Betsy Gagné, an O'ahu native with a lifelong interest in and involvement with native ecosystems — both here and other islands in the Pacific — will talk about her "Walk on the Wild Side" on Wednesday evening. Gagné serves as the state's Natural Area Reserves System Commission's executive secretary (Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Land and Natural Resources). Her background includes eight years of building fences and vegetation management at Haleakalä National Park, and 17 years at the Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

Her free lecture and question-answer session happens 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at ING Direct Cafe in Waikíkí, 1958 Kaläkaua Ave. It will feature a "visual walk" through lands managed by the state. For more information, go to www.hawaiiconservation.org. The event, sponsored by the Hawai'i Conservation Alliance and ING Direct, is part of the "Natural Treasures of Hawai'i" lecture series, held on the last Wednesday of each month.

— Maureen O'Connell

BABY GEAR TRADEOFF HAPPENS SATURDAY

Got too much baby stuff? Go green — and swap it. The Baby Hui hosts its first Swap-a-Thon fundraiser, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Kahala Mall.

How it works: Swap your new or gently used keiki clothes, toys, infant gear, accessories and maternity clothes with other parents. The number of items you receive will equal the number of items you bring. Drop off items at 8 a.m.; swap starts at 9 a.m.

The Baby Hui requests a $20 donation at the door or $40 for entry with no swappable items in exchange for 10 items. Details: 728-3247, swap@thebabyhui.org or www.thebabyhui.org.

— Zenaida Serrano