Free Soka events focus on nature

The Soka University of America Botanical Research Center and Nursery (BRCN) will host its semi-annual Native Plant Sale from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. Sat. Oct. 4 on the campus at 26800 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas.

Rain will not cancel the sale.

Plants to be featured at the sale include BRCN-propagated native bunch grasses, flowering perennials, shrubs and trees; additionally, annual wildflower seed packets will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the sale of more than 70 species of Santa Monica Mountain natives will be used to update the BRCN’s propagation facilities and supplies.

Los Angeles County registered beekeeper Don Mitchell will give a presentation on "Bees in Our Garden" from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wed., Oct. 8 on the Soka campus. Admission is free; for reservations call (818) 878-3741.

His lecture will offer comparisons between wild or feral bees and the managed European honeybees (typically harvested for pollen), the life cycle of the honeybee, practical beekeeper etiquette, and photos and information on the latest beekeeping equipment.

Mitchell is the son-in-law of the late John Gensley of Calabasas, a long-time beekeeper.

Newbury Park resident and amateur geologist Judith Kiner will lead a hands-on workshop on the igneous rock formations of the Santa Monica Mountains region from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sat., Oct. 11 at the graduate school on the Soka campus.

During the workshop where she’ll be joined by her botanist-husband Nolan, she’ll lead participants on an exploration of a volcanic outcrop on campus and examine rock either cooled on the Earth’s surface or under the sea. Kiner will also discuss geology from the 101 Freeway to the ocean along Malibu Canyon Road with samples of sandstone, shale, volcanic breccia, diabase and more. Admission is free. To register, please call (818) 878-3741.