Notes about your surroundings

Turkey Trot--Lots of folks spend the Friday and weekend after Thanksgiving getting started on holiday shopping, but if getting back to nature is more your calling, here are some suggested activities:

Wetlands Wandering--At the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, you’re likely to spot great blue herons, egrets and loons. Some migratory species, including white pelicans, have stopped over at the wetlands, so bring binoculars and a bird book for tough identifications.

The ecological reserve is off Pacific Coast Highway about one-half mile south of Warner Avenue, across from Bolsa Chica State Beach.

Bay Watch--Take a guided tour of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Game, Saturdays or Sundays at 1 p.m.

The tours are free. Those who would like to go on a tour are asked to meet at Shellmaker Island off Backbay Drive in Newport Beach.

Information: (714) 640-6746.

Historic Housing--If combining ecology with history is more along the lines of your typical family post-Thanksgiving celebration, the Fullerton Arboretum is the place for you.

The arboretum houses an ecological reserve with native birds and plants along with the Heritage House, a historic cottage built in 1894. Tours of Heritage House are offered today and every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Heritage House and arboretum are at Associated Road and Yorba Linda Boulevard in Fullerton. Information: (714) 773-3250. Admission is free.