The animals and plants in the forest all have special places to call home. Join us as we discover the many different habitats in nature, see how an animal picks its piece of real estate, and use your imagination to create a nature home. Ages 3 and older. $14 for parent and child team. Call Pauline Kawamata, 955-0100 ext. 18. www.hawaiinaturecenter.org.

The Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute (COPRI) of ASCE is pleased to present the “Solutions to Coastal Disasters Conference 2008,” which will be held from April 13 to 16 at the Turtle Bay Resort. This is a must-attend conference for coastal planners, managers, social scientists, engineers, geologists, economists, oceanographers, meteorologists, developers, property owners, elected officials and others interested in the coasts. Conference topics will focus on science, management tools, management challenges and options, and coastal land use policy related to a range of coastal hazards. Visit the conference Web site at
http://content.asce.org/conferences/cd2008/ for a detailed list of conference topics and abstract submission instructions.

Did you know that the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and a tiny island in Kāne‘ohe Bay have a special connection? This continuing education program will introduce you to the rich history of Moku o Lo‘e, more widely known as Coconut Island, and the world-renown Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) based there. We will also be joined by HIMB scientists who conduct research in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Field trips to Coconut Island will give us the chance to observe some of their research techniques first-hand and also provide hands-on opportunities. Areas of focus: Overview of Coconut Island & HIMB, Reef Monitoring, Coral Disease, Shark Studies, Alien Species. Courses fun from April 9 to May 3 every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 pm and Saturday field trips from 9 to 11 a.m. The course fee is $40 plus a $20 lab fee. To register or for more information call 235-7433, visit http://ocet.wcc.hawaii.edu or fill out the attached registration form and fax/mail to Windward Community College. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

Sharpen your botanical knowledge with Dr. Mark Merlin, noted author and geographer. This trail features spectacular island views and a variety of native plants, many of which are featured in Dr. Merlin’s book, Hawaiian Forest Plants, available for purchase prior to the hike. Moderate, 3 miles. For adults. $4. Call Pauline Kawamata, 955-0100 ext. 18. www.hawaiinaturecenter.org.

This annual two-day concert will feature a variety of performers including Jack Johnson. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Cost ranges from $40 to $125. All proceeds benefits the Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit that supports environmental education programs in Hawai‘i. www.kokuafestival.com, www.myspace.com/kokuafestival.

4 to 10 p.m. Waikiki Shell, O’ahu

 This annual two-day concert will feature a variety of performers including Jack Johnson. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Cost ranges from $40 to $125. All proceeds benefit the Kokua Hawai’i Foundation, a nonprofit that supports environmental education programs in Hawai’i. www.kokuafestival.com, www.myspace.com/kokuafestival.

This annual two-day concert will feature a variety of performers including Jack Johnson. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Cost ranges from $40 to $125. All proceeds benefits the Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit that supports environmental education programs in Hawai‘i. www.kokuafestival.com, www.myspace.com/kokuafestival.