Waterfowl, fitness hikes, fly fishing basics and, of course, maple syrup-making

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

9 a.m.-noon, Saturday

Explore the various ways to identify the 44 different species of waterfowl that can be found in Minnesota. You will also learn about the best time of year to see them. (952-854-5900, www.fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_valley)

Fitness hike

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

12:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday

Join a ranger for an 8-mile hike in the flood plain of the Minnesota River. Meet at the visitor center in Bloomington. Please dress appropriately and wear shoes that can get muddy. Hike is weather-dependent.

Kids and flies

Afton State Park

1-3 p.m. Saturday

Spend some time spinning fibers into flies for fly fishing. Materials and equipment provided. If you wear reading glasses, they will be helpful. Ages 8 and older. Reservations required. Call 612-725-2724. (mndnr.gov)

Camping at Kathio

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

1-2 p.m. Saturday

Step back in time with a look at artifacts and a short walk to locations where archaeologists found evidence of a village from the 1600s and a "campsite" dating to more than 3,000 years ago. Meet at the interpretive center.

(1-320-532-3269, mndnr.gov)

There are several programs that teach the basics of tapping trees, gathering sap and boiling it:

• Fort Snelling State Park,

1-2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Meet at the visitor center. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)

• Whitewater State Park, 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m. Saturday: Reservations required; call 1-507-932-3007, ext. 226, or e-mail sara.holger@state.mn.us.

• Wild River State Park,

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday: Bring a lunch and enjoy the afternoon. Registration required. Call 651-583-2125, ext. 227.

Lowry Nature Center

9-noon Sunday

See wild songbirds up close as they are safely trapped, studied, banded and released. Drop in anytime. Reservations are required for groups. The program is free and open to all ages. (763-694-7650, threeriversparks.org)

Lowry Nature Center

1-3 p.m. Saturday

Young people can explore different aspects of the world of birding. Cost is $5; free for Minnesota Young Birders Club members. Reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 and reference activity 111305-01. The program is for ages 13 to 18.