Parks' weekend slate runs gamut from tracking critters to caches

Lowry Nature Center

10-11:30 a.m. Saturday

Investigate skeletons from common animals found here. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (763-694-7650)

Glendalough State Park

9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday

Learn about the wonders of insects like bees. This is a "make-and-take" program, so participants will leave with one or more projects. Projects will follow the pollinator theme — bee houses and others — so there will be something interesting regardless of age. Children must be accompanied by an adult; $5 per person. (218-864-0110)

William O'Brien State Park

Learn some survival basics and then make a survival bracelet. Registration required; call 651-433-0500. (mndnr.gov)

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington

9 a.m. -1 p.m. Saturday

Gather in Classroom A at the visitor center. Explore what the birds are telling us about our surroundings. Time will be split between the classroom and outdoors. Bring a notebook, pencils, and something to sit on outdoors. Register at mntracking.org.

Itasca State Park

Take a 2½-mile hike to explore the tracks of Itasca's critters.

Dress for weather and likely trail conditions, and meet at the North Country Trail trailhead parking lot. (1-218-699-7251, mndnr.gov)

Richardson Nature Center

3-4 p.m. Sunday

Explore a different topic each week through hands-on activities. Drop in anytime. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Program is free. (763-694-7676, threeriversparks.org)

1-2 p.m. Sunday

Learn how you can use a variety of seeds and feeder types and improve the habitat in your yard to increase the number and variety of birds. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724)

Cleary Lake Regional Park

10 a.m.-noon Wednesday