Brochure spotlights rec areas

"Outdoors in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area" is hot off the presses.

The brochure highlights such programs as National Public Lands Day at Paramount Ranch. The 23nd annual docent training is a fun way to learn local history and distinguish different plants and animals, as well as walks, hikes and talks leading to knowledge and appreciation of the local flora and fauna.

The National Park Service also sponsors a lecture series. Other programs include walks,

talks and presentations by more than 30 nonprofit organizations and the national and state parks.

The brochure is free and is available by calling (805) 3702301, by stopping by the National Park Service Visitor Center at 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, or by writing Outdoors, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.

The center is open every day except holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, see "Outdoors" at www.nps.gov/samo.