Below is a list of announcements and events taking place throughout California and in other parts of the country. Please call the contact information listed for each event prior to attending to confirm.

Skip to May I Ongoing

Free Recycling Through the Mail

WASHINGTON, DC —Free and green. Those are the goals of a pilot program recently launched by the U.S. Postal Service that allows customers to recycle small electronics and inkjet cartridges by mailing them free of charge.

The “Mail Back” program helps consumers make more environmentally friendly choices, making it easier for customers to discard used or obsolete small electronics in an environmentally responsible way. Customers use free envelopes found in 1,500 Post Offices to mail back inkjet cartridges, PDAs, Blackberries, digital cameras, iPods and MP3 players – without having to pay for postage.

The free, postage-paid Mail Back envelopes can be found on displays in Post Office lobbies. There is no limit to the number of envelopes customers may take. The pilot is set for 10 areas across the country, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego, but could become a national program this fall if the pilot program proves successful. For more information about the “mail back” program visit:

http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/pr08_028.htm

Sat, May 3

CD 6 Environmental Community Clean Up Come and help clean up the area surrounding Sun Valley! This community clean up event will take place from 8 am to 2 pm at the Sun Valley Recreational Center. The Sun Valley Recreational Center is located at 8133 Vineland Ave in Sun Valley. For more information, call (213) 771-0236.

CD 3 & CD 12 Day of Service This day of service will focus on the Chatworth, Canoga Park and West Hills areas. There will be beautification projects, tree giveaways, and other activities throughout these three areas. The day of service will begin at 8 am and end at 12 pm. Volunteers should meet at the Chatsworth Train Depot located at 10038 Old Depot Plaza Road in Chatsworth. For more information, contact Tessa Charnofsky at (213) 779-4990 or email Tessa at Tessa.Charnofsky@lacity.org.

May 3, 27, 31

Bureau of Sanitation Open Houses The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation is hosting its 6th annual open house events offered free to the public. Each of the city’s six sanitation yards, in Sun Valley, Northridge, Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park, South Los Angeles, San Pedro and West Los Angeles, will promote recycling fun while providing hands-on educational experiences and informational material on city programs. Each Sanitation yard will be opened on a specific date in May and June. For more information on open house dates and locations, call (800) 773-2489.

Ladybugs and Butterflies! Come to the Natural History Museum and learn about bugs. Children will also visit the garden and release some bugs of their own. Children will hear buggy stories and even take home your very own seedling! This program is for 3-5 year olds and a participating adult. All programs are free with paid Museum admission. Check-in at Museum's South Doors. The Natural History Museum is located at 900 Exposition Blvd. in Los Angeles. For more information, please call (213) 763-3348.

Sun, May 11

Thurs, May 15^th

The Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative is holding its Sixth Annual Community Forum, and everyone is invited to attend this FREE event! Drawing on Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative's unparalleled track record of revitalizing diverse areas, this exciting event gathers and trains neighborhood leaders and community stakeholders, providing a critical opportunity for dialogue and information sharing. This event will be held on Thursday May 15^th 2008, from 8 AM - 2:30 PM at the Davidson Conference Center 3415 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90089. Register now at www.lani.org or call 213 627-1822 ext. 20.

Sat, May 17

Arbor Day LA Join Los Angeles in celebrating Arbor Day! From 10 am to 2 pm at Griffith Park, join in on events aimed to share the important benefits of trees in communities. You can also pick up a tree of your own and aid in Los Angeles’ Million Trees Initiative. Griffith Park is located at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive in Los Angeles. For more information, call (213) 473-9950 or visit www.milliontreesla.org.

Endangered Species Day Come to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium to learn about marine animals that have been placed on the endangered species list and how they are fairing today. Start the day with a guided tidepool walk at 8:30 am, join in on a scavenger hunt, and a special story time. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive in San Pedro. For more information, visit www.cabrilloaq.org or call (310) 548-7562.

Sun, May 18

Whole Children Whole Planet Expo Green-minded parents and those interested in preserving the planet for future generations, will find a world of enrichment, knowledge and enjoyment at this year's expo, which features the latest socially and environmentally friendly products, services and entertainment. Tickets are $10 and will be taking place at Highland Hall Waldorf School located at 17100 Superior Street in Los Angeles. For more information, call (818) 781-8989 or visit www.wcwpexpo.com.

Archaeology Adventures Every Sunday from 12 pm to 3:30 pm, come by the Skirball Cultural Center to experience archaeology hands-on. Learn about the history of the ancient Near East, the methods for excavating a site, and the importance of preserving archaeological artifacts. Free with museum admission. The Skirball is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Call (310) 440-4500 or visit www.skirball.org for more information.

Arts for the NexGen at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Arts for NexGen is the nation’s only free art program that offers different activities everyday of the week including family day Sundays. Admission is free to children 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. NexGen offers art camps, art classes, a just for teens program, and also conducts a children’s audio tour. In order to take advantage of NexGen, you must either visit the LACMA box office or print out an enrollment form and mail it in. LACMA is open everyday except for Wednesdays and is located at 5905 Wilshire Boulevard in the city of Los Angeles. For more information regarding NexGen visit www.lacma.org or call (323) 857-6000.

Bicycle Coalition Road Bike Safety Training gives cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques and includes a student manual. Recommended for adults and children above age fourteen, this nine-hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling. Fees are $25 for LACBC members and $35 for non-members. A sliding scale may be applied for those in financial need. Training occurs over three separate days (attendance on all dates required for passage of the course). Instructor Chris Ziegler is certified by the League of American Bicyclists. Classes are scheduled as interest demands. Class size of 4-5 students of similar skill level is preferred. To sign up for the next class offering, email monica@labikecoalition.org or call (213) 629-2142. Be sure to note the skill level, age, location, and the number of people for whom you are requesting. For more info, visit the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition's webpage at www.labikecoalition.org/.

Cabrillo Marine Tidepool Walks in Spanish Are you or do you know a Spanish speaker that is interested in tidepools? On selected days, the Cabrillo Aquarium will provide an overview of tidepool animals and a guided walk to the tidepools of the Point Fermin Marine Life Refuge, all in Spanish. Hablas Espanol? Esta clase de la costa rocosa, ensenara sobre los animales de las posas de marea tendra una caminata guiada por Point Fermin Marine Life Refug. Fee $1. Instructor: CMA Educator Alfonso Montiel. For more info, call Cabrillo Marine Aquarium at (310) 548-7562 x217 or visit http://www.cabrilloaq.org/science.html.

Critter Club at the Natural History Museum is a hands-on program for 3-5 year olds every second Saturday from 10-11am. Children can meet live animals, make crafts, listen to stories, play games and learn songs. The museum is located at 900 Exposition Blvd. in Los Angeles. Call (213) 763– DINO for more information.

Discovery Carts for Kids On Saturdays, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, kids of all ages can explore the world of nature every Saturday at The Huntington. “Discovery Carts,” located at the Lily Ponds in the Japanese Garden, welcome budding young botanists with a variety of hands-on learning activities. On the first Saturday of each month, Nature Crafts are also offered near the Entrance Pavilion. No reservations required. Free with museum admission (children under 5 enter free). For more information on this and other programs at the Huntington, visit http://www.huntington.org.

Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square As the winter season approaches, take your family down to Pershing Square for a day of ice skating at the Southland’s largest outdoor skating rink. Pershing Square is located at 532 Olive Street in Downtown Los Angeles. For hours of operation, visit http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/pershing.htm.

Interpretive Arroyo at Kidspace Children’s Museum Kidspace’s Interpretive Arroyo is a mini model of Pasadena’s own Arroyo Seco, with gentle, rolling water, real arroyo stones found on site at Kidspace, and native plants. With periodic “rain” off the covered bridge, the Interpretive Arroyo provides a perfect setting for children to learn about the water cycle as they splash around. The exhibit takes place daily from 9:30am-5pm and admission is $8 for adults and children. Kidspace Children’s Museum is located on 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. in the city of Pasadena. For more information please visit Kidspace’s webpage at www.kidspacemuseum.org or call (626) 449-9144.

Interpretive Nature Tours at The Ballona Wetlands Tour On the second Sunday of each month, join the Friends of Ballona Wetlands for an exciting, informative nature tour. Explore the wonders of nature right in the middle of urban Los Angeles! Enter the Wetlands through the the gate located in the parking lot behind Gordon's Market at 303 Culver Boulevard in Playa del Rey. Tour will begin at the restoration trailer at 10 am and ends at 11 am. For more information visit http://www.ballonafriends.org.

Kid-Paced Family Nature Walks Led by volunteers of the Children’s Nature Institute, children (infants through 8-year-olds) are exposed to the rich environments of the natural world while on a gentle, stroller-safe 2-hour walk. Hikes begin at 10am, and there is a $7 suggested donation per family. Reservations are required. For more information and to reserve a spot at one of their many locations, visit http://www.ChildrensNatureInstitute.org or call (310) 860-9484.

Native Garden Day & Beach Clean Up On the first Saturday of each month, join the Education staff and volunteers in maintaining the Cabrillo Native Garden by weeding and planting while you learn more about its plant and animal inhabitants. Also join others in a beach cleanup that is sure to improve the condition of coastal waters. The event is free and people of all ages are welcome. The event will take place from 8 am to 10 am at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium at 3720 Stephen White Drive in the City of San Pedro. For more information, call (310) 548-7562 or visit www.cabrilloaq.com.

Nature Hike to Eaton Canyon Falls Need to cool off? Take a hike to the waterfall on the fourth Sunday of every month from 9am to noon. The hike is geared toward anyone who is comfortable hiking 3.5 miles at a moderate pace, boulder-hopping, crossing the water several times, and doesn't mind getting wet. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Bring a snack for afterward. Free to the public. The Eaton Canyon Nature Center is located at 1750 N. Altadena Drive in Pasadena. For more information call the Eaton Canyon Nature Center at (626) 398-5420 or visit their website at http://www.ecnca.org.

Restoration Party at the Ballona Dunes Come help restore the last coastal wetland habit in Los Angeles County on the fourth Saturday of every month. Volunteers get a hands-on experience planting native plants and removing invasive non-natives, while learning about wetland ecology. Meet at the entrance gate to the wetlands, located at 303 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey at 9:30 am. For more information visit http://www.ballonafriends.org, or call (310) 306-5994.

Roundhouse Aquarium Sea Story Time Every Sunday at 11:30 am, enjoy a story about sea life, create a craft to take home, and touch some live animals or cool artifacts that relate to the story. Activities are for all ages, and are free to the public. The Roundhouse Aquarium is located at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier. Visit their website at http://www.roundhouseaquarium.org, or call (310) 379-8117 for additional information.

Shark Lagoon Nights Every Friday from 6-9pm, enjoy a night at the Aquarium of the Pacific where you can listen to music, enjoy a meal, and touch the sharks in the Shark Lagoon at no cost. The aquarium is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach. For more information visit http://www.aquariumofpacific.org or call (562) 590-3100.

Come help restore the last coastal wetland habit in Los Angeles County on the fourth Saturday of every month. Volunteers get a hands-on experience planting native plants and removing invasive non-natives, while learning about wetland ecology. Meet at the entrance gate to the wetlands, located at 303 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey at 9:30 am. For more information visit http://www.ballonafriends.org, or call (310) 306-5994.

Smart Gardening Workshops Los Angeles County residents can effectively reduce yard waste and improve their lawn and gardens through the Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Works Smart Gardening Workshops. The workshops provide hands on teaching on composting, worm composting, grasscycling, water-wise gardening, and fire-wise gardening. Demonstrations of various composting techniques are done using compost bins available at various County Smart Gardening centers. No reservations are necessary for these workshops, unless otherwise stated. At most of the workshops, interested residents can purchase a backyard composting bin and a worm composting bin at discounted prices. For more information and to obtain a schedule on the Smart Gardening workshop near you, call 1(888)CLEAN LA or visit www.smartgardening.com.

Star Parties Free public star parties are held monthly with the assistance of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers at the Griffith Observatory. They are a chance for the whole family to look at the sun, moon, visible planets, and other objects, to try out a variety of telescopes, and to talk to knowledgeable amateur astronomers about the sky and their equipment. The Satellite is located at 4800 Western Heritage Way in Los Angeles. For more information, visit the Griffith Park’s Star Parities webpage at http://www.griffithobservatory.org/pstarparties.html or visit the Los Angeles Astronomical Society’s webpage at http://www.laas.org/. Visitors must make shuttle reservations.

Whalewatch/Naturalist Training Observe Pacific Gray Whales on their migration along the Southern California coast. Whalewatch boats are scheduled daily from December 25, 2007 through March, 2008. Go to sea on any day to observe gray whales on their migration along Southern California's coast. Whalewatch volunteers, trained by CMA and the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society, lead two-to-three-hour boat trips from various landings. Fees vary by landing. To find out more, join the fun by calling Whalewatch at 310/548-8397, Tuesday through Friday, from 8:30 am-1 pm.

World of Life Discover the connections between all life forms at the California Science Centers exhibit “World of Life.” Explore the workings of the cell to the complex interactions of organs to keep the body in balance. Admission to the exhibit is free. The California Science Center is located at 700 State Dr. in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. For more information call (323) 724-3623.

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Webmaster: mailto:eadinfo@lacity.org Last modified: April 24, 2008