They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. What's in the middle? We say: Lots of stuff.

Like:

Tapping

Vermonters know that the classic time to tap maple syrup is now. New Jerseyans can follow their advice Sunday, 2 p.m., at the Tenafly Nature Center (www.tenaflynaturecenter.org). Learn about the history of maple syrup, then boil down sap to make a fresh batch. Members free, $5 non-members.

Running

Join the Morristown St. Paddy's Day 5-K, beginning Saturday morning at 10 a.m., at Ginty Field in Morris Township. Or, start your beach season early with the Sixth Annual Keith McHeffey 3-Mile Fun Run at Donovan's Reef, Sea Bright. It's an 11 a.m. start Sunday. On-line registration for both is at www.raceforum.com.

Parading

Get down the Shore the day before the McHeffey race, to Seaside Heights for the Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade, starting at noon (and a week early). Call (732) 830-1847. For a list of St. Pat's parades in New Jersey, go to www.saintpatricksdayparade.com.

Planting

Or at least planning your garden, at the Springfest Flower & Garden Show. Floral beds, landscaping displays, gardening workshops, more than 50 vendors. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all weekend at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta. Call (973) 948-9448 or visit www.springfestgardenshow.org.

Peeping

One of the first signs of spring is the loud chorus of Spring Peeper frogs as they emerge from hibernation and get ready to breed. Take a walk along wooded ponds to hear and (maybe) see, with a guide from the New Jersey Audubon Society, 10:30-noon, at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland. Call (973) 268-3500 ext. 270 or go to www.njaudubon.org.

Rockin'

The guitar player's guitar player, rock-jazz fusion demigod Allan Holdsworth, (www.therealallanholdsworth.com) is in concert with his trio at the School of Rock (www.schoolofrockeast.com ) in South Hackensack, Sunday at 8 p.m. $25 a ticket, call (201) 342-8314.

Shoppin'

For your guy's spring wardrobe… tie one on at the Vineyard Vines (www.vineyardvines.com) trunk show Sunday afternoon at Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com ) in Short Hills Mall . Treat him to one of their signature silk ties—pick up a free gift, sail off to your shore house in style!