Notes about your surroundings

Hands-on Approach--The public is invited to the Bolsa Chica wetlands on Saturday at 8 a.m to support protecting the wetlands from development. Participants will stand side-by-side, joining hands and encircling much of the wildlife area.

Bolsa Chica is one of the best bird-watching sites in the county. Birds likely to be seen include egrets, herons, American avocets and whimbrels, a bird usually found along rocky shorelines. Among endangered species found at the wetlands are Belding’s savannah sparrow, light-footed clapper rails and peregrine falcons.

The ecological reserve is on Pacific Coast Highway about half a mile south of Warner Avenue, across from Bolsa Chica State Beach. A second entrance is off Warner Avenue. If parking lots are full, participants will be directed to alternative parking sites. Car-pooling is recommended.

For more information, call (714) 960-9939.

Nature (Crafts) Calls--Children of all ages are invited to the Oak Canyon Nature Center to create natural wreaths and ornaments from materials gathered out-of-doors.

The Saturday program, from 1 to 3 p.m., may also include a nature hike. Cost of the program is $6.50.

Oak Canyon Nature Center is at 6700 Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim. Call (714) 998-8380 to reserve space. To get there, take the Riverside (91) Freeway east to the Imperial Highway turnoff. Exit and head south to Nohl Ranch Road. Turn left and travel about three miles to Walnut Canyon Road, and turn left again. Pass the Anaheim Hills Golf Course; the nature center is at the end of the road, parking is on the left.