Ride along the Crow River and explore the paths people have followed over time. Enjoy the scenic and historic river and the layers of stories while enjoying the ride. Discover how this little river has played some big roles in shaping our region. Stops include a brew pub to celebrate the Big Year of Rivers. (beer samples available for purchase). Participants must bring their own bike and helmet and be able to ride a 15-mile loop at a leisurely pace with stops. $15/person.

In this two-hour session, you will have the opportunity to explore techniques for composing an autumnal arrangement that reflects your personal style. Each participant will carve a gourd to act as the vessel for your arrangement. Through the consideration of the element and principles of art and design, unique blooms, and the history of floristry, each participant will then use seasonal flowers and collected materials from the park to arrange our final compositions. All experience levels are welcome. $20/person.

Experience firsthand where the fibers used to make fine linen cloth come from! In this hands-on workshop, explore the history of flax from ancient civilizations to modern day uses and learn the steps involved in growing, harvesting and processing flax into linen fiber. Using flax grown at Gale Woods Farm, participants will process flax stalks into usable fiber with traditional hand tools and techniques. Take home your processed fiber to use in future projects of your own, such as spinning, weaving or crafting. Please note: This workshop involves the use of hand-processing equipment that requires caution and manual dexterity. Participants should bring work gloves and a face mask. $55/person.

Nestled on the Minnesota River, The Landing is a park rich with history. Together with other adults, explore the grounds on a guided tour with a historical interpreter to discover how 19th-century new Minnesotans established their homes and villages on this new frontier. Gain access to a few of the interiors of restored 1800s buildings to learn more about lifestyles and technology of the time. Enjoy a stroll along dirt paths that wind past gardens and pastures with cattle, sheep and poultry. This program is a collaboration between Three Rivers Park District, Scott County Parks and Club Prior. $30/person.

Join us for stories, games and all things apples! Visit the orchard as we explore the history of apple growing in Minnesota, and pick apples to press into fresh, delicious cider. Sample a variety of apple types, take a turn at the cider press and enjoy a glass of cider made right here at Gale Woods Farm. $9/student.

Bring a historic diary to life by following in the footsteps of young Ezra "Fitch" Pabody, a teenager who lived near what is now Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in the 1880s. Using his daily diary entries as inspiration, we'll explore the woods, cook maple syrup and visit the historic Schmid Farmhouse Ruins. Fish from the shores of Lake Minnetonka, net and observe insects, and more as we learn about nature and the history of the area. $24/student.

Celebrate Parktober, a month-long park trails mileage challenge, with a family-friendly evening adventure at Doyle-Kennefick Regional Park. On this 1.5-mile guided hike along turf trails, we will take in the crisp autumn air and "unlock" clues along the path to uncover a mystery word to learn about the natural history of our newest park. All ages welcome. This program is in partnership with Scott County. Free.

Explore the fascinating world of wildfires through both science and art. Learn how fire shapes Minnesota’s forests, prairies and ecosystems, and discover how plants and animals adapt to fire’s powerful effects. Explore the natural history and unique qualities of charcoal, then use this ancient drawing material to create your own wildfire-inspired artwork. $8/person.

Freshwater mussels are some of Minnesota's most important—and most overlooked—river residents. Discover how these remarkable animals are built, the surprising ways people have used mussels throughout history and the vital role they play in keeping our waterways healthy. Then, take inspiration from the shimmering iridescence of their shells as you create a colorful piece of artwork. $8/person.

The Wandering Naturalist podcast explores Native American games in November with three Native guests. Co-host Brandon is excited to host one of the guests, Tony Drews of Nashke Games, at Eastman for a chance to play some of the games discussed on the podcast. Immerse yourself in Ojibwe history, language and culture as the Nashke Games Team shares their mission to preserve and revitalize Native traditions through engaging gameplay while giving back to the community. Tony will bring Ojibwe games he has developed with advice from Native Elders, discuss their importance to Ojibwe culture and teach participants how to play these games. Four to five games will be played by participants. $6/person.