Plants and Insects of Santa Barbara

A walk along a cool stream in a shady canyon, a look at a fire-ravaged chaparral community and a rest in a wildflower meadow are some of the experiences a visitor can find in the newest permanent exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

“Interactions: The Plants and Insects of Santa Barbara” offers an ecological approach to natural history by exploring the often overlooked relationships between plants and insects. Sequential dioramas illustrating a hike from the coastal dune environment to a conifer forest are highlighted along the way with hands-on and live exhibits.

Also included in the exhibit is a state-of-the-art interactive computer video that can show visitors each plant habitat featured in the hall and where many plants can be found in the county. Call (805) 682-4711.

MARINE SCIENCE

The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society will teach volunteers identification, data collection and spotting techniques for its upcoming annual gray whale count in training classes beginning Saturday at 9 a.m. in the community building at Point Fermin Park. Call (310) 519-8963.

HEALTH/MEDICINE

As part of its discussion series on family issues, the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital and UCLA Medical Center will present a program of information and options for women over 30 who are considering pregnancy, at 7 tonight in the NPH Auditorium on campus. Call (310) 825-0051.

The Daniel Freeman Hospitals will present a seminar on advances in the health care of women on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey. Seating is limited, preregistration is required. Call (800) 356-2824.

ARCHEOLOGY

The fabled lost city of Ubar, recently discovered under the sands of the Arabian desert, will be the subject of two programs this week. Members of the team that made the discovery, using satellite imagery as well as archeological techniques, will speak at a one-day UCLA Extension program Saturday at 9 a.m. Call (310) 825-2272.

On Wednesday, team member Ronald Blom, a research geologist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, will discuss “Space Technology and the Discovery of the Lost City of Ubar,” at the E.C. Watson Caltech Lecture at 8 p.m. in Beckman Auditorium on campus. Call (818) 356-4652 or (800) 423-8849.

ENGINEERING

Paul Torgersen, of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, will discuss “The Future of Industrial Engineering,” as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the department of industrial and systems engineering at the USC School of Engineering on Friday at 4 p.m. in USC’s Andrus Gerontology Center auditorium. Call (213) 740-6858.