Notes about your surroundingsTake a Hike--Explore the...

Notes about your surroundings

Take a Hike--Explore the variety of wildlife and unique plants of Santa Catalina Island on a trip sponsored by the City of Irvine Community Services. The group will leave at 7:30 a.m. May 25 from University Community Park, 1 Beech Tree Lane, and return at 6 p.m. The $52 fee includes transportation to Catalina and trail guide. Hikers must be at least 18. Registration: (714) 724-6610.

Mountain Man--The beauty of the Sierra Nevada will be described by Dan Braun of the Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides during a free program Thursday at Adventure 16 Outdoor & Travel Outfitters, 1959 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, beginning at 7 p.m. His talk combines history, geology, anecdotes and useful information about the mountains. Information: (714) 650-3301.

Call of the Wild--Allan Schoenherr, a professor at Cal State Fullerton, will discuss “California Public Lands, Wild and Beautiful” at a talk presented by the Crystal Cove Interpretive Assn. It begins Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Nature Center at Crystal Cove State Park. His book, “A Natural History of California,” will be available for signing. Crystal Cove is between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach on Coast Highway.

Roar and Snore--Check out the night life at the Santa Ana Zoo during a sleepover. Bring a tent, sleeping bag, toothbrush and pajamas, and take an evening zoo tour. Dinner and breakfast are provided. Hours are 6 p.m. May 30 to 8 a.m. May 31. The program is designed for families with children 6 and older. The cost for an adult and child is $55; each additional person is $27.50. Space is limited and reservations are required. Information: (714) 836-4000. The zoo is in Prentice Park, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana.