Syruping programs get an early start at metro and regional parks
Fort Snelling State Park
1-2:30 p.m. Saturday
Part of a series of programs geared toward women, this activity digs into the history of making maple syrup. Find out what equipment is required, how to tap trees and how to process sap into syrup. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
Syruping for all
Whitewater State Park
10 a.m. to noon or 1-3 p.m. Saturday
From equipment and procedures to history, the program is all about maple syrup production. Reservations required; call 507-932-3007, ext. 226, or e-mail sara.holger@state.mn.us.
Fat bike rally
Lake Bemidji State Park
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday
Roll in the Northland Fat Bike Rally, in its third year. It features 10-kilometer and 28K routes. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a required rules meeting at 10:15 a.m. and a mass start at 11 a.m. on Lake Bemidji. After the event, anyone with 3.8-inch tires and a helmet can ride the course until 4 p.m. There will be activities at the park for non-racers, too. Food and refreshments in the visitor center. (1-218-308-2300, mndnr.gov)
Supporting bees
Lowry Nature Center
10 a.m.-noon Saturday
Build a native bee house to take home. Use basic materials like wood, PVC and paper. Add color with paint or markers. Explore landscape changes that give native bees and other pollinators a habitat boost. Cost is $15 per bee house. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required (by phone only). Call 763-559-6700.
Animal tracks
Richardson Nature Center
3-4 p.m. Saturday
Explore through hands-on activities at a casual pace at this family program. (763-694-7676, threeriversparks.org)
Sunday syrup
Fort Snelling State Park
1-2:30 p.m. Sunday
• Learn about maple trees and the history of making maple syrup. Find out what equipment is required, how to tap trees and how to process sap into syrup. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
Wild River State Park
1-2:30 p.m. Sunday
• Visit the park's sugar bush and learn about the syrup-making process. The program covers different locations, so a vehicle is needed by participants. Meet at the visitor center. Syrup will not be processed at this program. (651-583-2125, ext. 227; mndnr.gov)
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None of the boat’s occupants, two adults and two juveniles, were wearing life jackets, officials said.