Day of the Dolphin Volunteers Sought

The Orange County chapter of the American Cetacean Society seeks volunteers to be part of its Day of the Dolphin research team. Volunteers will be placed at 14 stations along county beaches to sight and observe Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins.

The project takes place Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Volunteers may sign up for two hours, four hours or all day. No experience is necessary, but you must attend an orientation meeting Thursday where you will receive instructions, sign up for station and time and meet a team leader. The orientation meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Ave. (near Harbor Boulevard and 19th Street at Lions Park).

The project is an ongoing quarterly event to help assess the dolphin population off the Orange County coast.

* Orange County Marine Institute biologist Luci Francis will discuss releasing marine mammals into the wild at the Institute in Dana Point on Saturday. The lecture will be followed by marine mammal exploration cruise on the institute’s vessel, Sea Explorer. Cost for nonmembers is $18 for adults, $12 for children (12 and younger). Participation limited to 50. Reservations and information: (714) 496-2274.

* “Kelp: California’s Golden Forest” at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro provides a glimpse of life inside a kelp forest. Black sea bass, garibaldis, sea cucumbers and sunflower sea stars are among the animals that call the 3,200-gallon kelp forest tank home. Moray eel and octopuses are housed in separate tanks, and the story of their predator-prey relationship is recounted throughout the exhibit.

Visitors can learn about another kelp forest inhabitant, the sea otter, in displays included in the exhibit. Information: Call (310) 548-7563.

ANTHROPOLOGY

* Primatologist Richard Wrangham will lecture on the origins of human violence, as discussed in his book “Demonic Males: Apes and the Origins of Human Violence,” at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. Call (213) 744-3534.

BOTANY

* Fullerton Arboretum nature guides will conduct an exploration of the grounds, plants and water system of the 26-acre facility on Saturday at 10 a.m. The $5 fee for nonmembers includes coffee or hot cider and a chance to ask the guides questions after the walk. No reservation required. The arboretum is at 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton. Information: (714) 773-3404.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE SCIENCE

* E. C. Krupp, director of the Griffith Observatory, will discuss the topic of his latest book, “Skywatchers, Shamans & Kings,” in a lecture co-sponsored by the Friends of the Observatory on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Planetarium Theater. For reservations call (818) 846-3686.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

* The Launch Pad’s Fourth Annual Bubble Festival will spotlight the talents of “bubble-ologist” Tom Noddy. He will create a 12-sided jewel bubble, a bubble volcano (complete with smoke), a caterpillar bubble and other wonders of soap and water. Visitors will be able to participate in after-performance activities such as painting with bubbles, creating geometric bubble wants and making string and straw bubble blowers.

Performances on Feb. 8 and 9 at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Prices are $3.25 for Launch Pad members, $5.75 for nonmembers, which includes admission to the Launch Pad. Reserve tickets by calling (714) 546-2061; location is 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, on the third floor of Crystal Court.