PE.com - Environment Blog

Out and about: Leaping, birding and cycling

A mountain yellow-legged frog from the San Jacinto Mountains is among several being raised at a San Diego Zoo research facility in Escondido to help the endangered amphibians survive. (The Press-Enterprise/Frank Bellino)

In honor of Leap Day, we're talking frogs, at least a little bit for this out and about posting.

And you can see some of the rarest ones at the Living Desert in Palm Desert, where a new amphibians exhibit opened in November.

But this weekend, which is bound to be another nice one, is about learning everything from road cycling, to bird-watching to water-wise gardening. And most of the events are free.

On Saturday morning, you can learn the basics of road cycling at the REI in Rancho Cucamonga.

And on Sunday, beginning bird walk techniques will be taught by the local Audubon chapter along the Santa Ana River at the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area. The goal of the slow-paced event is to teach participants enough basic birding techniques and identification skills to feel comfortable birding on your own or joining the group for longer trips throughout the year.

Also on Sunday, the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden will celebrate Arbor Day, which is officially on March 7. They say it's a chance to learn about the rich heritage of native tree species. You can even get a tree passport and migrate through a variety of learning activities, games and craft projects.

And on Tuesday night, Pam Pavela will talk about water-wise gardening at the Sierra Club's monthly meeting in Redlands. The meeting is open to anyone. Pavela is a water conservation specialist for Western Municipal Water District, where a demonstration garden gives folks an idea of the kind of plants that use less water.