Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday at Dockweiler State Beach

The May Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Dockweiler State Beach, Playa del Rey.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to help keep our local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at 11999 Vista Del Mar, at the end of Imperial Highway. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a jacket. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to email Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Sunset at Dockweiler State Beach. Credit: Los Angeles Times

'Meet the Grunion' program at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro will be holding its "Meet the Grunion" program on Tuesday.

The aquarium exhibit hall will open at 8 p.m., with a film on grunion to be screened at 9. The cost to attend is $5 for adults and $1 for seniors, children and students. Tickets can be purchased on site (cash only).

Afterward, those who wish to participate will head to the beach to await the spawning run, which has a projected two-hour window of 10:45 p.m. to 12:45 a.m.

Grunion may only be caught in the months of March, June and July, so since this is closed season, it will be a observation only.

Runs are a sight to behold. For four consecutive nights, beginning on full- and new-moon phases during spring and summer, the small, silvery fish leave the water to spawn on beaches. The shoreline may glisten with fish as the silversides attempt to lay and fertilize their eggs.

There is no limit to the number of fish that may be caught during open season (the next one begins June 3), but the California Department of Fish and Game asks that people only catch what they will eat. Catchers 16 and older must possess a valid state fishing license.

The program will be offered again on May 5 and 19, June 3 and 17 and July 16.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive in San Pedro. Directions and parking information is available on the website.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A grunion burrows into the sand to lay her eggs. Credit: Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday at Will Rogers State Beach

The April Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup  will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to help keep our local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at the Heal the Bay tent that will be on-site. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to email Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
Twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Children play with their dog at Will Rogers State Beach. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Station Fire recovery program

Have you been wondering how the plants and critters in the Angeles National Forest have been recovering from the 2009 Station Fire, and when you'll be able to hike in the forest again? If so, plan on attending "Recovering From the Station Fire: The 2011 Update" Wednesday night at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center in Pasadena.

The program is being sponsored by the Forest Committee for the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter and will be presented by Angeles National Forest Acting Supervisor Marty Dumpis. Topics scheduled to be covered include preventing the invasion of non-native plant species and an update on areas that will be reopened to hiking, hopefully this summer and fall.

The fire in August 2009 burned more than 160,000 acres, and most of the forest and Angeles Crest Highway have been closed to the public ever since. The most recent closure order on the Angeles National Forest website says trails are still closed and entrance to the recovery area is prohibited, except for the Red Box Day Use Area, Hidden Springs Day Use Area and Monte Cristo Campground.

The program Wednesday is at 7:30 p.m., with a reception at 7 p.m. It's open to the public and will be at Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena.

—Julie Sheer

Photo: A hillside in bloom in May 2010, on a wildfire recovery hike in the Hall-Beckley canyon area near La Cañada-Flintridge. Credit: Julie Sheer

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday in Playa del Rey

The March Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Toes Beach in Playa del Rey.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different beaches and are an opportunity to help keep local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at the Heal the Bay tent that will be onsite. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

If it is raining steadily at the start time, the cleanup will be canceled. However, if the rain has stopped or it is just raining lightly, the cleanup will continue as scheduled.

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a jacket. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to e-mail Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A beachfront location that the locals call Toes Beach. Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

Adopt-A-Beach volunteer cleanup Thursday at Venice

Tadpole Marketing is proud to announce their first sponsored beach cleanup, taking place Thursday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Venice Beach.

In partnership with Heal the Bay's Adopt-A-Beach program, the cleanup is open to everyone who wants to take part in helping. RSVP's are requested but not mandatory.

Attendees should plan on meeting at Venice Beach's Washington Tower. If it is raining steadily at the start time, the cleanup will be canceled. However, if the rain has stopped or it is just raining lightly, the event will continue as scheduled.

All cleaning supplies will be provided. Liability waiver forms will be available on-site and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

To RSVP or for more information, e-mail or call Chris Ching at (310) 574-3730.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A bicyclist takes a ride at the beach in Venice. Credit: Los Angeles Times

 

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday at Dockweiler State Beach

The February Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Dockweiler State Beach, Playa del Rey.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to help keep our local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at 11999 Vista Del Mar, at the end of Imperial Highway. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

If it is raining steadily at the start time, the cleanup will be canceled. However, if the rain has stopped or it is just raining lightly, the cleanup will continue as scheduled.

Attendees should plan on wearing closed-toe shoes and bringing their own drinking water and snacks as well as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a jacket. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers can be printed in advance and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to e-mail Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Sunset at Dockweiler State Beach. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Great Backyard Bird Count begins Friday

It's time to break out the binoculars, birding books and notepads and get outside in the name of science.

Birding enthusiasts both novice and expert are encouraged to participate in the 14th annual Great Backyard Bird Count Friday through Monday across the U.S. and Canada.

"Whether people notice birds in backyards, parks or wilderness areas, we ask that they share their counts," said Judy Braus, Audubon’s senior vice president of Education and Centers. "It’s fun and rewarding for people of all ages and skill levels."

A joint project of the National Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada, it's an opportunity for people to monitor the bird activity in their neighborhoods. Participants count birds for as little as 15 minutes, or for as long as they wish, on one or more days of the event and report their sightings online.

"When thousands of people all tell us what they’re seeing, we can detect changes in birds' numbers and locations from year to year," said Janis Dickinson, director of Citizen Science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Last year, birders turned in 97,200 checklists -- a nearly 4% increase over the prior year -- identified 602 species and counted 11.2 million individual birds.

The GBBC website is chock-full of useful information, including printable regional tally sheets, frequently asked questions and information on entering the annual photo contest.

The survey is conducted in February to provide a snapshot of how birds are surviving the winter and where they are located just before spring migrations begin in March.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Flowers attract a hummingbird. Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

Portuguese man-of-war invade Florida beaches

 

More than 450 beach-goers were treated for injuries after scores of Portuguese man-of-war washed ashore on South Florida beaches over the weekend.

"It's extreme. It is wall-to-wall man-of-war," Delray Beach ocean rescue supervisor Heather Irurzun, a 14-year veteran, told the Palm Beach Post. "I've never seen it this bad."

Delray Beach actually closed to swimmers because of the influx of the stinging creatures, and lifeguards elsewhere were flying yellow caution flags, indicating the presence of the organisms.

While Portuguese man-of-war are a rather common occurrence in ocean waters off the state between Thanksgiving and Easter, consistent southeast winds over the last several days have sent a high number toward South Florida beaches.

The above video, shot by an area resident, shows hundreds of man-of-war left on the sand by tides and is reminiscent of the tranquil nature scenes that end CBS Sunday Morning, if not for the fact of the dangerous nature of the creature's tentacles, which remain capable of delivering painful stings even when on the sand.

Authorities have urged beach-goers not to touch the dead man-of-war, even with a stick. Meanwhile, lifeguards remain at the ready, equipped with treatment gels and ointments.

-- Kelly Burgess
Twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Video: LalaFizphotography via YouTube

Dodgers will join Heal the Bay for Santa Monica Beach cleanup on Feb. 15

The Dodgers Community Caravan is teaming up with Heal the Bay for a special beach cleanup event on Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at Santa Monica Beach.

The cleanup will provide fans with an up-close-and-personal opportunity to help clean up Santa Monica Beach with current and former Dodgers players and personalities. Scheduled to attend (subject to change): Matt Kemp, Rafael Furcal, Fernando Valenzuela, Pepe Yñiguez, broadcaster Charley Steiner, Jay Gibbons, Gabe Kapler, Ron Cey, Lou Johnson and Shawn Green.

Space is limited and available on a first-come basis and participants must register in advance. Attendees should plan on meeting on the sand at lifeguard tower 1550, just north of the Santa Monica Pier.

All cleanup supplies will be provided, but attendees need to bring their own water and sun protection. Participants can enter to win Dodger tickets and other raffle items while at the event.

-- Kelly Burgess

twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp, right, celebrates hitting a two-run homer with shortstop Rafael Furcal during a regular season game last year. Credit: Nick Doan / European Pressphoto Agency

Volunteer beach cleanup Saturday at Venice Beach

The January Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Venice Beach.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to help keep our local shores tidy.

Volunteers should plan to meet at 300 Ocean Front Walk, also at the end of Rose Avenue. All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

Attendees should plan on bringing their own drinking water as well as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waivers will be available on site and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to e-mail Eveline Bravo or call (800) 432-5229, Ext. 148, to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess
Twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A couple walks along the beach near the Venice Pier. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Whale Watch and Intertidal Life Festival at Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument is hosting its annual Whale Watch and Intertidal Life Festival on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The 24th annual event celebrates the Pacific gray whales and their return to local waters during their southbound migration to Baja California. The weekend will feature opportunities to watch for the leviathans and the chance to take guided tide-pool walks.

There also will be films; guest speakers sharing their expertise on a variety of marine-related subjects; and exhibitor booths filled with activities and information about whales, tide pools and local oceanic organizations.

All events are included with the regular park entrance fee of $5 per vehicle and $3 for motorcyclists, bicyclists and walk-ins.

Cabrillo National Monument is at the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, just west of the city of San Diego.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A statue of explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo looks out over the San Diego Bay at Cabrillo National Monument. Credit: New Thanyacheron / National Park Service