Science / Medicine : Exhibit Looks at Role of Fire in Ecosystem
In drought-stricken and tinder-dry Southern California, it is sometimes difficult to realize that fire can play an important role in many plant communities. An exhibit at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County profiles one such local botanical community--the chaparral ecosystem.
“Chaparral: A Story of Life from Fire,” is a multimedia exhibit that presents the complexities of this critically important part of Southern California’s environment.
Laser discs and audio, lighting and environmental effects teach visitors about urban ecology, various chaparral communities, adaptations of chaparral to fire, soil microorganisms and fire ecology. A central part of the exhibit is a diorama which illustrates the chaparral’s cycle of regrowth from a recent burn through maturity.
The museum is in Exposition Park. Call (213) 744-3466.
ORNITHOLOGY
* Steve Laymon, research director of the Kern River Research Center, will discuss the breeding birds of riparian habitat restoration sites when he speaks at the Los Angeles Audubon Society monthly meeting Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Plummer Park. Call (213) 876-0202.
ASTRONOMY
* Los Angeles Astronomical Society president Tim Thompson will discuss relativity at the LAAS meeting at Griffith Observatory on Sept. 9 at 7:45 p.m. Call (213) 833-1733.
“The Outer Planets: Saturn, Uranus and Neptune,” will be the topic of the Moorpark College Astronomy program on Sept. 8 at 8:30 p.m. at the Charles Temple Observatory on campus. Call (805) 378-1408.
The El Camino College planetarium program will feature “Lord of the Rings,” a look at the planet Saturn, on Sept. 13, 20 and 27 at 8 p.m. Weather permitting after the program, those attending will be able to observe the night sky through the campus observatory’s 16-inch telescope. Call (213) 715-3406.
MARINE SCIENCE
* The Cabrillo Marine Museum’s popular “Weekend Tidepool Walks” at the Point Fermin Marine Life Refuge will resume on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Participants will meet at the museum and then join museum naturalists on an exploration of the nearby tide pools. Call (213) 548-7563.
The Foundation for Field Research is looking for volunteers to assist researchers in monitoring killer whales at Orcalab on Hanson Island near Vancouver Island, Canada. Team members contribute physical and financial support to research expeditions. Financial contributions may be tax-deductible. Call (619) 445-9264.
HEALTH/MEDICINE
* As part of its educational series on chemical dependency and related issues, St. John’s Hospital and Health Center in Santa Monica will present a lecture by Jim Conway on relationship issues, including enabling behaviors and co-dependency, on Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. Reservations are required. Call (213) 829-8905.
Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital will present a seminar on the physical and psychological implications of unresolved grief on Thursday at 7 p.m. Preregistration is required. Call (800) 356-2824.
The Cedars-Sinai “Yes We Can” Stroke Club will discuss healthy eating habits and diet at its monthly meeting Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. in the Harvey Morse Auditorium. Call (213) 855-3184.
