ENVIRONMENT

Notes about your surroundings.

Saturday Sights--The 30th season of free, guided walking tours begins Saturday at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Conducted by the Friends of Newport Bay, the walks introduce visitors to the wildlife in the estuary and coastal salt marsh. The reserve is the winter home for thousands of birds, a rest stop for migrating birds and protects endangered and rare species of birds and plants. The tour covers the bay’s history, geology and fossils and food chain. Groups will leave every 15 minutes from 9 to 10:15 a.m. from Eastbluff and Backbay drives. The two-hour walks cover a mile, moving at an easy pace. Recommended items: comfortable shoes, hat, bird book, camera and binoculars. Tours are given the second Saturday of each month through March 13. Information: Dick Kust, (949) 786-8878.

Autumn Festival--Share a bite with “bug chef” Ron Taylor, who will be cooking insects as part of the Fullerton Arboretum’s Arborfest Saturday and next Sunday. He’ll give demonstrations at 1 p.m. Not to your taste? A variety of nature and wildlife activities will also be offered, including Oak Canyon Nature Center’s leaf rubbing, children’s garden crafts, seed planting with the Orange County Master Gardeners, animal artifacts from the Santa Ana Zoo, and nature crafts by the Wonders of Wildlife. Other attractions at the 26-acre arboretum: apple pressing, plant and craft sales, wood carving, spinning, and hay rides. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults; children 17 and younger are free. The arboretum is at 1900 Associated Road. Information: (714) 278-3404.

Beak Performance--Head to the beach Saturday to raise money for preserving the Bolsa Chica wetlands. The Amigos de Bolsa Chica’s annual “Running Is for the Birds” walk and run takes place at the north end of Bolsa Chica State Beach. Registration runs from 7 to 8 a.m., with the first race starting out at 8:30. Cost is $23 for adults; $17 for those 12 and younger. Information: (714) 897-7003.