Notes about your surroundings

Good Tidings--The edge of the ocean teems with unique plant life, linked in a close relationship with animal life. Douglas Errnisse, professor of biology at Cal State Fullerton and an expert on tide-pool ecology, will discuss “Flora and Fauna of Southern California’s Tide Pools” at the monthly meeting of the California Native Plant Society, Orange County chapter. It begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Irvine Ranch Water District headquarters, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine. Free. Celia Kutcher, (714) 449-4795.

Fired Up--Gather around the campfire Saturday to hear John Scholl, wildlife interpreter for the California Department of Fish and Game, talk about the marine mammals that make their home along the coastline. The campfire begins at 7:30 p.m. in the amphitheater on Shellmaker Island. Bring a blanket; marshmallows supplied. Shellmaker Island is off Backbay Drive in Newport Beach. Information: (714) 640-1742.

Water Works--A tour of water facilities will be conducted Saturday by the Yorba Linda Water District from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for residents of the district 18 years and older. Stops on the bus tour will include the Diemer Water Filtration Plant, the Richfield Road Plant, the ground water recharging operation at the Santa Ana River, and reservoirs and other key facilities. Discussion will focus on water resources, importing water from the Colorado River and Northern California, water supply and conservation, drought-tolerant landscape and water quality. Reservations: (714) 777-3018.

Around and About--Divers will be collecting trash Saturday during the Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup off Catalina Island. Information: Catalina Conservancy Divers, (310) 348-4750. At Sea World in San Diego, a Whale Symposium will take place Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Included will be a discussion of J.J., the orphaned gray whale calf. (619) 226-3900, Ext. 2467. Train to be a docent for the El Dorado Nature Center’s Paws and Jaws classroom program Feb. 19, 21, 26 and 28, 9 a.m.-noon. The center is at 7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach. (310) 570-1747.