Notes about your surroundings.

Butterflies--Orange County’s fourth annual butterfly count, sponsored by the Xerces Society, is scheduled July 14. In its 16th year nationwide, the idea of the Xerces count is to spot and record as many butterfly species as possible.

In 1988 (the most recent year for which national statistics are available), 37 species were seen in Orange County. Not all butterfly species fly at the same time of year.

The Xerces Society, named for the extinct Xerces blue butterfly, is an international organization dedicated to the conservation of invertebrate species and their habitats. In addition to organizing the annual butterfly survey, the group publishes two journals. For information on the society, call (503) 222-2788 or write to: Xerces Society, 10 Southwest Ash St., Portland, Ore. 97204.

For information on local butterflies and the annual survey in Orange County, contact Peter Bryant, a professor of developmental biology at UC Irvine and a local expert on insects: (714) 856-5957.

Events--The Orange County Astronomers hold planetarium shows at 2 p.m. each Sunday at Tessman Planetarium on the Rancho Santiago College campus, 17th and Bristol streets in Santa Ana. Admission is $1 to $2. The college holds planetarium shows for children’s groups during the week for a charge of $1.50 per child. Reservations are required. Information: (714) 667-3097.

The South Coast Garden Club will lead a tour at noon Wednesday of the Niguel Botanical Preserve at Crown Valley Regional Park, Crown Valley Parkway near Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel. Members and guests may bring their lunch and picnic on the grounds. A tour of the botanical preserve takes place after lunch. Reservations are requested. Information: (714) 496-4377.

Orange County Organic Gardening Club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 12882 Elizabeth Way, Tustin. The meeting will include a tour of a private garden. Parking will be available at Mercury Savings & Loan, 1095 Irvine Blvd. in Tustin. Visitors are welcome. Information: (714) 636-8981.