ENVIRONMENT

Notes about your surroundings

Outdoor Education--Volunteers are needed to lead elementary schoolchildren on weekday tours of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a freshwater marsh in Irvine. The Sea & Sage Audubon Society has scheduled a nine-session training program that begins Thursday and continues on selected Tuesday and Thursday mornings through November from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn outdoor teaching techniques and how to use microscopes, binoculars and water-quality equipment. Graduates of the program will help children identify birds and pond life during two-hour tours. Volunteers must be available to conduct tours at least two days a month between November and next May. The $15 fee includes a training manual, materials and name badge. Registration: Trude Hurd, at (949) 261-7963.

Water Deal--Tap into ways to conserve water and cut monthly bills during a free water issues study course and tour Sept. 26. The Santa Margarita Water District will take customers on a tour and provide information on state and federal water issues, local projects, the history and politics of water in Southern California, ground water, reclaimed water, rates, water quality and conservation. It begins at 8 a.m. at district headquarters, 26111 Antonio Parkway in Rancho Santa Margarita. A bus tour, lunch and wrap-up session follow. Space is limited and reservations are required. Kate Keena, (949) 348-1438.

Going Native--Using native plants in home landscapes can conserve water and support native birds and other animals. Mike Evans, founder and co-owner of the Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano, will explain how at the meeting of the California Native Plant Society, Orange County chapter. It takes place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Irvine Ranch Water District headquarters, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine. Free. Celia Kutcher, (714) 278-4795.