ENVIRONMENT

Notes about your surroundings

Earth Wise--Endangered species, the impact of humans on the environment and marine ecology are the subjects of fall semester courses at Orange Coast College. Ecology 130 will examine the causes of extinction, future outlook, protective laws and the role of zoos in preservation. A special emphasis will be given to California species. It meets from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays. “Environment and Man” will look at the physical and biological components of the environment and ways of reversing environmental deterioration. Hours are noon to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Ecology 121 covers Southern California’s marine intertidal environment and includes field trips. It takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Fall semester classes begin Aug. 17. Enrollment fees are $12 per unit. Orange Coast College is at 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. The admissions office is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: (714) 432-5072.

Dollar Day--The Orange County Marine Institute’s Sand Dollar Guild will host a cocktail party Monday aboard the docked R/V Sea Explorer. Those interested in becoming members can learn about supporting the institute’s educational programs. Tours of the institute and a look at the new “Ocean in Motion” van will be part of the evening’s activities. Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Orange County Marine Institute is at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. Reservations: Patti Vogan, (949) 496-2274, Ext. 411.

Zoo News--The animals, history and future plans of the Orange County Zoo will be the focus of a talk Tuesday by Forrest Despain, zoo director. He will speak at 7:30 p.m. at the Sea Country Community Center, 24602 Aliso Creek Road, Laguna Niguel. The free lecture is one in a series presented by the Orange County Natural History Assn. (949) 487-9155.

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Send information for the Environment column to Vicky Clepper, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Fax: (714) 966-7711.