Environment : Notes about your surroundings.

AT THE ZOO: The Santa Ana Zoo education department begins the spring session of its docent training workshop on March 22. The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to noon, through April 7.

The workshop provides an overview of the zoo’s animal collection and serves as introduction to the field of zoology. The course also focuses on instructional techniques used in conducting zoo tours and on working in the new zoo laboratory with students.

After course completion, docents are invited to work in the education programs and become involved in Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo. Reservations for the workshop are required and space is limited. Information: (714) 836-4000.

BIRDING CLASS: “Birding for Beginners: From Binoculars to Field Trips” is a short course--one evening session and one field trip--offered April 7 and 9 by UC Irvine Extension.

Participants will learn how to identify birds through slides and lecture at the evening session. A Saturday field trip to Bolsa Chica will give beginning birders a chance to see spring migrants on the wetlands.

The course begins April 7, from 7 to 10 p.m., in Room 162 of the social science lab on the Irvine campus. The field trip will be April 9 from 7 a.m. to noon. Fee for the course is $55. Information: (714) 856-5414.