LAGUNA NIGUEL

The Orange County Natural History Museum welcomed a new resident Monday--a Couch’s spadefoot toad. This amphibian is a rare specimen that is a relative of the endangered native Arroyo toad, said the museum’s director, Daryl Walezak. One unique aspect of these toads is their survival instinct. When ponds dry up, they use their hind feet to dig down into the soil and bury themselves to preserve body moisture and hide from predators. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays and is at the entrance to the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, 28373 Alicia Parkway. Information: (949) 831-3287.