Oak Canyon Nature Center

Children's Nature Programs--The Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim is sponsoring a series of weekday nature classes this fall for children attending school on a year-round basis. Preregistration is highly recommended for the classes, which begin the last week of September. Activities are designed for children ages 6 to 10; children must have completed kindergarten in order to participate. Each class is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The class topics are: COAST WEEK * "What Are Oceans," Sept.

The wildlife at Anaheim Hills' Oak Canyon Nature Center will grow substantially this weekend, but these critters are more likely to sport tennies and T's than feathers or fur. On Sunday, the 58-acre wildlife sanctuary will be the site of the seventh annual Children's Discovery Faire, a free showcase of local youth programs that is expected to draw hundreds of children and adults to the park.

"What's that smell?" Emilio Molina, 5, demanded to know. It might have been the pungent, unfamiliar aroma of sage, chaparral or oak leaves. Or maybe frying tortillas, or Irish stew being dished up over an open camp fire by volunteers dressed in historical costumes.

Tucked away in this manicured Anaheim Hills neighborhood is a place that breaks every rule in the homeowners' association handbook. Weeds grow unchecked, dirt and dust are de rigueur and the residents literally run wild day and night. Kids love it, naturally. It's the Oak Canyon Nature Center, a 58-acre wildlife sanctuary operated by the city of Anaheim's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.