Paddle the Mississippi, bike the Luce Line and more this weekend
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 8-11 a.m. Saturday
Head to the Hennepin County side in Brooklyn Park, and see wild songbirds up close as they are carefully trapped, studied, banded and released.
Drop in anytime for this free program. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (763-694-7790; threeriversparks.org)
Bald eagle meetup
Whitewater State Park, 7-8 p.m. Saturday
Staff from the National Eagle Center in Wabasha will share the bird's comeback story and introduce one of the center's ambassadors. (507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)
Archery in the park
William O'Brien State Park, 1-3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-noon Sunday
Certified instructors will teach the basics. Beginners are welcome. Kids should be at least age 8. Gear provided. (651-433-0500, mndnr.gov)
Native bee day
Afton State Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
If you want to attract pollinators to your yard and vegetable garden but don't know how, pack a picnic lunch and join the presentations on native bees and bee house building. Also learn how to help the Wasp Watcher program and the Minnesota Bee Atlas. (651-231-6968, mndnr.gov)
Mississippi paddle
North Mississippi Regional Park,9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Teaming with Wilderness Inquiry, National Park Service ranger Sharon Stiteler is the lead interpreter on a paddle to Boom Island to see a heron rookery and more. Cost is $45. Register online. (wildernessinquiry.org, 612-676-9400)
Women's bike outing
Luce Line State Trail, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
Join a naturalist and explore this old railroad corridor on a 26-mile round trip. Ride from Plymouth to the Ox Yoke Inn for lunch and then return. Own bike and helmet. Registration required. (651-231-6968)
Logrolling primer
Fish Lake Regional Park, 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday
Rooted in the history of the logging era in the Midwest, log rolling is both safe and fun. Improve balance, agility, concentration and core strength. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. Reservations required by Friday. Cost is $15. (763-694-7818, threeriversparks.org)
Hydroelectric dam tour
Jay Cooke State Park, 2-3 p.m. Monday
Learn about Minnesota Power's Thomson hydroelectric station, the impact of the 2012 flood, and the dam's long history and future. Call 1-218-673-7005 to register.