Dozens of events, mostly educational, are being built around the arrival of the cicadas. Here's a sampling:

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

• A March 12 program, Cicadas: What's All the Buzz?, with the zoo's curator of entomology, Randy Morgan, sold out the first day it was offered, as did a companion program for kids. A second class for adults has been added for April 2. $6 for members, $10 for non-members. Reservations: 559-7767.

• The zoo also plans a series of Keeper Encounters with Morgan leading hands-on demonstrations with the cicadas. Times and dates to be announced.

Cincinnati Parks

• 2-3:30 p.m. April 25, Avon Woods Nature Center: A general information session on cicadas. Free but reservations required: 861-3435.

• June 5, Caldwell Nature Center (tentative), time to be announced: It will be the height of the emergence. Naturalists will discuss cicada myths, lore and legends. Cooking demonstrations will show how to saute and deep fry cicadas, which are edible. Samples will be available. Free.

Hamilton County Parks

• 7 p.m. April 7, Winton Woods: Ohio State University Extension Service agents will conduct a class for master gardeners on landscape protection. $5 at the door.

• 2 p.m. May 1, Winton Woods: A cicada primer with Dr. Gene Kritsky. Free.

• 3 p.m. May 29 and 30, Woodland Mound: An indoor session of all things cicada, followed by a hike. Free.

• 2 p.m. June 5, Winton Woods: Cicada Mania hike along the heavily wooded Great Oaks Trail. Free.

Jim Knippenberg