Notes about your surroundingsFocus of Attention--Snap a...

Notes about your surroundings

Focus of Attention--Snap a photo of a heron or a plant at the Bolsa Chica wetlands for the 11th annual photography contest sponsored by the Amigos de Bolsa Chica. The contest is open to amateur photographers, and photos must be taken at the wetlands, in places open to the general public, public tours or areas open to volunteers on cleanup days. Categories include photos of herons and egrets, terns, other bird and animal life, plants and landscapes and people. Prizes are $100 gift certificates from camera stores, $25 cash and ribbons. The deadline for submissions is July 31. Entry forms are available at local shops, the information counter at Huntington Beach City Hall or by calling the Amigos at (714) 897-7003. Winning entries will be displayed at City Hall in September.

Name That Plant--Learn how to identify the plants that grow in Orange County’s coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grasslands and other habitats. Experts will explain key characteristics and give identification tips at the meeting of the California Native Plant Society, Orange County chapter. It begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Irvine Ranch Water District headquarters, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine. Got a mystery plant? Bring in samples or clear photos to challenge the experts. Free. Information: Celia Kutcher, (714) 278-4795.

Cleanup Views--Marine Corps representatives will provide information on contaminated soil at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station at a community meeting Thursday, and discuss cleanup alternatives. There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions and comment. The meeting runs from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Conference and Training Center, Irvine City Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza.

Nature Talk--Cathy Glasgow, recreation supervisor at the Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim Hills, will discuss the plants and animals found at the center and describe the programs available to the public at a lecture presented by the Orange County Natural History Assn. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sea Country Community Center, 24602 Aliso Creek Road, Laguna Niguel. Information: (714) 487-9155.