Notes about your surroundings.

Environmental Pioneer--Barry Commoner, biologist and director of the Center for the Biology of Natural Systems at Queens College, will speak Monday as part of Earth Day activities at Cal State Fullerton.

Since the early ‘50s, Commoner has warned the public about the effects of modern technology on the environment, particularly the widespread use of chemical fertilizers, detergents, nuclear power and pesticides.

His ninth book, just released, is “Making Peace With the Universe.” Previous books include “Science and Survival” (1966), “The Closing Circle” (1971) and “The Politics of Energy” (1979).

Commoner’s 8 p.m. talk in Titan Hall A of the University Center is sponsored by the Cal State Fullerton Earth Day Coalition and Associated Student Productions. Admission is $1. Information: (714) 773-3501. More Earth Day--Many events marking Earth Day are planned in the days ahead. A complete list was published in Saturday’s Life section; some notable lectures and celebrations are highlighted below.

* Harold Koopowitz, director of the UC Irvine Arboretum/Plant Gene Bank, will give a lecture and slide presentation on “Saving the Earth’s Endangered Plants” Monday at noon in the Salt Creek conference room of the UCI Student Center. Admission: free.

* Frank Robinson of Friends of Newport Bay will give a talk on the wetlands reserve in Upper Newport Bay at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the student center lounge at Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Admission: free.

* At 11 a.m. Tuesday in the same location, UCI research associate Donald Blake will speak about the thinning ozone layer. Admission: free.

* William Bretz, manager of the San Joaquin Marsh reserve, will speak at noon Tuesday in the Salt Creek conference room, UCI Student Center. Admission: free.

* At 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the same location, Tom Larson will speak. Larson was the catalyst behind the publication of “A Guide for Environmental Restoration in Orange County” last year. Admission: free.

* At 11 a.m. Saturday, UCI opens an Earth Day Expo with activities, displays, information booths and a book fair. Continues campuswide until 4 p.m. Information: (714) 856-5158.