Notes about your surroundings

Water Ways--The summer lecture series at the Orange County Marine Institute wraps up Aug. 24 with a talk on “Surf Science: Science in the Surf Zone.” The free series covers current issues in ocean resources and management presented by staff scientists. The talk runs from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. at the institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. Information: (714) 496-2274

Black Tie and Tails--Be a party animal Saturday at the Santa Ana Zoo to raise money for the new children’s zoo. Recommended dress is black tie/safari attire. The event, sponsored by the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo, includes dinner, dancing, a silent auction and wild animal program. It begins at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $100 per person. Reservations: (714) 953-8555. The zoo is in Prentice Park, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana.

Public Opinion--Discussions on the Bolsa Chica lowlands restoration project will be held Thursday and Sept. 11 at the Huntington Beach Library, 7111 Talbert Ave. Thursday’s session will cover the relationship between the restoration of the wetlands and Orange County’s proposal to reroute discharge from the East Garden Grove/Wintersburg Channel into the proposed tidal basin. Hours are 3 to 6 p.m. and again from 7 to 10 p.m. The session Sept. 11 will deal with the function, design and operation of a second ocean inlet to restore tidal wetland habitat at Bolsa Chica. The meetings are presented by the Bolsa Chica Wetlands Steering Committee. Information: Melanie Denninger at the California Coastal Conservancy, (510) 286-4180.