Ongoing
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.
September
September 1 through 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.
Tuesday, September 1
Lecture: Penguins in Our Watershed? Adventures in Antarctica and the Santa Monica Mountains
7-8:30 p.m.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Discover the numerous sensitive species living in challenging environments and how scientists are using similar monitoring and tracking methods at these two geographic “hot spots” with speaker Rosi Dagit. $5.
Saturday September 3
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, September 3
Bird Walk
9-11 a.m.
George F. Canyon Preserve and Nature Center
All ages can enjoy a slow, easy and quiet walk. Call to make reservations. (310) 547-0862.
Saturday, September 3
Bird Walk at Castaic Lake
8 a.m.
Docents from Placerita Canyon Natural Area lead a monthly walk at Castaic Lake. Call (661) 259-7721 for directions.
Saturday, September 3
Shark Sunday
3:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Aquarium
Watch and listen to a shark presentation near a tank with horn and swell sharks. Check out a shark-themed flick and find the Pacific angel shark on display. Free with admission. (310) 393-6149.
Sunday, September 4
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, September 4
Bird Watching
7:30 – 11 a.m.
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
New birders are welcomed for this monthly walk. (714) 973-6620. $5 parking fee.
Sunday, September 4
Bird Walk
8 – 11:30 a.m.
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
Take a walk and study more than 200 different species of birds in this monthly walk led by members of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society. (818) 756-9710.
Saturday, September 10
Cabrillo’s Landing on San Miguel Island
7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Board a high-speed catamaran in Ventura and zip to one of the outermost Channel Islands with members of the aquarium who will reenact the historic 1542 landing of Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo as well as lead explorations into the natural history of the island. $100.
Saturday, September 10
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, September 10
Slithering Out of a Bad Wrap
9-10 a.m.
King Gillette Ranch
Reputation is not everything, especially when it comes to our local snakes. Volunteer Naturalist Trisha knows more about snakes than the “average bear” and is willing to persuade you that these remarkable and handsome animals deserve our respect and, yes, even our affections. Meet at the parking lot to the left of the bridge. Moderate hike. $7 parking fee. (310) 589-3200.
Saturday, September 10
Turtle and Tortoise Day
10 a.m. – 1p.m.
Madrona Marsh
Check out live reptiles and learn what it takes to adopt one of these shelled creatures. Free. (310) 782-3989.
Saturday, September 10
Creek Critters
10 a.m. – noon
Paramount Ranch
Wade with a ranger to discover insects and other animals in Medea Creek. Reservations recommended. (805) 370-2348 x 204.
Saturday, September 10
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.
Saturday, September 10
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.
Saturday, September 10 (and September 24)
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, September 10
Bird Walk
8 a.m. – noon
Whittier Narrows Nature Center
Wander through the 400-acre sanctuary of woodland that features four lakes which provides sanctuary for migrating waterfowl. (626) 575-5523.
Saturday, September 10
Bird Walk
9 a.m.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Bring binoculars, field guide and water on this docent-led walk for beginning to advanced birders. (661) 259-7721.
Saturday, September 10
Nature and Bird Walk
8 a.m.
El Dorado Nature Center
Learn what critters call this area home in this hike sponsored by the El Dorado Audubon Society. Meet in the parking lot of Gum Grove Park. Email eldoradoaudubon@yahoo.com.
Sunday, September 11
Salt Marsh Open House
1-3 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.
Thursday, September 11 (and September 12)
Full Moon Pier Walk
6-8:30 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.
Sunday, September 11
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.
Sunday, September 11
Bird Walk in Wildwood Canyon
9 a.m.
Enjoy a pleasant walk to learn about native birdlife. Meet in Wildwood Canyon. (818) 238-5440.
Sunday, September 11
Second Sunday Science for the Whole Family: Spiders Scorpions and Snakes
2-4 p.m.
Madrona Marsh
Dr. Glassey presents a program on the creepiest of crawlers! $5. (310) 782-3989.
Sunday, September 11
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.
Wednesday, September 14
From Shore to Sea – The Life History of California Sea Lions
7 p.m.
Channel Island National Park Visitors Center
Learn how sea lions grow from pups to predators from Sharon Melin, wildlife biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service who studied the aquatic mammals that have the largest breeding colony in the world on San Miguel Island. Free.
Wednesday, September 14
The Birds of Madrona
8 – 10 a.m.
Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center
Learn about resident and visiting birds of the preserve. Free. (310) 782-3989.
Thursday, September 15
Lecture: Climate Change Impact on Birds of Southern California
7-8:30 p.m.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Lori Hargrove gives an overview of climate change impacts on brids with examples from around the world and predictions for Southern California. $5.
Saturday, September 17
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, September 17
Bird Walk with LA Audubon
8 a.m. – noon
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Investigate a landscaped parkland, lake and coastal scrub habitats, perfect for beginning birders. Find spotted towhee, California towhee and song sparrow; the lake attracts herons, egrets, cormorants, ducks as well as an osprey. For more information, call (310) 839-5420.
Saturday, September 17
Creatures of the Night
6:30– 8:30 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. 805-375-1930.
Saturday, September 17
Family Bird Walk
8 a.m.
Schabarum Regional Park
Join in a naturalist walk on the lookout for fine feathered friends. Free. (626) 854-5560.
Saturday, September 17
Bird Walk with LA Audubon
8 a.m. – noon
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Investigate a landscaped parkland, lake and coastal scrub habitats, perfect for beginning birders. Find spotted towhee, California towhee and song sparrow; the lake attracts herons, egrets, cormorants, ducks as well as an osprey. For more information, call (310) 839-5420.
Sunday, September 18
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.
Sunday, September 18
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. (310) 858-7272.
Sunday, September 18
Bird Walk
8 a.m.
Eaton Canyon Nature Center
Get outdoors and discover the birds of the canyon. Bring binoculars, hat, water but no dogs please. Free. (626) 398-5420.
Sunday, September 18
Bird Walk
8 a.m.
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
Join in a monthly bird walk. Free. (626) 334-1065.
Saturday, September 24
Hopper Mountain Refuge Condor Tour
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friends of California Condors, Wild and Free
Tour the USFWS California Condor Recovery Program facilities and check out flight pens, traps and observation posts set in rugged back country. Learn about the recovery wild population of condors and, crossing fingers, maybe get to spot one soaring overhead. Limited participation. To sign up, contact: activities@friendsofcondors.org
Saturday, September 24
Bird Walk
8 a.m. – noon
Whittier Narrows Nature Center
Check out the resident and migrating waterfowl that inhabit this riparian woodlands. Free. (626) 575-5523.
Sunday September 25 (through November 6)
Spider Pavilion
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Natural History Museum
Check out a one-of-a-kind pavilion where spiders – like orb weavers – freely spin spectacular webs.$3, adults, $2 students and seniors, $1 children.
Sunday, September 25
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, September 25
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, September 25
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.
Friday, September 30
Fish Kills and Toxic Algal Blooms: A Busy Spring in the Southern California Bight
7:30 p.m.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Dr. David Caron, Professor of Biological Science at USC, discusses the spring of 2011 when thousands of fish died in King Harbor, Redondo Beach. He’ll also talk on how toxic algal blooms gave another high year of marine animal deaths and strandings. Free, but $1 parking.
Friday, Saturday 30
Bird Survey
8 – 10 a.m.
Shipley Nature Center
Help identify and count birds that visit nature center. Birders of all levels welcomed. For more information, email Lena@shipleynature.org or call (714) 842-4772.
