Eaton Canyon Center Offers Nature Course

Although last year’s fires destroyed the Eaton Canyon Nature Center building, the programs continue. The Nature Center will be offering a 10-week course of nature study classes beginning Sept. 6.

The classes, taught by experienced naturalists and professionals, will cover plants, animals, geology, birds, insects and other aspects of the environment and ecology of the area.

Participants will put the classroom instruction to use in two scheduled Saturday field outings. Those who successfully complete the course will have the option of becoming docents at the Nature Center.

Classes will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the Pasadena/Altadena area. To register and obtain location information call (818) 821-3246.

MARINE BIOLOGY

* Marine biologist Maris Sidenstecker will present a hands-on exhibit and educational program, Whales on Wheels, and environmental artist Wyland, known for his life-size “Whaling Wall” murals, will be painting at Paramount Studios Sept. 6-8 and Mann’s Chinese Theatre Sept 9-11. Whale bones, jaws, baleen and other marine artifacts will be available for visitors to examine and Sidenstecker will discuss the life and habits of the huge mammals. For lecture times call Save the Whales, (310) 392-6226.

SCIENCE FOR FAMILIES

* Children ages 4 to 7, accompanied by an adult, can explore the environment of Franklin Canyon in a “Canyon Tykes” outing offered by the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom on Sunday at 10 a.m. Reservations are required, call (310) 858-3090.

* Kids can “walk through the wild” in “Nature Walk,” a permanent exhibit at the Children’s Museum at La Habra. Examples of more than 50 animals such as bobcats, raccoons, skunks, bears and others can be found in the exhibit where children can touch and learn about their natural habitats. Call (310) 905-9793.

* Although children under age 5 are not admitted to the general planetarium programs at Griffith Observatory, they do have their own program, “Voyage to the Planets,” showing daily at 1:30 through Sept. 11. In the program, a little green alien takes children on a tour of the solar system from Mercury to Pluto. Call (213) 664-1191.

BOTANY

* Soka University will host a Botanical Center Tour at the newly dedicated John and Juliana Gensley Native Plant Demonstration Garden on Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. The Center was designed to restore portions of the Calabasas campus to native habitat. Call (818) 880-4649.