People are more than ready for spring, after months with snow on the ground. March should bring a taste of the new season, with colorful crocuses poking their heads through the snow. While you're waiting for the bluebirds and the budding trees, be sure to enjoy the great cultural offerings in our communities.

Master herbalist and author Susan Mead will present a program, "Herbal Health Approaches to Wellness," March 4 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 1200 S. Taft Hill Road in Fort Collins. The program, sponsored by the Colorado State University Women's Association, is free and open to the public. Mead will share information about herbs and wellness and will autograph copies of her new book. Refreshments will also be provided. Info: 482-8214 or www.csuwa.colostate.edu.

Colorado State Opera Theatre, directed by David Malis, presents "Die Fledermaus" (The Bat) by Johann Strauss March 5 through 12 at the Griffin Concert Hall. One of the most popular operettas ever composed, the show is full of lusty humor and wonderful melodies. The zany plot includes concealed identities, revenge and intrigue. Tickets: adults, $20; CSU students, $10; youth under 18, $1. Info: 491-ARTS or www.CSUArtsTickets.com.

The Larimer Chorale offers Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Vespers" to the community this month, with the work performed in Russian. The first concert is March 6, 7 p.m., at the Mountain View Bible Fellowship in Estes Park. On March 7 at 7 p.m., the choir will perform at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Hall, 5450 S. Lemay in Fort Collins. A preconcert talk will be given 45 minutes prior to each performance. The Larimer Chorale is directed by Michael Todd Krueger. Tickets: adults, $18; seniors, $15; students, $5. Info: 221-6730.

Partners Mentoring Youth will sponsor "Sharin' O' the Green," a 5k run/walk and a kids' fun run, on March 13 at Library Park. Registration begins at 7 a.m. At 8:15 a.m., there's a free Shamrock Scurry Race around Library Park for children 12 and younger who don't want to participate in the 5k event. The run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Last year, about $30,000 was raised for the organization's work in mentoring youth. Registration: adults, $20 until March 11; youth 13 to 17, $10; 12 and under, free. Info: 484-7123 or www.partnersmentoringyouth.org.

The Good Friday Concert, part of the Abby's Signature Concert Series, will be held April 2, 10 to 11 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave. in Fort Collins. The program will include performances by Christy French on piano, Will French on cello and Mary Troxell on flute. The concert series is presented in memory of Abby French, who was born with severe developmental disabilities. Abby spent much of her day listening to music. Proceeds will benefit Respite Care and Pathways Hospice. Admission: free, with goodwill offering. Info: 663-3500.

Award-winning cellist Regina Mushabac from the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music in Cleveland will perform at the University Center for the Arts on March 22. The concert will include works by Mozart and several 20th century composers. Mushabac will also perform duets with CSU cellist Barbara Thiem. Tickets: adults, $12; CSU students, $7; youth under 18, $1. Info: 491-ARTS or www.CSUArtsTickets.com.

The Colorado State University choirs, orchestra and other ensembles will present several concerts in March. On March 23, the Concert Choir and Chamber Choir will perform with a professional chamber orchestra. On March 27, the concert will include both the University Chorus and the Women's Chorus. The Chamber Orchestra will be in concert on March 25, and the Percussion Ensemble performs on March 28. The month wraps up with the Wind Ensemble Invitational Concert on March 30. All performances will be in the Griffin Concert Hall. Info and tickets: 491-ARTS or www.CSUArtsTickets.com.

"Go, Go, Gershwin," presented by the Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers, is set for March 27 and 28. The concert will feature the music of George Gershwin, as well as a double-choir Renaissance piece and rousing spirituals. The a cappella choir is directed by Ann Bunyan. The Fort Collins performance is March 27, 7:30 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church, 305 E. Elizabeth St. On March 28, the group will perform at 2 p.m. at the Rialto Theater in Loveland. Tickets: adults, $14; students, $7. Info: 484-3915.