Naturalist to Lead ‘Wildflower Walk’

Naturalist Peter Rice will lead an outing Saturday to the Santa Monica Mountains to study the plant life there.

Children and adults can learn wildflower identification, the origins of plant names and how American Indians used the plants. The easy-paced, three-hour exploration is offered by the Wilderness Institute.

The “Family Wildflower Walk” begins at 10 a.m. Call (818) 991-7327.

SCIENCE POLICY

Chemistry professor Frank S. Rowland of UC Irvine will discuss “Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: Science and Public Policy” at Caltech’s Seminar on Science, Ethics and Public Policy on Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Judy Library, Baxter Hall. Call (818) 356-4652.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

Kidspace Museum in Pasadena will have extended hours for spring break. Children can participate in workshops, special activities and hands-on exhibits such as “Critter Caverns.” Call (818) 449-9143.

ENVIRONMENT/ECOLOGY

A tree-planting ceremony, speakers and exhibits will highlight the Caltech Earth Day Celebration on Friday from noon to 2:30 p.m. in the Winnett Quad on campus. Call (818) 356-4652.

Desert wetlands, such as rock seeps, springs and temporary lakes, will be examined in a class offered at the California State University’s Desert Studies Center near Baker April 24-26. Early registration is advised. Call (714) 880-5981.

BOTANY

If you were unable to attend the field trip to Joshua Tree National Monument, you can still learn about the native plants there and re-vegetation efforts at the California Native Plant Society meeting in the Westwood Community Center tonight at 7:30 p.m. Call (213) 933-8993.

ORNITHOLOGY

Efforts to help the recovery of the endangered least Bell’s vireo will be the topic of the Los Angeles Audubon Society meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. in West Hollywood’s Plummer Park. Call (213) 876-0202.