Ongoing
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.
Whale Watching with Aquarium of the Pacific
11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. departures
Harbor Breeze Cruises
Daily cruises to check out which leviathans are in our local waters. Combo tickets, which include a whale cruise and aquarium admission, are available; admission is $63.95 for adults, $55.95 for seniors and $39.95 for children.
August
Tuesday, August 2
Lecture: Artificial Reefs: What Are They and What Are They Good For?
7-8:30 p.m.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Bob Grove, senior scientist at Southern California Edison Company, Environmental Projects, will share his experiences related to the $40 million marine mitigation artificial reef off of San Clemente, California. $5.
Saturday, August 6 (and August 20)
Snorkel La Jolla Cove
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, August 6
Orange County Butterflies and Their Host Plants
9 a.m. – noon
Back to Natives Nursery
Learn which landscape will attract butterflies to your yard. After a brief indoor presentation, participants will hike the Santiago Nature Preserve trail to identify the park’s winged inhabitants. $5.
Saturday, August 6
Bug Safari
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Fullerton Arboretum
It’s a creeping, crawling, flying garden bug adventure. Discover the world of insects at Fullerton Arboretum! Garden explorations and interactive bug investigations will be led by Arboretum bug lady and nature guide Cindy Calisher.$3. (657) 278-3407.
Sunday, August 7
Bird Walk
7 -10 a.m.
Topanga State Park
Buffs and beginners. Bring binoculars, hat, water and snack. Bird book optional. Free. 310-455-1401.
Sunday, August 7
Birdwalk with L.A. Audubon
8 a.m. – noon
Topanga State Park
Check out beautiful and diverse coastal mountain areas, ideal for beginning birders. Ages 6 and older. (323) 876-0202.
Tuesday, August 9
Twilight Tuesday: Open Your Eyes to Wildlife
7-9 p.m.
Galster Park Nature Center
Thomas Chang, a locally renowned photographer, will present a slide show of wildlife in the San Gabriel Valley. Free. 626-919-0715.
Thursday, August 11
Major Mammals of Griffith Park
6:45- 8 p.m.
Los Feliz Branch Library
Griffith Park is home to the L.A. City’s greatest concentration of native fauna within urbanized Los Angeles. Ecologist Dan Cooper, Scientific Director of the Griffith Park Natural History Survey, focuses on the habits of Griffith Park’s predator species: bobcats, coyotes, grey fox, raccoons, and even mountain lion, discussing the natural habitat and prey animals that nourish and sustain them and how humans can help in their continued existence. Free. (323) 913-4710.
Thursday, August 12 (and August 13)
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 August 13
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.
Saturday, August 13 (and August 27)
Freshwater Marsh Tours
10 – 11 a.m.
Ballona Wetlands
See a wonderful variety of birds, learn about native plants and how a freshwater system works. Free.
Saturday, August 13
Open House at Salt Marsh/Dunes
2-4 p.m.
Ballona Wetlands
A self-guided tour of the salt marsh and dunes where visitors walk on trails unescorted, with docents at various stations to explain sights. Free.
Sunday, August 14
Salt Marsh Open House
2-4 p.m.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Bring binoculars, camera, sketch pad and curiosity to explore the resident and migratory birds, fish and other inhabitants of the nearby Salinas de San Pedro salt marsh. Free.
Sunday, August 14
Bird Walk with the L.A. Audubon
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Franklin Canyon Sooky Goldman Nature Center
Casual walk around the urban woodland to see wood ducks, California quail, spotted and California towhees and California thrasher. Ages 6 and older. Free. Binoculars provided. 323- 876-0202.
Sunday, August 14
Salt Marsh and Dunes Tours
1-3 p.m.
Ballona Wetlands
Learn about our coastal ecosystem and explore the wonders of nature right in the middle of urban Los Angeles. Free.
Monday, August 16
Bobcats at the Park
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Temescal Gateway Park
Learn and see bobcats from scientist Laurel Klein who has been conducting research on the big cats in the Santa Monica Mountains that are beautiful, excellent rodent control, and vital to a balanced ecosystem. Free, $7 parking. 310-858-7272, ext. 131.
Sunday, August 21
A Turtle’s Race Around the Lake
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Franklin Canyon/Sooky Goldman Nature Center
Learn the local ecosystem with naturalist Rebecca on a 1-mile walk.
Sunday, August 21
Bird Walk with L.A. Audubon
8 a.m. – noon
Ballona Wetlands
Walk through L.A.’s only remaining saltwater marsh and adjacent rocky jetty for bird sightings. Ages 6 and older. Free. (323) 876-0202.
Tuesday, August 23
Twilight Tuesday: Don’t Get Stung
7-9 p.m.
Galster Park Nature Center
Gregg Manston, a bee removal technician, will enlighten us on bee habitat, the disappearance of bees and bee removal. Free. 626-919-0715.
Tuesday, August 23
Evenings in the Garden: Creatures of the Night
7:30-9 p.m.
Fullerton Arboretum
Bats under bridges, possums crossing paths? Come discover the Creatures of the Night lurking in the groves! Join Cheryl Rendes from Wonders of Wildlife and her nighttime creatures for an up-close presentation before taking your own adventure into the darkness. $5 per family.
Saturday, August 27
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, August 27
Canyon Birds
8 -10 a.m.
Franklin Canyon/Sooky Goldman Nature Center
Enjoy an easy stroll while on the lookout for feathered friends. Free.
Saturday, August 27
7-9 p.m.
Buggy Night
Charmlee Wilderness Park
Join a naturalist for a walk in search of insects, spiders and other arthropods. For all ages. Bring a flashlight. $4. (310) 317-1364.
Saturday, August 27
Creatures of the Night
7:45– 9:45 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. 805-375-1930.
Sunday, August 28
Beach and Wetlands Bird Watching
8:30 – 11:30 am.
Malibu Lagoon State Park
Experts and beginners, adults and teens. Bring binoculars. Free. 818-894-2541.
Sunday, August 28
Summer Whale Watch – In Search of the Great Whales
9 a.m. – noon
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Search out blue, fin, humpback and minke whales with CMA wildlife experts about the 90-foot yacht, the Spirit in San Pedro. $25-$30.
Sunday, August 28
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.
Sunday, August 28
Wild Creatures Hike
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Stough Canyon Nature Center
Learn what plants and animals live in these local mountains. Free. 818-238-5440.
