Notes about your surroundings.

The Marsh at Night--A walking tour to explore the San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Reserve during nighttime hours will be held Thursday. Sponsored by the UC Irvine Cooperative Outdoor Program, the walk is for people interested in the marsh’s evening ecology. Those who would like to participate are asked to call (714) 856-5181 to sign up. People who have signed up should meet at 7 p.m. at the UC Irvine North Campus Arboretum.

Also, two daytime tours of the marsh are scheduled Thursday and Friday. They will include discussion of the history of the reserve and the importance of the ducks and geese that migrate there each winter. Participants should meet at noon at the arboretum. For more information, call (714) 856-6031.

Upper Bay Field Trip--The Sea & Sage Chapter of the National Audubon Society will conduct a field trip of the Upper Newport Bay next Sunday. Unlike most field trips to the area, this outing will feature the west side of the bay. January is one of the best months for birding in the upper bay region because of the many shore birds, ducks, grebes and terns that winter there. Those wanting to attend the field trip are asked to meet at 8 a.m. on the bay side of University Drive, near the YMCA building. For more information, call (714) 543-7393.