ENVIRONMENT / Notes about your surroundings

Season Opener--The first spring tour of the Bolsa Chica wetlands will be given Saturday by the Amigos de Bolsa Chica, providing the opportunity to view the many species of terns that nest there and their aerial courtship displays. Free docent-led tours depart every 20 minutes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. from the pedestrian bridge one mile south of Warner Avenue on Pacific Coast Highway at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Information: (714) 897-7003.

Zoo Eggsperience--You won’t need to crack a book to learn about eggs and the animals that lay them. The Santa Ana Zoo’s “Spring SpEGGtacular” on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers exhibits showing the different colors and size of eggs. Children’s crafts, seed planting and visits with the Easter bunny are also planned. The event is included with zoo admission: $3.50 for adults and $1.50 for children. Information: (714) 953-8555. The zoo is at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana.

Down to Earth--Children 6 to 12 can explore the natural world through a program offered by Irvine Community Services on Fridays, April 3-17. Topics include the ocean, mammals, weather, insects and dinosaurs. The classes are from 3:45 to 5 p.m. at University Community Park, 1 Beech Tree Lane, Irvine. Cost is $15. Registration information: (714) 724-6610. On the college level, Orange Coast College’s Associated Students will hold “Make a Difference Day” Tuesday. Organizations will have tables on campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing information about volunteer opportunities. Environmental groups will give presentations from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Information: (714) 432-5585.

Help Wanted--With the reopening of Cypress Nature Park set for mid-April, volunteers are needed to help with children’s tours, arts and crafts, maintenance and landscaping, and recreational activities on weekday afternoons and on weekends. Volunteers, who must be at least 18, will receive training and a T-shirt. The park is at 4201 Ball Road. Registration and information: (714) 229-6780.