Notes about your surroundingsTern Out--The “Return of...

Notes about your surroundings

Tern Out--The “Return of the Terns and More” festival will be celebrated May 16, 17 and 18 in downtown Huntington Beach. The event is a fund-raiser for the Bolsa Chica Conservancy’s educational efforts and restoration projects at the Bolsa Chica wetlands. Carnival rides will be set up in the parking lot next to the pier, and Main Street will be closed off for display booths from environmental groups and city service clubs. There will also be live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, a custom car show and a custom motorcycle show. Admission is free. For more information, call Jim Robins at (714) 846-1114 or the Amigos de Bolsa Chica at (714) 897-7003.

Night Watch--A guided tour in search of bats, owls and other creatures of the dark will take place from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy. The hike is for adults and children 12 years and older. Preregistration is required. Cost is $6. For more information, call (714) 489-9778. The conservancy is a 1,200-acre wilderness reserve in the coastal foothills five miles east of San Juan Capistrano.

Wildlife Adventure--The Santa Ana Zoo is planning a 14-day safari to some of East Africa’s premier game viewing national parks in November. To learn more about it, a free preview slide show will be given Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the zoo’s education classroom, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana. For more information, call (714) 647-6598.

Crystal Clear--Enjoy one of the last undeveloped areas along the Southern California coast by taking a hike through the back country in Crystal Cove State Park on Saturday and May 11. The hikes, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, start out from the El Moro Nature Center and are three to five miles in length. Hiking shoes and drinking water are recommended. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Crystal Cove is located between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach on Coast Highway. Parking is $6. Hikes and tide pool walks are also offered on upcoming weekends. For more information, call (714) 494-3539.