Take an adventure at Botanic Garden

The program "Family Adventures" is presented at 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month under the big oak tree in front of Ayres Hall at the L.A. County Botanic Garden (the new name for the Arboretum of Los Angeles County), 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Each Saturday program will explore a different theme relating to nature or the environment, and will include a variety of activities such as a short story or talk, a walk to a special part of the garden, as well as a take-home nature craft activity.

Upcoming programs include: Sat., March 1: "More Trees Please!" Families will enjoy a walking tree tour around the garden and learn about tree folklore plus take time for a story and make leaf magnets to take home.

Sat., April 5: "Bamboo for You!" Participants will take a hike through the bamboo forest at the garden and learn how bamboo grows and how it is used. Children can make their very own bamboo rain stick.

The cost is $10 per family for members, $14 per family for nonmembers and pre-registration is required. In the event of rain, the program for that day will be cancelled.

Among other family-oriented event coming up at the garden is an Environmental Education Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat. and Sun., March 8 and 9. Children will learn about the environment, conservation and ecology through hands-on natural science projects, free demonstrations and nature games. For more information, please visit the Website www.creec.org.

The Arcadia Insect Fair will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri. through Sun., April 11, 12 and 13. It will feature local and exotic insects, spiders, scorpions, educational displays, equipment, books and supplies, bug shirts and toys.

Both fairs are free with admission to the garden, which is $1 for children 5 through 12, $3 seniors/students and $5 adults. Garden hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

For more information, please call (626) 821-3222 or visit www.lacountybotanicgarden.org.