Science / Medicine : Spiders, Scorpions to Be Stars for a Day
African millipedes, a 15-year-old tarantula, desert hairy scorpions and Madagascar hissing cockroaches are among the creatures that will be at the second annual Insects on Parade held at the Devil’s Punchbowl County Park near Pearblossom on Sunday.
Activities scheduled throughout the day include observing and collecting insects of the area and nighttime observations. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about the creatures.
Participants who bring a clear plastic liter bottle will also learn how to make a “bug condo” and will receive an occupant for it in the “Great Cricket Giveaway” that day.
The event, sponsored by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, begins at 10 a.m. and also features a family cookout (participants are asked to bring their own cookout supplies). Call (213) 744-3558.
BOTANY
The Society for Economic Botany, an international organization interested in the past, present and future uses of plants, is sponsoring a meeting and symposium on “Urban Ecology,” June 10-12 at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont. Scheduled topics include urban horticulture and ecologically sensitive landscapes. Preregistration is required; call (714) 625-8767.
SCIENCE FOR FAMILIES
Children ages 6-8 can learn about the importance of flowers and the animals they attract in programs at the El Dorado Nature Center Wednesday and June 5 at 4:30 p.m. and June 8 at 9 a.m. Preschoolers and their families can learn about the moon and sun at the center on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Call (213) 421-9431, Ext. 3415.
The Cabrillo Marine Museum in San Pedro will hold the 20th annual Whale Fiesta on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The family event, co-sponsored by the museum and the American Cetacean Society, features marine life experts to answer questions about whales and other ocean inhabitants, building life-size sand dolphins and other activities throughout the day. Call (213) 548-7562.
The Discovery Museum of Orange County is holding a “Planetary Camp” for young people ages 11 to 17, June 24-28. Each day campers will explore new topics and activities, ranging from astrophysics to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. A highlight of the camp will be a simulated mission to Mars. Preregistration is required by Saturday. Call (714) 964-7295.
ASTRONOMY
This summer’s upcoming eclipse, the last on U.S. soil until 2017 and the longest until 2132, will be the highlight of the Santa Monica College Planetarium program “Darkness at Noon,” on June 7, 14 and 21 at 8 p.m. The lecture follows the Night Sky Show at 7 p.m. Call (213) 452-9223.
ENVIRONMENT
Staff members from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center will lead a trip to Anacapa Island on June 15. Group members will explore the natural and cultural history of the island, once used by the Chumash Indians, in the daylong trip. Preregistration is required. Call (805) 682-4711.
The identification of animals and their interdependence with the environment will be highlighted in a basic tracking class offered by Earth Skills on June 8 in the local mountains. Students who take the class will be eligible to take a workshop June 9. Call (213) 833-4249.
The natural and cultural history of the Santa Monica Mountains will be explored in a program offered by UCLA Extension June 1, 2 and 8. The class includes one day of lectures in various topics and two one-day field trips. Call (213) 825-7093.
ORNITHOLOGY
Gerry Haigh of the Los Angeles Audubon Society will introduce participants to the birds of Topanga State Park on Sunday beginning at 8 a.m. Call (213) 876-0202.
HEALTH
The prevention and treatment of several common foot and ankle problems will be the subject of a community education seminar at the Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Preregistration is required. Call (800) 356-2824.
