Notes about your surroundings

Birders call--Interested in joining the National Audubon Society? All it costs is $20 a year.

Orange County has two local Audubon chapters, South Coast Audubon and Sea & Sage. Both chapters offer year-round field trips to Southern California’s wilderness areas. Members also receive Audubon magazine.

To receive more information on joining the National Audubon Society, contact:

* South Coast Audubon, Membership Chair, P.O. Box 4059, San Clemente, CA 92674-4059 or call at (714) 498-4407.

* Sea & Sage Audubon Society, P.O. Box 25, Santa Ana, CA 92702. Or telephone the chapter office at (714) 261-7963.

Hikers needed--Explore the back country of Crystal Cove State Park with an interpretive guide today from 9 a.m. to noon.

The park, one of the last undeveloped areas along the Orange County coast, includes 3.25 miles of coastline. Another 1,140 acres offshore have been designated as an underwater park for surfing, swimming and scuba diving.

On the inland side of the Coast Highway, Crystal Cove State Park includes 18 miles of multiple-use trails winding through El Moro Canyon. The park is an excellent site for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding.

The 3- to 5-mile hike will be led by a trained guide familiar with local plant life, indigenous wildlife and area history. Participants should wear light clothing, hiking shoes and bring drinking water. The hike is recommended for children older than 10.

Getting there: Crystal Cove State Park is between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach on the Coast Highway. Hours: 6 a.m. to sunset daily. Parking: $6.

Information: (714) 494-3539.