March 8 - 14:  Indianapolis.  Our Tropical Adventure exhibit invites everyone to enjoy a tropical oasis complete with towering palm trees and many varieties of tropical plants, including stunning orchids, banana plants, colorful bromeliads, and much more.  Free for members, included with regular Zoo admission for non-members, White River Gardens, 1200 W Washington St, 9 am-4 pm daily, 317-630-2001, www.indyzoo.com

March 8 - September 30:  Statewide.  Register to become a Citizen Scientist from Project BudBurst.  Join us in collecting important climate change data on the timing of leafing and flowering in your area.  This national field campaign targets native tree and flower species across the country.  With your help we will be compiling valuable environmental and climate change information around the United States.  Visit www.windows.ucar.edu/citizen_science/budburst/ for more information.

March 9 - April 29:  Fort Wayne.  Enjoy the art exhibit of Rex Bowser and his nature photography.  On Sunday, March 7, from 1-3 pm, you can meet the artist.  Tue-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Thu 10 am-8 pm, Sun noon-4 pm, Conservatory admission applies: $5/adults, $3/children ages 3-17, free/members, Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S Calhoun St, 260-427-6440, www.botanicalconservatory.org

March 10:  Merrillville.  Daffodil Days orders may be submitted through today to the American Cancer Society, 1551 E 85th Av, 219-793-1030 or at DaffodilsNorthwestIN@cancer.org.

March 10:  Valparaiso.  "The Butterfly Interest Group at Taltree -- a B.I.G. Year of Learning, Teaching & Sharing," will be presented by Laura Tucker, Advanced Master Gardener.  This seminar is open to the public and held in the Hospitality Room at the Fifth Third Bank Building, 56 S Washington, 7:30 pm CDT, hosted by the Porter County Master Gardeners, www.pcgarden.info

March 11, 18, 25, April 1:  Hancock County.  Purdue Extension - Hancock County is sponsoring a series of educational programs aimed at backyard fruit growers.  Each session is two hours and can be taken as the entire series or as individual sessions.  The program will be hosted at 27 county sites around the state or can be viewed from a home computer, 9:30-11:30 am EST, 8:30-10:30 am CST.  Get more information at www.hort.purdue.edu/mg/info/BYfruitBrochure10.pdf

March 11 - April 1:  Lake County.  A 5-week program dedicated solely to fruits will be held at the Lake County Extension Office.  The fruits will range from tree fruits, as well as small fruits and the pesticides to use for them.  This program is open to anyone in Lake County and the surrounding areas.  It will also be broadcast across the state; you are able to view it from home if you desire.  Each Thursday from 8:30-10:30 am, $50/all 5 sessions or $15/per session, for more information or for the brochure/registration form visit www.ces.purdue.edu/CES/Lake/files/ANR/BYF10Lake.pdf, 880 E 99th Ct, Suite A, 219-755-3240.

March 11:  Schererville.  Join us as we head to Navy Pier for the Flower and Garden Show.  The bus will depart Omni 41 at 9 am, returning at 5 pm.  $35/members, $45/non-members, cost includes round trip bus transportation and entry ticket into the show, lunch is on your own, sign up now at the service desk, 221 US Hwy 41, 219-865-6969, www.omni41.com

March 12 & 13:  Crown Point. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources requires all hunters born after 1986 to take this Hunter's Education Safety Course.  All hunters, regardless of age, need this class if they wish to hunt out of state or participate in state-sponsored hunts.  Adults are encouraged to take the class with their young hunters to be able to reinforce what is taught.  It is required that participants take all 10 hours of the class and pass a written exam.  Those who pass will receive a certified hunter's education card that is good for life.  Children 12 and younger are required to have an adult present throughout the class.  6-9 pm on 3/12, 9 am-5 pm on 3/13, pre-register at 219-947-PARK, held at Lemon Lake County Park, 6322 W 133rd Ave, www.lakecountyparks.org

March 13, 20, 21, 23, 27, 28:  Chesterton.  Nature related interpretive programs are planned for the public these dates at the Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 E, 219-926-1390.  All programs are free, unless otherwise noted, after paying the park entrance fee.  Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages.  Children under 12, please bring a parent with you.  Get all the details at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-Dunes_March.pdf

March 13 & 14, 20 & 21:  Hobart.  Maple Syrup Time will include guided tours, syrup-making at the campfire, and demonstrations.  Free, 10 am-4 pm, Deep River County Park, 9410 Old Lincoln Hwy, 219-947-1958, get more information at www.lakecountyparks.org

March 13 - 21:  Indianapolis.  Get ready to step out of winter and into spring at the 52nd annual Indiana Flower & Patio Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds' West Pavilion Hall.  Learn more about the show at http://indianaflowerandpatioshow.com

March 13:  Lowell.  The Calumet Astronomical Society invites you to explore the wonders of the universe with their popular free public programs.  Volunteers will guide visitors in the use of telescopes and astronomical binoculars as they observe the majesty of the skies.  Star charts, club information, and astronomy-related activities.  The programs are outdoors, so dress for the weather; programs are naturally dependent on cloud cover and weather conditions.  Call the hotline at 773-639-5491 for updated information and weather cancellations on short notice.  Tonight's Open House is from 7-10 pm, Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead, 3606 Belshaw Rd, 219-696-8969, www.casonline.org, www.lakecountyparks.org

March 13, 14:  Porter.  Stop by the Chellberg Farm and take the trail to learn how maple tree sap has been used for hundreds of years.  10 am-4 pm, located on Mineral Spring Rd between US 20 & Hwy 12, 219-395-1882, free, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

March 13:  Terre Haute.  The Gardeners' Gathering Spring Seminar, presented by the Wabash Valley Master Gardeners, will be held at the Operating Engineers Hall, 6801 S US Hwy 41 (located approximately 3 miles south of I-70 on Hwy 41 just south of Speedway gas station on the west side), 8:30 am-3:30 pm EST.  Doors open at 7:30 am for registration, $30/lunch included, $35/after March 1, open to the public, great speakers, vendor shopping, door prizes, call 812-462-3371 for more information, download flyer and registration form at www.hort.purdue.edu/mg/info/wabash-gathering-2010.pdf

March 13:  Valparaiso.  Think spring while painting a flower design on a votive candle holder.  Glass paint and one votive candleholder will be provided.  Additional candleholders can be purchased from the instructor, or students may bring and paint on their own glassware such as a glass vase or wine glasses, etc.  Students may bring a sack lunch.  9 am-3 pm, $50/with pre-paid registration, $55 on class day with no guarantee that materials will be available, pre-register at 219-462-0025, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, 450 W 100 N, www.taltree.org

March 13:  Whiting.  The Whiting Parks Department is sponsoring a bus trip to the Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier.  $25/adult/includes transportation and flower show entrance fee, $6/children 4-12 years old, pre-registration required for the 3/1 deadline, get more details at www.whitingindiana.com/parks_dept.php

March 15:  Highland.  Discover Idaho through this film that visits Idaho Falls, the Snake River, and more.  Film will be shown on the big screen.  2-3:30 pm or 6:30-8 pm, pre-register beginning 3/1 at 10 am, 219-838-2394, Meeting Room A+B, Highland Branch Library, 2841 Jewett St, www.lcplin.org/calendar.htm

March 15:  Hobart.  Meet the Lake County Park Department's horticulturist, Bryan McKay, in the greenhouse for a demonstration on the proper pruning techniques for fruit trees.  Learn about insect control, sprays and year-round care for your trees.  Dress accordingly for the weather; inclement weather will move the program inside the greenhouse.  10 am, free, Lake County Parks Greenhouse, 8305 Randolph St, 219-947-7275, www.lakecountyparks.org

March 16 - May 1:  Hammond.  A painting exhibit featuring works from the Paint the Parks 100, America's leading competition and exhibition designed to illustrate the beauty and significance of America's National Parks, will be open daily from 8 am-5 pm.  Free, 219-989-7770, Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Dr, www.southshorecva.com

March 16:  Merrillville.  Master Gardener Stan Sims will kick-off this year's nine month Gardening Series with a question and answer program.  The Gardening Series is held from March through November on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.  7-8 pm, Meeting Room A+B, 219-769-3541, Central Library, 1919 W 81st Ave, www.lcplin.org/calendar.htm

March 17:  Schererville.  Cuba—tropical forests, tobacco country, mysterious mountain caves, tropical swamps and more will be presented in a 1-hour video.  7-8 pm, 219-322-4731, Meeting Room A+B, Dyer-Schererville Branch Library, 1001 W Lincoln Hwy, www.lcplin.org/calendar.htm

March 17:  Valparaiso.  Today is the registration deadline for the Community Tree Steward Program to be held March 23, 24 & 25 at Taltree Arboretum & Gardens.  The Indiana DNR Tree Steward Program is designed for tree board members, municipal employees, volunteers, students, Master Gardeners, and anyone with an interest in learning more about trees and giving back to their community forest.  Classes are from 9 am-4 pm in the Taltree Classroom, $30/person (includes course materials, snacks and lunch, 219-462-0025 M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm, 71 N 500 W, get more info at www.taltree.org

March 18:  Highland.  Master Gardener Dolly Foster will cover things you can do in the Spring to begin getting your garden looking its best.  6:30-8 pm, pre-register on-line or call 219-838-2394, Meeting Room A+B, Highland Branch Library, 2841 Jewett St, www.lcplin.org/calendar.htm

March 18, 25, April 1, 10:  Valparaiso.  Taltree Arboretum & Gardens and Purdue University North Central will offer a 3-part gardening series covering everything a beginning gardener should know to plan, plant, and care for a garden.  Those who enroll in one or more classes in the series will receive a free admission pass to Taltree along with a guided tour field experience from 10 am-noon on April 10.  $99/person, $89/Taltree members, classes will be held at Purdue North Central-Porter County Campus, 600 Vale Park Rd, 6-9 pm, 219-462-4197 X5343 or 219-785-5343, get more info at www.taltree.org

March 19 & 20:  Martinsville.  GardenFest, sponsored by the Morgan County Master Gardeners Association, takes place at the Martinsville National Guard Armory, 1900 Hospital Dr (across from the Morgan Co. Hospital, west of the SR 37/SR 252 intersection).  It will feature the annual Pansy sale, 30+ vendors of lawn and garden products and service, answers to your gardening questions at the Master Gardener Answer Booth, free tree seedlings (while they last), with educational programs on Saturday, 3/20.  Free admission, 3/19 from 3-8 pm, 3/20 from 9 am-5 pm, more details at www.hort.purdue.edu/mg/info/morgan-gardenfest2010.pdf

March 20:  Gary Miller.  Join a park ranger to explore Miller Woods, enjoy a guest speaker or do family activities with the kids.  Each month will be a different program.  Free, 1-4 pm, 219-395-1882, Paul H. Douglas Center, I94 to IN 51 north, west on 20 about 2 miles to Lake St, north on Lake St 1 mile, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

March 20 - September 7:  Indianapolis.  Butterflies, White River Gardens' most popular show, fills at the Hilbert Conservatory with delicate, free-flying butterflies.  After the butterfly pupae arrive during the first week of March, the population increases steadily from several hundred at the beginning of the show to as many as 1,000 as more and more hatch out through the summer.  More info at www.indyzoo.com

March 23:  Cedar Lake.  Viewers will cruise the Panama Canal via the library's big screen and dream of the diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and more.  2-3 pm, Meeting Room, Cedar Lake Branch Library, 13330 Parrish Ave, 219-374-7121, www.lcplin.org/calendar.htm

March 23 - April 27:  Hammond.  Each Tuesday the Dunes Calumet Audubon Society and the Lake County Parks are sponsoring "Birding 101."  Doors open at 6 pm, classes are from 6:30-8:30 pm, registration deadline is 3/12, $30/for all 6 workshops, 219-844-3188, Gibson Woods, 6201 Parrish Ave, www.lakecountyparks.org

March 23 - August 31:  Statewide.  By watching and recording the bees at sunflowers in your garden, you can help us understand the challenges that bees are facing.  No knowledge of bees required.  Get all the details at www.greatsunflower.org

March 24:  Crown Point.  If Canada geese have become a problem on your property, plan to attend this free seminar presented by the Department of Natural Resources' Urban Wildlife Project at the Lake County Extension Office, 880 E 99th Ct, Suite A, from 9:30 am-noon CST.  For further info on this seminar, contact the Urban Wildlife Biologist at 812-334-1147, swinks@dnr.IN.gov.  For directions, please call 219-755-3240.

March 24:  Whiting.  Nikky Witkowski, ANR/Hort Extension Educator, Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, will present a program on "Waking Up the Garden" from 6-7:30 pm at the Whiting Public Library, 1735 Oliver St.  Pre-register by calling the library at 219-659-0269 X10.

March 25:  Fort Wayne.  On the last Thursday of the month, from noon-1 pm, bring a sandwich and enjoy a "garden moment" during a 30-minute program.  Today's topic is "How to Make a Rain Barrel."  Recommended age: 8-adult, Conservatory admission applies: $5/adults, $3/children ages 3-17, free/members, Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S Calhoun St, 260-427-6440, www.botanicalconservatory.org

March 25:  Lowell.  Melissa Mravec, of Allen Landscaping in Highland, will discuss landscaping, planning and creating beautiful walkways, and the use of shrubs, trees and flowers in your design, as well as their care and maintenance.  7 pm, free, pre-register at 219-696-7704, Lowell Public Library, 1505 E Commercial Ave, www.lowellpl.lib.in.us

March 26 & 27:  Montgomery County.  The Montgomery County Flower & Patio Show will be held from 3-8 pm on 3/26 and 8 am-3 pm on 3/27, with free admission.  Lots of door prizes, tree giveaway starting at 8 am Saturday until gone, over 40 vendor spaces, food, free popcorn, Master Gardener Booth for questions and information, contact Mel Kelly for information 765-362-4982 or meldonkelly@yahoo.com

March 27:  LaGrange.  The 4th annual Spring Symposium: Growing Together, sponsored by the LaGrange County Master Gardeners, will be held at the LaGrange County 4-H Fairgrounds, 4-H Community Building, 1030E - 075N, from 8:30 am-3:30 pm.  Reservation deadline is 3/15, $20 (includes morning refreshments and box lunch), children under age 18 may attend for $10 (children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult), also features local vendors, door prizes, visit www.hort.purdue.edu/mg/info/lagrange2010.pdf for more information.

March 29:  Cedar Lake.  All ages in this family program will explore the moon with stories and activities.  Create a moon to take home and one to eat, too.  6:30-7:30 pm, Meeting Room, Cedar Lake Branch Library, 13330 Parrish Ave, 219-374-7121, www.lcplin.org/calendar.htm

April 4, 11, 18, 25:  Hobart, Schererville, Valparaiso.  The Home Depot Clinics will present "Spring Lawn Prep" from 1-2 pm.  Free, pre-register, 2851 E Route 30, Hobart, 219-942-2136; 960 US Hwy 41, 219-322-1651; 2430 LaPorte Ave, 219-531-6687; get more information at http://homeimproverclub.com/