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.
July
Wednesday, July 6
Lecture: Measuring the Oceans from Space
7-8:30 p.m.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Space provides a unique perspective from which to measure the oceans by using specialized instruments aboard orbiting satellites. Clark Snodgrass will discuss how we measure the oceans from space, and how the measurements are translated into environmental data. $5.
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.
Saturday July 9 (also July 23 and 30)
Snorkel with the Sharks
8-10 a.m.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla
Swim with schooling leopard sharks, smoothhound sharks and guitarfish while enjoying the mild surf and gently sloping beach of La Jolla Shores. See rays, flatfish, sand dwelling invertebrates and coastal sea life. Intermediate swimming ability is required and previous snorkeling experience is recommended. Participants must supply their own gear. Ages 10+ (minors must be accompanied by a paid adult). $25-30.
Saturday July 9
Urban Ocean: World Port and Sea Life Cruises
4-6:30 p.m.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Explore one of the most distinctive sections of our coastline guided by commentary from an Aquarium educator and an experienced boat captain. See seals lounging along the breakwater, pelicans and gulls pursuing commercial fishing boats looking for a snack, and sea lions competing with one another by the docks for the catch of the day. Learn what makes the Southern California urban ocean one of the most amazing segments of the entire World Ocean. Adult: $ 26.95-29.95; Child: $ 8-10.
Saturday July 9
7-9 p.m.
Buggy Night
Charmlee Wilderness Park
Join a naturalist for a walk in search of insects, spiders and other arthopods. For all ages. Bring a flashlight. $4. (310) 317-1364.
Saturday, July 9
Young Naturalist Program: Reptiles and Amphibians
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Headwaters Corner
Kids ages 8-12 can learn the difference between the two in this workshop that also features a guest speaker who will bring in snakes, turtles, lizards and amphibians. (818) 591-1701 x 181.
Thursday, July 14
15th Anniversary of the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council
5-8 p.m.
Los Angeles
Community-building event featuring food, local honorees, guests, music and auction items. Learn about new strategic plans for the local watershed area. $50. brian@lasgrwc.org.
Thursday, July 15
Full Moon Pier Walk
7-9:30 p.m.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
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.
Saturday and Sunday July 16 and July 17
SEA Days: Extended Shark Edition!
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Scripps Aquarium
Meet local sharks and learn why these animals are misunderstood during engaging. See what it takes for a baby leopard shark to grow up, discover how sharks use their teeth the way humans use utensils and learn about the latest shark research from Scripps scientists. Free with aquarium
Saturday, July 23
Creatures of the Night
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
Take a 1.5 mile loop hike with a ranger and discover what animals come out dusk; maybe spot a scorpion or hear coyotes.
Saturday, July 23
SAMO Youth Nature Day
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Leo Carrillo State Park
Lots of hands-on family fun: games, crafts, tidepool observations and hikes. $12 parking fee. 805-370-2363.
Saturday, July 23
Bug Safari for Adults
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Fullerton Arboretum
On this exploration led by “bug-ologist” and Arboretum Nature Guide Cindy Calisher, you can satisfy your child-like curiosity by identifying and investigating the myriad of insects and bugs among the plants. Ages 16 and older.
$8, $6 members. (657) 278-3407.
Sunday, July 24
Birdwatching for Young Children and Parents
10 -11 a.m.
Malibu Lagoon State Park
Short walk for children and families. Binoculars provided. Free.818-894-2541
Wednesday, July 27
Lecture: Demon Fish: A Cultural History of Sharks
7-8:30 p.m.
Aquarium of the Pacific
While humans have worshipped and loathed sharks for centuries, we’re at a pivotal moment in our relationship with these fearsome creatures. Writer Janna Shackeroff will share what we’re now discovering about sharks, at the very moment where we might risk losing them altogether.
Saturday, July 30
Summertime Blues Whale Watch Adventure
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
American Cetascan Society
Search for blue and humpback whales in the Santa Barbara Channel aboard the “Condor Express! Other marine life we might see: minke whales, killer whales, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Pacific white-sided dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, northern right whale dolphin, elephant seals, northern fur seals and, of course, California sea lions. $103.
July 30-July 31
Ocean Appreciation Day
12:30 – 6 p.m.
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Games, arts and crafts, wildlife observation, music and naturalist presentations. Guest speakers include underwater photographer Alexander Jaffe on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and author/musician Joel Harper on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 30
SAMO Youth Nature Day
10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Point Mugu State Park
Sycamore Canyon Campground
Lots of hands-on family fun: games, crafts, tidepool observations and hikes. $12 parking fee. 805-370-2363.
