Notes about your surroundings

Nature Classes--Children ages 6 to 12 are invited to spend Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., at the Oak Canyon Nature Center. The fee for these classes is $3 each.

Tuesday’s program offers a look at the animals that live in the city. Participants will learn how to attract wildlife to back yards by putting up bird feeders, salt licks, water-drip systems and water pools.

Each participant will also make a bird feeder to take home.

Thursday’s program will examine plants and animals in weedy or overgrown sites. The focus of the program is to examine what is called a weed and the fact that weedy species can adapt to a harsh environment and thrive, much like flowers that grow in the cracks of a sidewalk.

The Oak Canyon Nature Center is at 6700 Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim. Call (714) 998-8380 for more information and to reserve space in the programs.

Whereabouts: Take the Riverside Freeway east to the Imperial Highway off-ramp. Exit and head south to Nohl Ranch Road. Turn left and travel about three miles to Walnut Canyon Road, and turn left again. Pass the Anaheim Hills Golf Course; the nature center is at the end of the road, and parking is on the left.

Pond Study: The Oak Canyon Nature Center is offering a nature enrichment program on Saturday, from 1 to 3 p.m., for children ages 6 to 12. However, children younger than 6 are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

This hands-on program introduces the aquatic environment. Participants will hike to a creek, then collect samples of creek water, algae and mud.

After returning to the center, participants will use microscopes to look for microscopic life in the samples.

The fee for this program is $5. Call (714) 998-8380 for more information and to reserve space in the class.