Nature programs set

Lake Carlos State Park near Alexandria is holding the following nature programs:

• Friday, July 29 from 7 to 8 p.m. – DNR jobs. Throughout July, residents were invited to the park to explore the diversity of jobs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) performs. At this session, resource crew member Ryan Anderson will talk about prescribed fires, their purpose and usefulness to people. He will demonstrate the use of a drip torch and have a fire truck available to view. Meet at the amphitheater.

• Saturday, August 6 from 2 to 3 p.m. – Butterfly safari. Join a naturalist on this survey and help capture and release butterflies. A limited number of nets will be provided. Learn about the diversity of butterflies and their larval caterpillars. Bring water. There will be a half-mile walk to the butterfly pastures. Meet behind the main office.

• Saturday, August 6 from 8 to 9 p.m. – I survived camping with my family. A state park naturalist will share the good, the bad and the ugly of his camping experiences with his family and how it brought them together. Learn how to cook with hot coals and be more useful around the campsite by learning a new knot. A slideshow will play at the visitor center in case of inclement weather. Meet at the amphitheater. Bring marshmallows to roast.

• Saturday, August 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. – Edible bike ride. Ever get hungry on the trail? On this naturalist-led tour, participants will look for wild edibles and enjoy some nibbles as they explore sections of the trail from Alexandria to Garfield. Enjoy lemonade made from sumacs that grow alongside the trail. Helmets are strongly encouraged. To register, call Lake Carlos State Park at (320) 852-7200. Meet at Big Ole in Alexandria.

For information on any of the programs, call the park at (320) 852-7200.

Tags: variety, events, family