Wildlife, Botanical Offerings on Display

Many of the world’s rarest desert plants and animals, the geology of the San Andreas Fault and examples of Native American culture can be examined at Palm Desert’s Living Desert complex this fall and winter.

The wildlife and botanical park, recently opened for the 1990-91 season, offers a comprehensive introduction to desert life and ecosystems.

Exhibits include an interpretive trail which focuses on the San Andreas Fault and specially constructed displays of nocturnal desert inhabitants, such as screech owls and bats.

Also on the grounds are botanical gardens which illustrate the plant systems of 10 North American desert regions and several species of animals including desert pupfish, bighorn sheep and burrowing owls.

Beginning in October, daily activities for adults and children will include guided nature walks on the 1,200-acre complex, interactive natural science activities, field trips and classes. (619) 346-5694.

ASTRONOMY

Increased solar activity and its possible relationship with Earth’s weather patterns will be the subject of the El Camino College Planetarium program Friday at 8 p.m. (213) 715-3200.

The Santa Monica College Planetarium program will explore the nature of some of the hottest, coolest, biggest and strangest stars Fridays through Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. after the 7 p.m. Night Sky Show. (213) 452-9223.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

Children can learn about the plants and animals of the Eaton Canyon Nature Center in East Pasadena in an all-day field trip sponsored by the Nature Center and Kidspace Museum on Saturday . Space is limited, and registration is required. (818) 449-9144.

ENVIRONMENT

The relationship between the natural ecosystems of Southern California and the practical aspects of planning and development will be the focus of two six-week classes offered by Cal Poly Pomona. Designed to provide a better understanding of ecological principles, “Ecology for Planners” begins Oct. 1. (714) 869-2288.

MARINE SCIENCE

The Sea Center in Santa Barbara is sponsoring a dive trip Oct. 18-20 to photograph and study the marine life of the Channel Islands. With both an expert underwater photographer and a marine biologist giving assistance, participants will be able to photograph and examine the plants and animals of the area. An orientation workshop will be held Oct. 13 for the three-day trip. (805) 963-1067.

Sea anemones and hermit crabs are some of the tide pool animals visitors may find in a field trip to the Point Fermin Marine Life Refuge led by Cabrillo Marine Museum naturalists Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. (213) 548-7562.

PALEONTOLOGY

The Barstow Fossil Beds will be the site of a hands-on class offered by the California State University’s Desert Studies Center on Oct. 12-14. Participants will learn specialized techniques of fossil survey and preparation while working with San Bernardino County Museum staff members. (714) 880-5975.