Knots knowledge
Afton State Park
9:30-11 a.m. Saturday
A program on basic knot-tying for women. Registration required. Call 651-231-6968 or e-mail linda.radimecky@state.mn.us. (mndnr.gov)
Geocaching
Fort Snelling State Park
10 a.m.-noon Saturday
Explore the history of the park with a scavenger hunt-style geocaching course. It will be fun and educational. Equipment and instruction are provided. To register, call 612-725-2724 or e-mail krista.jensen@state.mn.us. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)
Cleanup day
Lake Maria State Park
1-4 p.m. Saturday
Join park staff, the Friends of Lake Maria and other volunteers to get some fall chores completed. Bring work gloves and sturdy footwear. To sign-up, call 763-878-2325. Meet at the trail center at 1 p.m. (mndnr.gov)
Bird-watching trek
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
8-10:30 a.m. Saturday
Walk from the Bass Ponds trailhead and hear about the refuge's role in the fall migration, who visits and why. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and a favorite field guide (952-854-5900, bit.ly/mnfwr)
Becoming an Outdoors Woman
Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge, Winona
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Watch the tundra swan migration. Cost: $25. (1-507-454-7351, mndnr.gov)
Learn skijoring
Fish Lake Regional Park
9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Stay active this winter by cross-country skiing with your dog. Learn about equipment, commands, training techniques and etiquette. Go on a guided, on-foot session with your dog. Equipment provided for class. Cost is $5. To reserve a spot, call763-559-6700. Note: Dogs must be friendly around others and stay in their owner's car the first 45 minutes. (threeriversparks.org)
Digging into history
Whitewater State Park
6-7 p.m. Saturday
Did you know that Whitewater State Park was once home to German prisoners of war? (1-507-312-2300, mndnr.gov)
Birds on the move
Eastman Nature Center
1-3 p.m. Sunday
Explore bird artifacts, listen to calls, and play a migration game. Drop in anytime. (763-694-7700, threeriversparks.com)
Walk with a naturalist
Silverwood Park
1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday
Take a walk, and watch and listen for seasonal birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. (763-694-7707)
