ENVIRONMENT

Insect Lore--See how the preying mantis awaits its meal. Learn the friends and foes of aphids. The life cycles and habits of insects will be explored during a free talk and slide show Feb. 27 by Peter Bryant of the UC Irvine biology faculty. The program, presented by the Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy, takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in room 210 of Saddleback College’s Business/General Studies Center, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

On Feb. 28, the conservancy will host a “Wildflower Wander,” its annual spring fund-raiser. A naturalist will lead walkers through hills and canyons. Bring lunch, water, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, a hat and sunscreen. Cameras and binoculars are also recommended. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $22 per person. For reservations, call (714) 489-9778.

The conservancy manages a 1,200-acre wilderness preserve five miles east of San Juan Capistrano.

March in April--The Bolsa Chica Land Trust is planning a walkathon April 18, with funds going to preserve the wetlands and mesa. To pitch in, call (714) 960-9939.

Clean Getaways--Expediciones Ecotouristicas, an organization offering ecological tours, will give a free slide show featuring Baja California, Mexico. The slides will show remote locations including waterfalls, an oasis, hot springs and ancient cave paintings. It begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at Adventure 16 Outdoor & Travel Outfitters, 1959 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. (714) 650-3301.

Rain Delay--A tree planting originally scheduled for Jan. 10 by ReLeaf Costa Mesa has been moved to Saturday. Volunteers should meet in the parking lot of TeWinkle Intermediate School, 3224 N. California St. at 9 a.m. to plant trees in the Mesa Verde neighborhood. Bring gloves and work clothes, and shovels if available. If it rains again, call (714) 437-5874 for a new date.