Thriving in winter
Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2 p.m. Saturday
Winter (officially) is close. As humans put on heavy coats, animals gain weight and grow long fur. Dress for the weather and learn more about thriving through the cold months. Meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center, which is 2 miles from the park entrance. (612-725-2724; mndnr.gov/fortsnelling)
Snowshoe 101
Sibley State Park, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday
Learn to skim the snow in snowshoes. Borrow a pair from the park or bring your own. Only a limited number of children's and extra-large sizes are available. The program will be canceled if there is inclement weather. Check the park website for updates. (1-320-354-2055; mndnr.gov/sibley)
Winter geocaching
Whitewater State Park, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday
Borrow a global positioning system unit from the park or bring your own (the same applies to snowshoes). You'll learn how to find hidden cache in the park. (1-507-312-2300; mndnr.gov/whitewater)
Leafless trees
Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2 p.m. Sunday
What better season than leafless winter to identify a tree? Join a naturalist for a short hike into the park and identify native trees. Dress for the weather and meet at the Savage center. (612-725-2724; mndnr.gov/fortsnelling)
Night cycling
Elm Creek Park Reserve, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday
Challenge yourself in a time trial format racing a 10- to 14-mile single-track loop through trees and snow after sundown. Warm up at the trailhead after for awards, door prizes and good times. Cost is $15 for pre-registeration; $20 for same-day. Call 763-559-6700 to preregister. (threeriversparks.org)
A day for the disabled
Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 1-3 p.m. Saturday
Three Rivers Parks District will host an afternoon to its adapted cross-country skiing option. This is a great opportunity for individuals with any disability to try sit-skiing or guided skiing. Equipment provided. The free program is co-sponsored by Courage Kenny. (763-694-7687, threeriversparks.org)
Skiing lessons
Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 9:30-11 a.m. Sunday
• Novice skiers — and those wanting a review — will learn cross-country skiing basics, from proper equipment fitting to stopping and turning. Cost is $24 ($36 with ski rental). Call 763-559-6700 to reserve a spot. (threeriversparks.org)
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
Noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday
• A fun lesson for children and adults together. Cost is $18. With rental, it is $26 for ages 6-11 $30 for ages 12 and older. Call 763-559-6700 to reserve a spot. (threeriversparks.org)