Science / Medicine : Yosemite Now and Then in Exhibit

The environment of Yosemite as it was in the 1890s and 1900s and as it is today is the focus of an exhibit now at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the founding of Yosemite National Park, the exhibit combines the words of naturalist John Muir and the contemporary photographs of Galen Rowell to display the “grand vision” of Yosemite.

Archival photographs taken by Joseph N. Le Conte near the turn of the century and excerpts from Muir’s correspondence to conservationists and politicians give visitors an opportunity to see the park’s environment as it was and as it is now.

The exhibit will continue through Feb. 3, 1991. Call (213) 744-3466 or 744-3414.

ENVIRONMENT

Participants will learn about the eroded desert hillsides of the Borrego Badlands in Anza-Borrego State Park in a nature field trip led by Palm Springs Desert Museum naturalists on Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m. Call (619) 325-0189.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

The winter solstice will occur on Dec. 21, when the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky. The Westside Arts Center is having a workshop for children ages 6 to 12 to learn about the movements of the sun and the many rituals surrounding the changing seasons on Dec. 31 at 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Call (213) 395-1443.

ASTRONOMY

The Griffith Observatory gets into the holiday spirit this month with “The Christmas Star” planetarium program, daily except for today and Dec. 25, through Jan. 1, 1991. Call (213) 664-1191.

ORNITHOLOGY

The sea birds of the Channel Islands and the Brown Pelican will be examined in separate Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center programs this month. “The Makings of a Pelican” will be presented Saturday, Sunday and Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. The sea birds program will be held Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. Call (805) 644-8262.

NATURAL SCIENCE

Abstract and often bizarre images of the microscopic world captured by photomicrographic techniques are currently on display at the California Museum of Science and Industry through Jan. 6, 1991. Call (213) 744-7400.

The Foundation for Field Research, a nonprofit organization that facilitates research expeditions throughout the world, has space available on several upcoming projects, including a study of endangered sea turtles, observing the Quetzal bird of Mexico and recording and photographing giant ground figures in Death Valley. Volunteers provide physical and financial support for the projects. Call (619) 445-9264.