Notes about your surroundings

Forces for Nature--With Earth Day and Volunteer Connection Days coming up next weekend, there will be a wide variety of activities to join in throughout the county. Among them:

Earth Day activities at Upper Newport Bay next Sunday include music, environmental exhibits, crafts and canoe and kayak tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Shellmaker Island. Free. Information: (949) 640-6746.

A cleanup of Canyon Park in Costa Mesa starts at 8 a.m. to remove litter, pull weeds and plant native shrubs, ground cover and trees. Information: (714) 754-5140.

Everything’s coming up green at the Fullerton Arboretum’s annual Green Scene Garden Show on Saturday and next Sunday. Look for tips on organic gardening, growing California native plants and natural pest control. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6; children 17 and under are free. Information: (714) 278-3404.

On Saturday, a “Wildflower Wander” will raise money for the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy. Beginning at 9 a.m., a guide will take hikers through the reserve in search of spring flowers. $22. Bring a picnic lunch and water. Reservations: (949) 489-9778.

There will also be a fund-raising hike through Little Sycamore Canyon in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park on Saturday at 8, 8:45 or 9:30 a.m. $20. Reservations are required. Information: (949) 855-7275.

March for the Mesa is planned on Saturday in support of preserving the Bolsa Chica mesa. Walkers sign up sponsors for a one-mile, three-mile or five-mile route. Registration starts at 9 a.m. The walkathon takes off from the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve parking lot on Warner Avenue at Pacific Coast Highway. An accompanying festival features live music, displays, entertainment and food. Information: (714) 960-9939.

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Send items for consideration to Vicky Clepper, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Fax: (714) 966-4562.