The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department is offering a wide variety of activities and programs for summertime fun. Call 763-757-3920 or visit www.anokacountyparks.com for more information.

Advanced Kayaking: Taking It to the Next Level

This second level kayaking class is designed for the person with previous paddling experience. We will cover a variety of basic skills including wet exits and entries, draw and sweep strokes, bracing, and more. Reduce fatigue and increase your paddling enjoyment by improving your technique. Advanced kayaking classes will be held at Centerville Beach and the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. Space is limited. Bring your own kayak or we will provide one. Pre-registration and prepayment required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $25/person. Time offered: Tuesday, July 8, 7-9 p.m., Centerville Beach (located in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Lino Lakes) and Wednesday, July 23, 7-9 p.m. at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids.

Birding in Anoka County

Meet at the Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley for a summer bird walk. The nature center is located on 85th Ave. NW in northern Fridley, less than one mile west of Hwy. 10 and University Ave. We will explore the park and interpretive center for about two hours. The program will be led by a naturalist from the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department. Pre-registration required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $4/person. Time offered: Thursday, July 10, 8-10 a.m., Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley.

Canoe and Kayak Women’s Overnight on the Rum River

This trip will include two days of paddling and one overnight campout. The trip begins at Rum River South County Park in Anoka at noon on Friday. We’ll shuttle to Rum River North County Park in St. Francis, canoe or kayak all day, and camp overnight at Rum River Central Regional Park in Ramsey. On Saturday, we’ll canoe or kayak to Rum River South County Park, arriving at approximately 4 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. Some canoeing experience required. Pre-payment and pre-registration required. Please call 651-429-8007. Limited to 12 participants. Fee: $45/person (includes canoes, kayaks, life vests, paddles, and all food except Friday lunch). Time offered: Friday, July 11, at noon until Saturday, July 12, at 4 p.m. Meet at Rum River South County Park in Anoka.

Bird Walk Series

Join us as an experienced bird leader guides us through several Anoka County parks. Enjoy seeing and/or hearing 20-60 species of birds on each walk. A checklist of Minnesota birds and a map of each area will be provided. All ages and birding abilities are welcome. Call 763-757-4700 for more information. Fee: $4/person. Time offered: Saturday, July 12, 8-9:30 p.m., Bunker Hills Campground Building, Coon Rapids.

Observing a Cliff Swallow Colony

This program is designed for children accompanied by a grandparent or other adult. We will travel to the Carlos Avery Wildlife Area in Forest Lake to observe a colony of cliff swallows. We’ll watch as these fascinating birds catch insects and then return to the more than 100 nests in the colony to feed their young. We will also visit a beautiful wildflower garden in the area. Pre-registration required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $4/adult, $3/child. Time offered: Saturday, July 12, 8-10 a.m. Meet at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes.

New! Teaming Up With GPS and Geocaching

An expert from Sportsmen’s Warehouse will be on hand to help you select, program, and use a GPS device. Then use your new skills as you join a naturalist on a walk through our new virtual geocaching program (or, if you prefer, take a more conventional nature hike)! There will be one GPS available to borrow or bring your own. Geared for people age 12-90. Pre-registration required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: (each session) $5/person or $12/family of 4. Time offered: Saturday,
July 12, 1-4 p.m., Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids (meet upstairs in the Visitor Center).

Campfire Talks - Bats

Join a naturalist for campfire talks at Bunker Hills and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campgrounds. Programs begin at 7 p.m. and include a roaring campfire and interactive activities enjoyable for the whole family. Best of all, the programs are FREE! Saturday, July 12, 7 p.m., meet behind the Bunker Hills Campground Visitor Center in Coon Rapids and Saturday, July 19, 7 p.m. at the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground Amphitheater in Lino Lakes.

Introduction to Kayaking

The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department is once again offering this popular introductory level kayaking class at a variety of locations around the county. This is your chance to learn the basics behind this fun and easy recreational activity. We will be using sea kayaks to explore the lakes around the Wargo Nature Center, the Mississippi River at the Coon Rapids Dam, and the Rum River. Space is limited, so sign-up early. Pre-registration and pre-payment required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $25/person. Time offered: Monday, July 14, 7-9 p.m., Rum River South County Park, Anoka; Wednesday, July 16, 5-7 p.m. (or) 7-9 p.m., Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids; and Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes.

New! Rum River Explorations

Enjoy the summer entertainment program sponsored by the Anoka County Library’s St. Francis Branch and then investigate the wonders of Rum River North County Park with a naturalist afterward. A new nature investigation each week! Please call 651-429-8007 to register. Fee: (each session) $4/child or $10/family of 4. Time offered: Library programs begin at 11 a.m. The one-hour Rum River exploration begins at noon, Wednesday, July 16, and Wednesday, July 23, Rum River North County Park, St. Francis (meet at shelter building).

Rice Creek Campground Nature Walks - Free!

Join us for a leisurely family campground walk! All aspects of nature will be observed with an emphasis on birds and flowering plants. The entire family is encouraged to participate. You are encouraged to sign up at the campground check-in site but drop-ins are welcome also. Time offered: Thursday, July 17, 9-10 a.m., Rice Creek Regional Park Campground, Lino Lakes.

Kayaking the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes/Mississippi River for Women

This is an introductory course on sea kayaking. We’ll start out with on-land instruction and spend the rest of the evening kayaking and exploring these beautiful lakes in the north metro area. Dinner is provided. These events are in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. Pre-registration and pre-payment required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $25/person/session (includes food, kayaks, life vests, and paddles). Limited to 12 participants. Time offered: Tuesday, July 22, 4-9 p.m. Meet at the Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes.

New! The Nature of Rum River North

Rum River North County Park offers abundant wildlife, diverse plant life, and easy access. Join an Anoka County trained naturalist to explore a different natural element each month. Enjoy a snack and nature craft afterward. Pre-registration required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: (each session) $5/person or $12/family of 4. Time offered: Saturday, July 26, 1-3 p.m., Rum River North County Park, St. Francis (meet in the shelter building).

Kayaking Demo Hosted By Gander Mountain

If you are thinking about purchasing a kayak, this is an opportunity to try it before you buy it. Test multiple brands of paddles and find the boat that fits you best. Gander Mountain representatives will be on hand to answer all your questions. This event is free and open to the public. Call 651-429-8007 for more information. Time offered: Saturday, July 26, 1-4 p.m., Centerville Beach, located in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve (the only access is through the city of Centerville).

Nature Across the Continent: Minnesota to Alaska Linked Together

Sit back, relax, and enjoy images of some of the awesome scenery and animals of Alaska. Learn how the animals of Minnesota and Alaska are linked together. Whether it is flyways, adaptations, related species, or human impact, what happens here shows up in nature thousands of miles away. Times offered: Saturday, July 26, 7-8 p.m. Meet at the Bunker Hills Campground Visitor Center, Coon Rapids.

Advanced Canoeing

Do you have some experience canoeing but want to know more? This is the class for you! You will have the opportunity to learn more advanced paddle strokes, soloing techniques, and rescue techniques. Take your canoeing skills to the next level. All gear and equipment is provided. Come prepared to get wet. Pre-registration and pre-payment required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $20/person. Time offered: Sunday, July 27, 1-3 p.m., Centerville Beach, located in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, Lino Lakes (the only access is through the city of Centerville).

For directions or more information about programs offered by the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department, call 763-757-3920 or visit www.anokacountyparks.com.