Notes about your surroundings

Earth Day at the Bay--Environmental exhibits, activities and demonstrations will be featured at the eighth annual celebration of Earth Day next Sunday at Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve & Regional Park. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Shellmaker Island. A new attraction is “Recycle Road,” with displays and booths showing ways to reuse waste. Walking, canoe and kayak tours will be offered to explain the ecosystem of the estuary, and there will be an aquatic touch tank. Information: (714) 640-6746.

Fair Minded--Build castles from cans, test your knowledge in an environmental trivia challenge and make your way through an “earthwise” obstacle course at the Environmental Faire next Sunday at Peralta Canyon Park, 115 N. Pinney Drive in Anaheim. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. Trade in four empty glass, aluminum or plastic beverage containers for a free soda. Also featured are more than 50 environmental information booths, a marketplace, musical entertainment and product giveaways. Information: (714) 998-8380.

Helping Hand--In Huntington Beach, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust will be “Joining Hands for the Mesa” to commemorate Earth Day on Saturday. At 9 a.m., a work party will perform trail work, native plant care and cleanup. At 10 a.m., participants are asked to bring a colorful umbrella decorated with streamers to attract attention from Pacific Coast Highway and Warner Avenue. A celebratory program begins at 11 a.m. Information: (714) 960-3354.

Turtle Talk--The threatened California desert tortoise will be on display at the California Turtle and Tortoise Club’s educational show Saturday at the Costa Mesa Community Center, 1860 Anaheim Ave. The show is an annual event to promote the proper care of the reptiles and to raise awareness of conservation issues related to their natural habitats. Admission is $2 for adults; $1.50 for seniors. Children under 12 accompanied by an adult are free. Information: (714) 492-0823.