Notes about your surroundings

Return of the Native--The Bolsa Chica Stewards will be planting native seeds and plants from September through the end of March on the mesa portion of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve to help restore it to a native ecosystem. Last October, test plots were planted with native seed, and 125 native plants were put in during the spring. Those who would like to help continue the effort can either donate $4 for a plant or volunteer some hours of labor. Work days are scheduled for the third Saturday of each month. Meet in the parking lot at Coast Highway and Warner Avenue at 9 a.m. Wear work gloves, old clothes and sunscreen. Donations of garden tools and work gloves are welcome. Information: (714) 969-7229.

Night Moves--Take a “flashlight hike” Wednesday at the Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim Hills. Dan Jundanian, a naturalist at the center, will lead the hike, pointing out various sounds of the night and the nocturnal animals. It begins at 7:30 p.m. as part of the summer-long Wednesday “Nature Nights.” On Sept. 3, “bug chef” Ron Taylor will serve up insect hors d’oeuvres as well as facts about insects in the environment. The series concludes Sept. 10 with a chance to view the night sky through giant telescopes. Admission is free. A guided walk through the canyon precedes the programs, beginning at 7 p.m. The nature center is at 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, just off Nohl Ranch Road near the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. Information: (714) 998-8380.

Beach Call--The California Coastal Cleanup this year will be Saturday, Sept. 20, giving volunteers a chance to scour the sand and surf. All state beaches are included in the program as well as a number of other parks and locations. For the nearest county coordinator, call (800) 262-7848 or call the state parks directly. In San Clemente, the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, along with Recreational Equipment Inc., will be working on the Trestles beach and wetlands, the pier area and San Clemente State Park, from 8 to 11 a.m. To join in, call Erik LaPort at (714) 543-4142.