Nature ornaments

Jay Cooke State Park, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday

 

Make and take your own nature-themed ornaments. Registration required; call 218-673-7006. (mndnr.gov)

Knots knowledge

Afton State Park, 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday

 

Which knot is used to put up a tarp and how is it tied? Registration required; call 651-231-6968. (mndnr.gov)

Owl prowl

Whitewater State Park, 6-8 p.m. Saturday

 

Take in a presentation on these elusive creatures. Afterward, go looking for owls. (507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)

Winter walk

Wild River State Park, 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday

 

Join the park naturalist for a hike and take in the park’s beautiful scenery. Snowshoes will be provided if conditions require them. Meet at the visitor center. (651-583-2125, ext. 227, mndnr.gov)

Bird count

Lowry Nature Center, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

 

Head to Victoria to take part in the Christmas Bird Count. Bird on your own schedule and see how many species you can identify. The program is free but participants need to register and sign up for a section of the park to cover. Call 763-694-7650 to register. (threeriversparks.org)

Skiing lessons

Elm Creek Park Reserve, Ongoing Saturday (Ski lessons Sunday canceled because of predicted cold)

 

A fun lesson for children and adults together. Learn the basics of putting on equipment, falling down and getting up, diagonal stride and stopping. Cost is $18 and $26 (with ski rental) for ages 6 to 12; $30 for ages 13 older (with ski rental). Reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 and use reference number #122271-00. Beginner skate-ski and classic lessons also offered Saturday at Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Skate-ski lessons are 9:30-11 a.m. Call 763-559-6700 and use reference number #122967-01 for reservations. Classic lessons are from noon-1:30 p.m. Call and use reference number #122965-02 for reservations. (threeriversparks.org).

Snowshoe basics

Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday

 

Learn the history of snowshoes, and then go for a guided snowshoe walk. Bring your own snowshoes or use a pair from the park. Meet in the visitor center. Registration required; call 612-725-2724. (mndnr.gov)

Fat bike race

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesday

 

The second race in the Frozen Frolic Series. Preregistration ends at midnight on race day; cost is $15. Cost is $20 the day of the race. Third race is Jan. 11 at Lake Rebecca. (763-559-6700; threeriversparks.org)