Notes about your surroundings.

Nature Nights--The Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim is sponsoring a series of Wednesday night programs this summer to promote awareness of animal habits and habitats.

The programs will feature a guided twilight walk around the center’s grounds and then a presentation by a guest speaker or center naturalist. Following are the topics for each session:

* July 3--The Amazing World of Insects, about bugs indigenous to the area.

* July 10--The Endangered Desert Tortoise, about how this reptile became endangered and what can be done to protect it.

* July 17--Reptiles of Southern California, about what is lurking in your back yard.

* July 24--Endangered Species in California, about how California’s population growth has affected the state’s real natives.

* July 31--Gabrielino Indian Culture in Southern California, about the local Indian culture and its history. The guest speaker is Barbara Drake, a descendant of the Gabrielino Indian people. She will share her knowledge of what her ancestors used for food, medicine, shelter, clothing, tools and games.

* Aug. 7--The Wonder of Rain Forests, about why rain forests are important and the current dangers they face.

* Aug. 14--Moon, Stars and Galaxies, a chance to look at the heavens through the center’s new telescope.

* Aug. 21--Big Game Preserves in Africa, a slide-show presentation by a center naturalist on the preserves in East Africa.

* Aug. 28--Our Nighttime Neighbors, a chance to see firsthand who roams the center’s grounds at night.

The guided walks begin at 7 p.m., and the presentations begin at 7:30 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater.

For further information and reservations, call (714) 998-8380. The center is at 6700 Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim.