Need a weekend idea? Hike near bison, learn archery, make a prairie garden

Minneopa State Park, 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday

Take an early morning hike with the naturalist to hear about how things are going for the re-established bison herd. The walk is along the outside of the bison range toward Seppmann Mill in hopes of catching a glimpse of the animals. Meet at group campground. (507-384-8890, mndnr.gov)

Lowry Nature Center, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday

Build a native bee house. Explore landscape changes that give native bees and other pollinators a boost. Reservations required. (763-559-6700, threeriversparks.org)

William O'Brien State Park, 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday

Discover geocaching and how you can use it to find hidden treasures at Minnesota state parks. You will learn how to use a GPS unit, and then head out in the park to find caches. Call to sign up and reserve a unit. Meet at the visitor center. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)

Make a prairie garden

Whitewater State Park, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday

Do you love to be immersed in nature? Wish to share your outdoor experiences through writing? Join a nature appreciation writing class. Write either poetry or short prose with guidance from a Minnesota naturalist volunteer and poet. Bring your favorite writing instruments and a nature poem or prose piece related to spring. These will be shared, and a hike will follow. Participants will be encouraged to break off from the group to write, then meet back at the visitor center at a specific time to share their writing if interested. (507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)

Baker Park Reserve, 1-3 p.m. Sunday

Head to the Near-Wilderness Settlement to learn the basics. Cost is $10. This program is for ages 8 and older. Call 763-694-7856 to sign up. Reference number 230341-00.

Snakes of Minnesota