Do this Now: Editor-selected events at state, regional and local parks

1 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis boat show
Minneapolis Convention Center, through Feb. 2
Peruse a showroom of new motor boats, canoes, pontoons, personal watercraft and marine gadgets. Highlight: The Convention Center is outfitted with a large indoor pool, where visitors can try kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. $11. For more information, visit www.minneapolisboatshow.com.

2 Wild Readers! Book club best bets
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Feb. 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Drop by the refuge's Bloomington Education and Visitor Center to trade tips on best outdoor books. A panel of park rangers and volunteer naturalists will discuss their favorite titles on natural resources, wildlife and conservation. Registration required; 952-858-0731. More information: www.fws.gov/refuge/Minnesota_Valley.

3 Candlelight ski and walk
Root River State Trail, Feb. 1, 5-9 p.m.
Start the evening in the city of Whalan, at the historic Whalan Town Hall. Load up on soups and sandwiches, provided by the Whalan Ladies Auxiliary, before hitting the romantically lit Root River Trail by ski or on foot. Minnesota Ski Pass required for skiers ages 16-plus, $6 per day or $20 per season. More information: 1-507-206-2845 or www.mndnr.gov.

4 Winter bird feeding tips
Fort Snelling State Park, Feb. 2, 1-2 p.m.
Learn how to attract more birds to back-yard feeders using a variety of seeds and feeder types. Also learn how to improve your yard's overall habitat for a greater diversity of birds. More information: 612-725-2724 or www.mndnr.gov.

5 Bird-watching trek
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Feb. 3, 8-10 a.m.
Take a guided hike through the refuge's Wilkie Unit (near Shakopee) to look for winter birds, including ducks, rough-legged hawks, bald eagles, and northern shrikes. More information: www.fws.gov/refuge/Minne sota_Valley.