Now that spring fully surrounds us, our area offers many outdoor events designed to appeal to a variety of interests.

For birdwatchers, the Howard County Conservancy participates in the National Bird Count on the second Saturday in May, officially designated "International Migratory Bird Day."

Join Robin Todd at 10 a.m. this Saturday, rain or shine, as he locates birds of various species during the peak of their spring migration. The aggregate data from birders across North America provides valuable information about long-term trends in bird populations and unites the continent in a celebration of our feathered friends.

For wine connoisseurs and gardeners, the Conservancy also hosts its third annual Wine in the Garden party May 28. Enjoy wine tasting, a selection of food from local caterers, and local bluegrass music while admiring the Conservancy's garden, complete with native plants and garden elements named in honor or memory of loved ones.

Call 410-465-8877 to reserve tickets, or go to www.hcconservancy.org for more information. The address is 10520 Old Frederick Road (Route 99), in Woodstock.

Of course, kiddos and outdoor activities go hand-in-hand. West Friendship Elementary School presents its annual Spring Festival this Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets cost $.25 each at the gate and cover everything from games to karaoke to face painting. Food items remain cash only.

The school address is 12500 Frederick Road (Route 144), in West Friendship. For more information, call Barb Sharbaugh at 410-531-3614 or bsinoc@comcast.net or Janet Yingling at 410-442-1967 or janetyingling@comcast.net.

Finally, for those seeking a good deal, the annual St. James Spring Fling takes place Saturday, May 9 rain or shine, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 12470 Old Frederick Road (Route 99) in Marriottsville. The event includes yard sale tables, craft tables, a bake sale, beautiful plants (which make great Mother's Day gifts), and free activities for the kids. Call the church office at 410-442-2020 with any questions.

Bon Secours Spiritual Center also announces several special events this month.

On May 16, Kathleen Brown and David Orr lead "Playing and Praying with Poetry," a fun and creative workshop that uses poetry as a tool for spiritual expression. The session runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and costs $50, including lunch.

BSSC's Sunday Concert series, scheduled for the third Sunday of every month, takes place in the chapel May 17 at 3 p.m. The Alleluias (www.thealleluias.com), a group of Howard County Christian vocalists, will present a sacred choral concert with piano and organ accompaniment. BSSC welcomes goodwill offerings from those in attendance and gives half to the performing musicians.

From May 22-24, Marilyn Merikangas and Stephen Wade facilitate an Ignatian Directed Weekend, which encourages participants to focus on the presence of God in an environment of silence and prayerfulness. Guests may check-in May 22 at 5 p.m. and dine at 6, and the retreat runs until May 24 at 1 p.m. The weekend costs $200, with a $50 deposit.

Justine Cyr, Muriel Curren and Martha Starrett guide a silent, week-long Directed Retreat from May 24-30, and up to 15 people may participate. Guests check in May 24 at 5 p.m. and dine at 6, and they depart May 30 at 11 a.m. The retreat costs $535, with a $150 deposit.

Katherine Johnson leads another creative workshop entitled "Soul Collage," which runs May 30, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Participants learn how symbols act as pathways to the soul and then create collages as a way to express themselves. The workshop costs $55 and includes lunch.

Finally, Eileen Quinn guides Exploring the Castles of Your Mind for the Sake of Your Soul May 31-June 5.

Based upon Teresa of Avila's classic book on prayer, "The Interior Castle," and Caroline Myss' recent book, "Entering the Castle," this retreat encourages participants to explore their inner souls in order to become instruments of healing transformation. Guests may check in May 31 at 5 p.m. and dine at 6, and depart June 5 at 11 a.m. The retreat costs $450, with a $150 deposit.

To register for a session, go to www.BonSecoursSpiritualCenter.org or call 410-442-1320. Bon Secours is at 1525 Marriottsville Road, in Marriottsville.

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