May–June: National Audubon Birdathon. Birders nationwide ask sponsors for pledges for each species they count. It’s Audubon’s largest fund-raiser and the world’s biggest birdwatching competition—lots of prizes. And anyone can join (800-647-BIRD; www.audubon.org/bird/birdathon).

May 4: Smart Growth Conference, Albany, NY. Conference focusing on policy at the state and local level to make smart growth happen. National Audubon Society of New York State (518-869-9731 or ny.audubon.org/smart.html). 

May 4–7: Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, Homer, AK. Events highlighting the migration of the Pacific golden plover, including field trips, boat tours, and kids’ activities. Chamber of Commerce (907-235-7740).

May 5–13: Great Salt Lake Bird Festival, Farmington, UT. Birdwatching, speakers, workshops, birdathon, and wildlife art.  Davis County Tourism (801-451-3286; www.greatsaltlakebirdfest.com).

May 6: From Woods to Water: A Festival of Birds, Danville, PA. A variety of opportunities for observing and learning about birds, including a kid’s program. Montour Preserve (570-437-3131).

May 6–7: Lake Ontario Bird Festival, Mexico, NY. Field trips through Mexico Point State Park, live birds, hikes, wildlife art, and kids’ activities. Oswego County Department of Promotion and Tourism (315-349-8322).

May 6–7: Gray’s Harbor Shorebird Festival, Hoquiam, WA. Guided tours and workshops on shorebird identification and migration. Chamber of Commerce (800-321-1924; chamber@graysharbor.org).

May 6–September 4: Pavilion of Wings Exhibit, Los Angeles, CA. Stroll among live butterflies from across the United States.  The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (213-763-DINO; www.nhm.org).

May 12–14: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge International Migratory Bird Celebration, Chincoteague, VA. Guided walks, workshops on birdhouse building, lectures. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (757-336-6122).

May 13: International Migratory Bird Day. Call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (703-358-2318; imbd@fws.gov).

May 13: The Great Bear River Bird Festival, Brigham City, UT. Guided birding and photography tours, birding-equipment displays, and kids’ activities. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (435-723-5887).

May 13: National Keep Your Cat Indoors Day. To learn more about the importance of keeping cats indoors, call 202-452-1535 x201 or visit www.abcbirds.org.

May 14–20: Nest With the Birds, Kelleys Island, OH. Program includes guided bird walks, nature lectures, and a bird-banding program on Saturday. Kelleys Island Audubon Society (440-461-1084 or 419-746-2258).

May 17–18: Southwest Ground Water Focus Conference. Presentations on issues surrounding drinking water in the Southwest. National Ground Water Association (800-551-7379; www.ngwa.org/education).

May 19–21: Cape May Spring Weekend, Cape May, NJ. Horseshoe crab– and shorebird-watching on the Delaware Bay shore. Cape May Bird Observatory (609-884-2736).

May 19–21: Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds, Detroit Lakes, MN. Keynote speakers Don and Lillian Stokes, workshops, displays and trade show, plus field trips. Chamber of Commerce (800-542-3992).

May 27–October 9: Savage Ancient Seas, Los Angeles, CA. An exhibit on ocean life 70 million years ago, including the world’s largest squid. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (213-763-DINO).

June 8: World Oceans Day. Contact your nearest aquarium for activities.

June 21–25: Appalachian Mountain Club Mountain Leadership School, Pinkham Notch, NH. Become a fully trained Outdoors Trip Leader. Appalachian Mountain Club (617-523-0655).

June 25–28: Managing Marine Recreational Fisheries in the 21st Century, San Diego, CA. Symposium focusing on issues of recreational fishing. National Marine Fisheries Service (301-427-2015; www.nmfs.gov/irf/recsym2000.htm).