Minnesota weekend parks events include archery, night fliers

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 10 a.m. -noon Friday

Learn basic archery skills using compound bows and traditional targets. Time permitting, there will be some archery games. The program is free and open to ages 8 and older. Equipment provided. Meet at the visitor center. (952-854-5900, fws.gov)

Wild River State Park, 1-2 p.m. Friday

An odd collection of bones and skulls — to whom do they belong? Work with the naturalist to solve the mystery. (651-583-2125, ext. 227, mndnr.gov)

Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday

Help restore the prairie by collecting native wildflower seed. Volunteers increase the amount and diversity of seed planted annually in more than 1,200 acres of restored prairie managed by Three Rivers Parks District. Learn about the prairie's rich history and how to identify many of the plants. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. (threeriversparks.org)

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

Take an evening walk in a ghost town cemetery. Hear stories of pioneers, Civil War veterans, Minnesota conservation hero Richard Dorer and others who have lived in the Whitewater Valley. Bring your own transportation. The cemetery is 5 miles north of the park. Meet at the visitor center. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)

Fort Snelling State Park

1-2 p.m. Sunday

Learn about the bats native to Minnesota, how echolocation works, and how bats benefit humans. Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)

Lowry Nature Center

3:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday

Learn about owls, flying squirrels and bats. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (763-694-7650, threeriversparks.org)

Interstate State Park Noon-1 p.m. Sunday

Discover how lakes of lava and gushing glacial waters formed the park's unique potholes. Hikers will go over, under and through the rock features on this naturalist-guided tour. This 45-minute walk includes some uneven terrain and stairs. Meet at the visitor center. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov)