OUTDOORS.

Volunteers welcome: Irvine Lake, located at 4621 Santiago Canyon Road in Silverado, has planned a Structure Building Party for Saturday, Feb. 19 and Sunday, Feb. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon. The low water levels permit Irvine Lake to build more structure and habitat around its perimeter to provide better fishing and spawning locations for bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Volunteers will receive an entry pass to fish another day and may stay to fish the day they work. Those interested should bring a shovel, hammer and gloves. Information: [phone].

--For a good cause: The San Fernando Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is hosting its sixth annual charity banquet at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 21433 Strathern St. in Canoga Park, on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m. This event benefits the conservation and future of elk and other wildlife habitats. The evening will begin with an auction of art works and sporting goods. Cost is $55 per person and tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. Information: [phone].

--A skater's dream: The grand opening of the Bell Gardens Skate Park, 6635 Florence Place, is set to open Saturday at 11 a.m, and will feature skate demonstrations, music, raffles and more. The park will be open daily from 7 a.m. until dusk. Information: [phone].

--Lecture series: The California State Parks and the City of Malibu Parks and Recreation Department sponsor a lecture and presentation of whales, cetaceans and fish-like mammals Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Malibu Bluffs Park, 35000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, across from Pepperdine University. Chuck Woodhouse, curator for the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, will be the featured speaker. Those interested should bring binoculars for possible whale sightings. Information: [phone] or [phone].

--Halibut 101: In preparation for the Marina del Rey Millennium 2000 halibut derby, which is slated for early April, prominent fishing expert and instructor Kit McNear will conduct a seminar on halibut fishing. The seminar will be presented Wednesday, March 8, at the Marina del Rey Anglers' meeting at 7:30 p.m. Topics include fishing methods, techniques, tackle, bait and the hot spots where flatties can be found.

The meeting takes place in the Community Meeting Room of Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. Information: [phone].

--Whale festival: The Santa Monica Mountains Natural History Association, along with the Ventura County Star, sponsors the fourth annual Whale Festival on Sunday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Point Mugu State Park, 9000 West Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

There will be live entertainment, food, whale-watching stations, information booths on marine conservation and the gray whale, arts and crafts, raffles and more. Admission is free and all-day parking in the Sycamore Cove lot is $6. Information: [phone] or [phone].

--Let's go fishing: The Bonelli Park Support Foundation, in cooperation with the Department of Parks and Recreation, hosts a trout derby Saturday, March 11, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Puddingstone Lake, 120 East Via Verde in San Dimas. Anglers interested may participate by registering before 10 a.m. on the day of the event. Entry fee for adults is $10 and children ages 12 and under pay $5. Information: [phone].