Notes about your surroundings

Reel Time--A screening of nature films at Orange Coast College on March 24 will raise funds for Adventurous Souls, a student environmental club. Selections from the annual Banff Festival of Mountain Films will be shown from 7 to 9 p.m. in the college’s Robert B. Moore Theatre. Admission is $5 for club members; $7 for Orange Coast students and $10 for others. There will also be a raffle of tents and sleeping bags, kayak and rock climbing lessons, and specialty hiking equipment.

The Banff festival, started in 1976, now includes more than 120 films by amateur filmmakers from 25 countries.

Tickets can be purchased at Adventure 16 Outdoor & Travel Outfitters, 1959 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. For more information, call (714) 650-3301.

Take a Peak--What can you see from the top of Saddleback Mountain? Enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline, Catalina Island and the surrounding mountain ranges. Experienced hikers are invited on a 16-mile trek to Santiago Peak on March 21, presented by city of Irvine Community Services. The $28 fee includes trail guide and transportation. Participants must be at least 18. The hike runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with departure from University Community Park, 1 Beech Tree Lane, Irvine. Registration information: (714) 724-6610.

Butterfly Fans--The Orange County Butterfly Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Wagon Wheel Elementary School, 30912 Bridle Path, Trabuco Canyon. A slide presentation will show both local butterflies and those in Peru along the upper Amazon River. Free. Information: Don Mitchell, (714) 550-7420, Ext. 3204.

Color It Green--Reward ride-sharers on St. Patrick’s Day with a bit o’ green, suggests Southern California Rideshare. On March 17, pass out green candy, bagels, plants or everyone’s favorite--cash--to those who car pool or use public transportation.