Park activities: basics of winter camping, critter-tracking, cross-country skiing, bird banding

Tettegouche State Park

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Join a one-day introduction to winter camping and learn how to build traditional insulated snow caves called quinzhees for sleeping. The program also covers how to cook outdoors in the snow, stay dry and warm in the winter, and transport gear. People can stay overnight in the constructed quinzhees and try out the skills they have learned. Registration required. Call 218-353-8809 or e-mail kurt.mead@state.mn.us. (mndnr.gov)

William O'Brien State Park

10-11 a.m. Saturday

Help solve the mystery of which animals are roaming about the park and in backyards. Registration required; call 651-433-0500. Meet at the visitor center. (mndnr.gov)

Lake Maria State Park

Indoor and outdoor events are planned, including snowshoeing, a winter camping seminar, and activities geared to children. Snowshoes, birding kits (with binoculars) and GPS units (for geocaching) are available for free checkout at the park office. (1-763-878-2325, mndnr.gov)

Fort Snelling State Park

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

A day of fun and free winter activities are planned, including fat biking, outdoor Ping-Pong and a snowball fight. You can also try ice-fishing, cross-country skiing, skijoring and quinzhee-building. There will be a bonfire to keep warm. (612-725-2724)

Lowry Nature Center

See wild songbirds up close as they are safely trapped, studied, banded, and released. Drop in anytime. This program is free and open to all ages. (763-694-7650, threeriversparks.org)

Hyland Lake Park Reserve

7-8:30 p.m. Monday

Explore the trails with other new skiers while getting tips and encouragement from an instructor. A great opportunity for those excited to ski more after taking a lesson. Sign up for one or all seven. Cost is $10 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 and reference activity #122972-00. Ages 18 and older. (threeriversparks.org)

Family classic ski

9:30-11 a.m. Sunday