is $5. Call 763-694-7777 to reserve a spot. (threeriversparks.org).