No Section

Snowshoeing, walks by candlelight, bird-banding fill out weekend at parks

January 19, 2018 at 7:01PM

A yellow perch is brought up through a hole. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Candlelight walk

St. Croix State Park

5-7 p.m. Saturday

Hike a mile along candlelit trails. If there is enough snow, skiing or snowshoeing are options. Visit mndnr.gov/stcroix for updates. (1-320-384-6591)

Squirrel capers

Sibley State Park

1-3 p.m. Saturday

Test your squirrel knowledge, bet acorns and give a best squirrel impersonation, all with the hope of winning the golden squirrel. Meet at the interpretive center trail center theater. Prepare for both indoor and outdoor activities. (1-320-354-2055, mndnr.gov)

Snowshoeing

Wild River State Park

1-2:30 p.m. Saturday

The park naturalist will lead a mile-long walk along the St. Croix River. Designed for those 8 or older. Snowshoes are available. Call 651-583-2125, ext. 227, to register. Meet at the visitor center. (mndnr.gov)

Bird banding

Eastman Nature Center

9 a.m.-noon Saturday

See wild songbirds up close as they are carefully trapped, studied, banded and released. Drop in anytime. (763-694-7700, threeriversparks.org)

Winter Trails Day

Fort Snelling State Park

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

The annual day is about free fun. The activities include ice-fishing, cross-country skiing, quinzee-building, fat biking, snowshoeing and hiking. Staff from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, REI, the Forest Service and others will be on hand. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)

Learn to snowshoe

William O'Brien State Park

10 a.m. Sunday

Join an introduction to the activity before exploring the park. Call 651-433-0500 to reserve a pair of snowshoes. (mndnr.gov)

Nordic skiing lessons

Elm Creek Park Reserve

9:30-11 a.m. Sunday

• Learn beginning skate-skiing techniques, including efficient edging, gliding and control. Cost is $28. Gear is available to rent. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation. The lesson is for those 13 and older. (threeriversparks.org)

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday

•A fun lesson for kids and adults together. Learn the basics: putting on equipment, falling down and getting up, diagonal stride, and stopping. Cost is $18. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation. The lesson is for those 6 and older.