Environment : Notes about your surroundings.

At the Zoo--Orange County teachers are invited to a reception at the Santa Ana Zoo on Oct. 19 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Guests will be able to explore the zoo and visit the Zoo Laboratory/Education Center. Zoo staff and docents will be on hand to answer questions. Reservations are required; call (714) 836-4000.

The zoo has also announced its fall lineup of Natural Science Workshops. The sessions, which start in November, are geared to specific age groups: “Mommy and Me at the Zoo” (preschool, weekdays), “Science at the Zoo” (ages 8 to 12, Saturdays), “Family Workshops at the Zoo” (ages 4 to 12, Saturdays) and “Animal Training in Zoos and Aquariums” (ages 12 to 15, Dec. 18-21). There is a tuition fee. Call the zoo for dates and topics.