Science / Medicine : Volunteers Sought to Reforest Preserve

The Nature Conservancy is looking for volunteers to help reforest its Kern River Preserve, home to a variety of wildlife and one of the most extensive riparian willow-cottonwood forests in California.

More than 240 bird species, including the endangered yellow-billed cuckoo, can be found at the 1,100-acre preserve on the south fork of the Kern River near Lake Isabella. Mammals found there include deer, coyotes, beavers, ground squirrels and an occasional bear and mountain lion.

Preserve staff and volunteers are attempting to help restore the habitat of the cuckoo, one of the state’s rarest birds, and save it from extinction.

In five years, members of the conservancy and volunteers have restored 192 acres of habitat. Members hope to eventually restore nearly 500 acres.

Reforestation activities range from irrigation to planting and weed control. Different activities are scheduled each weekend. After assisting in the day’s project, volunteers can hear from speakers in evening programs. Projects are scheduled for Aug. 17 and Sept. 7, 14 and 21. Call (800) 733-1763.

ASTRONOMY

One of the most spectacular meteor events of the year, the Perseid meteor shower, will be highlighted at the Moorpark College Astronomy program Aug. 11 at 8:30 p.m. at the Charles Temple Observatory on campus. Visitors should bring lawn chairs, blankets and binoculars to view the shower, which is expected to peak about midnight. Call (805) 378-1408.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Astronomical Unit will have Perseid meteor shower viewing at the museum Aug. 12 from 9 p.m. to midnight. The shower averages 50 to 60 “falling stars” per hour, but up to 100 have been known to occur. Many of the museum’s telescopes will be trained on the summer sky. Call (805) 682-3224.

BOTANY

Local botanist Bob Muns will discuss the major plant families of California at the monthly meeting of the local chapter of the California Native Plant Society on Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Westwood Community Center. Call (213) 933-8993.

SCIENCE FOR FAMILIES

Roaches from 17 states and foreign countries, including such creative entries as “Desert Storm Roaches” and “Elvis Lives,” will be featured at the Combat World’s Largest Roach Contest on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Call (213) 744-3466.

A hands-on nature and science camp for children 7 to 10 will be held at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center Aug. 19-23. Children can learn about the environment in hikes and classes with animals and plants. Reservations are required. Call (818) 398-5420.