Pipevine Swallowtail — Photo by Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden
Ongoing
Today through July 31
Butterfly Pavilion
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont
Walk amid hundreds of native SoCal butterflies, see caterpillars pupate into chrysalises, and learn how native plants are ideal for these winged creatures. $2-$8 per person in addition to Garden admission.
Today through August 31
Butterfly House
10 a.m. – 3 p.m., closed Sundays
Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach
Local butterflies, caterpillars and chrysalises abound among native host plants. Check out as many as 45 varieties including mourning cloak, Lorquin’s admiral, anise swallowtail, and our state butterfly, the California dogface. Free.
Today through September 5
Butterfly Pavilion
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.,
Natural History Museum
More than 55 butterflies and moths call this living exhibit home. Exotics from all over the world but local flappers – including monarch, mourning cloak and California dogface – abound in free flying. $6, packages available.
Ecosystems
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
California Science Center
Explore the varied ecosystems of land and sea, and discover how the physical and living worlds are connected and shaped by the same fundamental ecological principles. Investigate the gallery’s eight Zones, each of which illustrates a different ecological principle. Free.
June
June 11 and 12
Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Clinics for Canines
8a.m. – 5 p.m.
Malibu Creek State Park, Tapia Park
30-minute workshop to teach techniques to dogs and owners on how to avoid the Southern Pacific rattlesnake. $70.
Thursday, June 16
Full Moon Pier Walk
7-9:30 p.m.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla
Walk along the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, normally closed to the public, on an exclusive moonlit tour with a Scripps naturalist. Participants will learn about the history of Scripps Oceanography and current research projects, while collecting plankton, performing experiments and exploring the nocturnal habits of marine life. Ages 9+ (minors must be accompanied by a paid adult). $25.
Friday, June 17
Grunion Run
10:30 p.m. 12:30 a.m.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla
Observe hundreds of small silver fish called grunion ride the waves onto La Jolla beaches to spawn. Before hitting the beach, see grunion hatch before your eyes during a special presentation about this mysterious fish. Prepare for cool, wet conditions and bring a flashlight. Ages 6+ (minors must be accompanied by a paid adult). $12.
Saturday, June 18
SEA Days
Fish Diversity
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla
Learn about the diversity of fish with hands-on activities, meet scientists who study fish and make a recycled fish craft to take home. All activities are included with admission:$12 adults, $9 senior, $8.50 youth, 3-17, free for children, 2 and younger.
Saturday and Sunday June 18-19
Urban Ocean Festival
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
Art exhibitions, an eco-fashion show, games, mural painting, poetry, live music, sustainable seafood cooking demos, a lecture by Susan Freinkel (Plastic: A Toxic Love Story) and the kickoff of a series of cruises: poetry cruise on June 18, the Urban Ocean: World Port and Sea Life Cruises on June 19, July 9, Aug. 13 and Sept. 3. Admission—$24.95 adult (12+), $21.95 senior (62+), $12.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members. Combo Price for Aquarium admission and Urban Ocean Cruises: $39.95 adult (12+) and $15 child.
Thursday, June 23
Bird Watching Program
9 a.m.
Burton Chace Park, Marina del Rey
Get on two-hour excursion through the Ballona Wetlands and the shoreline habitat of shorebirds such as sandpipers, long-billed curlews, willets, and Western snowy plovers. Free
Saturday, June 25
Honey Bee Festival
1-3 p.m.
Lagoon Discovery Center, Carlsbad
The hardworking honey bee shares the spotlight with other pollinating creatures at this festival. Live bat presentation, pollinator garden tour, close up view at a beehive, kid crafts, and free ice cream.
Saturday, June 25
Learning Through Natural Science Illustration
10 – 11 a.m.
Santiago Creek Nature Center, Santa Ana
Sponsored by Back to Natives Restoration, this hand’s-on children’s art class, introduces students to the connections between plants and animals by making a nature-themed art project. Ages 5-6. $10.75 per child.
Saturday, June 25
Junior Scientist Program: Urban Excavation
10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Natural History Museum
Kids 6-9 years old can meet paleontologists, and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their latest discoveries including saber-toothed kittens and a baby mastodon. Free with museum admission.
Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26
Morning Hike Among the Redwood Grove
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea
On this 2-mile hike, participants will look for clues for sighting wildlife and hear stories. Best for families with young children. Free, $5 parking fee.
Sunday, June 26
Summer’s a Comin’ Hike
1 – 3 p.m.
Topanga State Park
Join a gentle hike to learn how wildlife prepares for summer. Good for all ages. Free.
Tuesday, June 28
Tuesday Evening Hikes
6-8 p.m.
Temescal Canyon, Pacific Palisades
From the top of Mandeville Canyon Road take the Hollyhock Trail up to the 1950′s Nike missile site on San Vicente Peak, then return down the Garden Land Trail to Mandeville.
Thursday, June 30
Ocean Authors Presentation
6:30-8 p.m.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps, LaJolla
Award-winning author and photographer Marc Shargel unveils a new book that documents the beauty of California’s underwater world and provides a new perspective on the creation of marine protected areas along our shores. $5.
