NATURAL RESOURCES BOOK REVIEW.

``America's Wildlife Refuges''

Text by Jeanne L. Clark, photography by Tom & Pat Leeson, Jason Stone and Gene Stone (Graphic Arts Books and Carpe Diem Books, $24.95)

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Wildlife Refuge System by President Theodore Roosevelt. This stunning book is a fitting tribute to the 542 reserves scattered across the United States - covering more area than Montana - that have saved countless birds and animals from extinction.

The camera work here is unforgettable - an American badger carrying a ground squirrel, a sandhill crane illuminated by the full moon, a herd of bison thundering across the plains. Jeanne Clark's graceful text supplies history and context for the photos. The photographers worked with the publisher to fine-tune the reproduction, which is first rate.

Organized by region and species, this book is a tribute to Roosevelt's vision: ``Wild beasts and birds are by right not the property of the people who are alive today, but the property of unknown generations, whose belongings we have no right to squander.''

A perfect holiday gift for the outdoors enthusiast.

- Bill Becher

CHECK IT OUT

--Smile for the birdie: The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society is offering beginner bird walks at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve on the second Saturday of each month through March.

The next event will be Saturday, and beginning adults and families with school-age children are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring sturdy shoes, layered clothing and a brimmed hat and meet at 8:30 a.m. in the front of the amphitheater in the southeast part of Woodley Park.

Information: Muriel Kotin at [phone] or Linda Jones at [phone].

--Holiday fishing: Corona Lake will be hosting a holiday event with its Christmas Tag Extravaganza.

The event runs through Dec. 24.

Information: [phone].

--Junior hunts: There are 70 openings for junior hunters on the two junior pheasant hunts being held on Robinson Farms fields in the Blythe area, according to the Department of Fish and Game.

Gerald Mulcahy.

Junior hunters who would like to apply need to send a postcard application that includes name, address, date preferred, and junior hunting-license number to Gerald Mulcahy at: Department of Fish and Game Pheasant Hunt, P.O. Box 2160, Blythe, CA 92226. All junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

--Safety first: There are many 10-hour hunter-education classes offered in the region. These classes are required before purchasing a hunting license and satisfy the California requirement for a safety course before a handgun can be purchased.

In Los Angeles County, Spanish-language courses are available in Baldwin Park, Canoga Park, Inglewood and Torrance. Instructors also are available in Santa Ana, Colton, Escondido and Lompoc.

Information: [phone] or www.dfg.ca.gov.

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