Marsh Madness
Each spring, Sandhill Cranes, Whooping Cranes, and large numbers of waterfowl return to the wetlands of Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, a 9,000 acre wetland complex south of Linton, Indiana.
Marsh Madness celebrates this seasonal migration with a mix of wildlife viewing and hands-on learning. Visitors can experience crane and waterfowl viewing, wetland driving tours, educational exhibits at the Goose Pond Visitor Center, wildlife art displays, and nature activities designed for families and kids. The event highlights the importance of wetlands as critical stopover habitat for migrating birds.
Snow Goose Festival
Each winter, thousands of Snow Geese and Trumpeter Swans gather along the shores of Stanwood and Camano Island, creating one of Western Washington’s most spectacular wildlife events. The Snow Goose and Birding Festival on February 28, 2026 offers guided tours, speakers, and hands-on learning focused on the birds that depend on these coastal habitats. Expect waterfowl, seabirds, shorebirds, and raptors, plus art, vendors, and community displays. Tickets are $10 at the door. Children under 12 attend free.
Burrowing Owl Festival
Celebrate one of Florida’s most recognizable birds at the 24th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival and Wildlife and Environmental Expo, hosted by Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife.
This community event highlights the ecology and conservation of burrowing owls while bringing together wildlife organizations, educators, and local advocates. The festival offers a mix of environmental exhibits, educational programming, and family-friendly activities focused on protecting habitat and supporting urban wildlife.
The day is designed for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages and anyone interested in learning more about the species that share our communities.
International Festival of Owls
The International Festival of Owls began in 2003 as a small “hatch-day” celebration for Alice, a permanently injured Great Horned Owl who became an ambassador animal through the Houston Nature Center and later the International Owl Center.
What started as a birthday-style event grew into an annual festival focused on owl education, community engagement, and wildlife conservation. Today, the festival brings people together to learn about owls, enjoy family-friendly activities, support conservation efforts, and celebrate wildlife during the late winter season, a time when opportunities to connect with nature can feel scarce.
Othello Sandhill Crane Festival
Each spring, thousands of Sandhill Cranes, along with ducks and geese, gather in the Columbia Basin near Othello, Washington, creating one of the region’s most striking migration events.
Held March 20–22, 2026, this festival offers opportunities to observe migrating birds against the backdrop of the Saddle Mountains and surrounding agricultural fields. The weekend includes guided wildlife viewing, educational talks, hikes, tours, and hands-on workshops. Visitors can also experience the close-knit rural community that hosts this annual celebration of migration and wetland conservation.
SPRING NATURE FESTIVAL
Celebrate the arrival of spring at Wind Wolves Preserve during the Spring Nature Festival on March 21 and 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.
Set within the rolling hills of San Emigdio Canyon, the festival features family-friendly booths, hands-on activities, and opportunities to explore the preserve’s diverse landscapes. The event offers a relaxed way to connect with nature, learn about local wildlife, and welcome the changing season.
Spring Bluebird Festival
The Michigan Bluebird Society’s Spring Bluebird Festival is an annual, day-long event focused on Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds found throughout the state.
Held in Ann Arbor at Washtenaw Community College, the festival offers educational programs designed for individuals, families, and groups interested in supporting nesting birds. Topics include nest box use, feeder placement, native plantings, and land management practices that encourage successful breeding. The event provides practical guidance for starting the nesting season with conservation in mind.
Citizen Science Month
Each April, Citizen Science Month celebrates the people, projects, and scientific outcomes made possible through public participation. In 2026, we are also working together toward a shared goal of 2.50 million Acts of Science, marking America’s 250th Birthday through collective discovery, service, and impact.
Anyone can participate. No prior experience is needed. Every contribution counts.
Indiana Dunes Birding Festival
The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is an annual event hosted by Indiana Audubon that celebrates the region’s importance as a major stopover site for migratory birds.
With its mix of dunes, wetlands, forests, and Lake Michigan shoreline, the Indiana Dunes support exceptional bird diversity throughout migration. The festival highlights these habitats through guided birding experiences, educational programming, and conservation-focused events. Designed for both visitors and local residents, the weekend emphasizes environmental education, habitat protection, and appreciation for one of the Midwest’s most biologically rich landscapes.
Love Gone Wild
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening focused on wildlife, conservation, and the many surprising ways animals form connections in nature. Love Gone Wild takes place on February 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cope Environmental Center.
The evening features a presentation by Brian Badger, Director of Conservation and Outreach for the Cheetah Conservation Fund, exploring animal courtship behaviors through engaging stories and real conservation insight. From elaborate displays to unexpected strategies, the program offers a lighthearted look at how animals navigate reproduction and survival.
Guests can enjoy cocktails and appetizers throughout the event, making it a relaxed night out for couples, friends, or anyone curious about the natural world.
Bird Art Week
Bird Art Week is an annual art-a-day social media challenge running from January 18 to 24 that invites participants to celebrate birds through creativity. Each day features a new prompt shared on Instagram by a different artist, offering inspiration and a variety of artistic perspectives.
Participants are encouraged to create artwork using any medium and share their pieces on social media using the hashtag #BirdArtWeek2026. The event blends art, community, and appreciation for birds, creating space for both experienced artists and beginners to engage with wildlife in a creative way.