ENVIRONMENT

Notes about your surroundings

Hot Shots--Winners of the 12th annual photography contest sponsored by the Amigos de Bolsa Chica will be announced at the group’s general meeting Sept. 16. The photos, taken at the Bolsa Chica wetlands, will be on display. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. in Room B-7 at Huntington Beach City Hall. The public is invited.

If the scenes pique your interest in the beauty of the area, help keep it picture-perfect by joining in the annual California Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 19. Volunteers are needed to gather trash at the wetlands from 9 a.m. to noon. Parking is free at Bolsa Chica State Beach, with vans available to transport helpers to cleanup locations. Garbage bags and data cards to track the trash will be distributed. Bring sunscreen, hats and gloves. Special activities for young people are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center parking lot on Warner Avenue near Pacific Coast Highway. Information: Bolsa Chica Conservancy, (714) 846-1114 or Bolsa Chica Foundation, (714) 897-7003.

The San Clemente chapter of the Surfrider Foundation will be working on the Trestles beach and wetlands and the pier area from 8 a.m. to noon. (949) 492-8248. For more information about the cleanup day, call the California Coastal Commission at (800) 262-7848.

Musical Note--Sing, dance and eat--all in support of trees--at the Tree Society of Orange County’s “Tree Music at Sunset” fund-raiser Sept. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fullerton Arboretum. Get in the mood by arriving early and taking a self-guided tour of the arboretum. Blue grass and classic country music will be provided by the Saddle Mountain Band, starting at 5. The taco bar opens at 5:30. Line dancing, an old-fashioned sing-along and a silent auction are planned. Western or casual dress is recommended. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children under 12. Proceeds go to the society’s grant program, which helps nonprofit organizations plant trees in their communities. Information and reservations: (714) 526-6173.

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