Notes about your surroundings

Hawk Talk--View the splendor of soaring hawks and other raptors of Southern California through the work of wildlife photographer Russ Kerr. He will give a presentation Thursday at the meeting of the South Coast Audubon Society, which begins at 7 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Woman’s Club, 31442 El Horno in San Juan Capistrano. Information: Sachi Fukuman, (714) 498-4407.

Trail Detail--Orange County’s riding and hiking trails and the bikeway plan will be discussed by Jeff Dickman of the Orange County Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department at the meeting of the Sierra Club, Orange County chapter. It takes place at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at REI, 1411 S. Village Way, Santa Ana. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Environmental Study--Methods to reverse environmental deterioration will be explored through a spring semester course at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. “Environment and Man” will look at physical, biological and political means of protecting the environment, and ways of conserving and managing natural resources. The class meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at noon. Spring semester classes begin Jan. 20. Registration information: (714) 432-5072.

Land Rovers--Work off some of those holiday calories Saturday doing trail maintenance at the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy. Hours are from 8 to 11 a.m. Then, on Sunday, Jan. 11, enjoy a guided nature walk from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Hikers can search for the first wildflowers of the season, and learn about native plants and wildlife. Cost is $3 for adults and $2 for children. Reservations: (714) 489-9778. The conservancy is located five miles east of San Juan Capistrano.

Night Owls--Spend Saturday nights at the Turtle Rock Nature Center in Irvine learning about the area’s wildlife. Naturalists will highlight a different animal each month, using nature stories, songs and crafts. A night hike on the trail is also included, so bring a flashlight. The schedule is: pet birds, Jan. 10; beavers, Feb. 7; and rabbits, March 7. Hours are 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost is $3 per person or $10 for a family of four. Information: (714) 724-6610 or (714) 854-8151. The nature center is at 1 Sunnyhill Drive.