Fossil hike
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
10-11:30 a.m. Saturday
Set out in search of 450-million-year-old brachiopods. Meet at the amphitheater for a brief talk, followed by a car caravan to a location outside the park where you can keep the fossils you find. Collecting is not allowed in the park. (1-507-352-5111, mndnr.gov)
Native plants
Interstate State Park
2:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday
Native plants are not only beautiful, they also give food and habitat to countless creatures. Discover how you can put them to work in your own backyard. Stop by the "investigation station" near the visitor center. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov)
River fishing
Fort Snelling State Park
12:30-3 p.m. Saturday
Learn what fish need to survive and how to identify them, then fish on the Mississippi River. Fishing poles and bait will be provided. No fishing license is needed. Registration required. Call 612-725-2724 to register. (mndnr.gov)
Bird language
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Gather on the slopes of the Minnesota River Valley to explore what the birds are telling us about our surroundings. We will split the time between a classroom at the Bloomington visitor center and outdoors. Bring note- taking tools. Register at mntracking.org.
National Trails Day
Richardson Nature Center
10-11:30 a.m. Saturday
Celebrate National Trails Day, celebrated annually on the second Saturday in June. There will be a two-mile, moderately-paced hike. Trek through prairie, forest and wetland habitats. Bring Nordic walking poles or borrow a pair (limited number available). Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (763-694-7676, threeriversparks.org)
Raptor care
Lowry Nature Center
12:30-2 p.m. Sunday
Explore behind-the-scenes care of captive birds of prey. Discuss equipment and meet a raptor. Cost is $5. Reservations recommended. (763-694-7650, threeriversparks.org)
Intro to trout fishing
Whitewater State Park
10:30 a.m.-noon Sunday
This is a program for inexperienced anglers, families and youth groups. Fishing equipment will be provided, but bring your own bait. Fishing licenses and trout stamps are not required. Intro to Trout Fishing will be offered again every Sunday through Sept. 3 at Whitewater. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)
Wolves in focus
Lake Maria State Park
11 a.m.-noon Sunday
This program helps explains complicated issues surrounding wolves. It will touch on biology, behavior and fear of wolves. Presented by the International Wolf Center in Ely. (1-320-384-6591, mndnr.gov).
