Environment

Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District Announces Opening Dates For Roads, Recreation Sites, And Forest Product Sales

A volunteer with the Pecos Ambassador Program picks up trash in Pecos Canyon, a reminder that we rely on dedicated volunteers to help keep the canyon clean and beautiful. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Pecos–Las Vegas Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest announces the official opening of the district to public access for the 2026 season. Beginning Thursday, April 2, gates, roads, and recreation sites in the district will be open for public use. Firewood permit sales will begin Wednesday, April 15.

As people plan their outdoor adventures this spring, the Forest Service encourages Read More

Largest Animal Seizure In Garland, Texas History Has Connection To Los Alamos County Animal Shelter

By Cmdr. CHRISTOPHER ROSS
Los Alamos Police Department

As some of you may know, Los Alamos County Animal Shelter has been without cats for adoption for some time. This is thanks to our amazing community’s support of spay and neuter efforts, which have helped prevent an overpopulation of kittens and puppies. This has allowed our shelter to reach out to other animal shelters and rescue groups in need of clearing out space to help their own communities.

In this case, we were able to connect with what we believed to be a legitimate rescue in Texas that was in need of help with cats trying to find their forever Read More

PEEC Presents ‘Discovering The Wild Bees Of Northern New Mexico’ With Researcher & Educator Olivia Carril

Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to a free in‐person and live‐streamed presentation, “Discovering the Wild Bees of Northern New Mexico”, 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium. The program will be led by Olivia Carril, a renowned wild bee researcher, educator, and co‐author of The Bees in Your Backyard: A Guide to North America’s Bees.

New Mexico is home to nearly 1,000 species of wild bees, making it one of the most important regions for bee diversity in North America. Many of these species Read More

PEEC To Present Hybrid Talk With USGS Ecologist Ellis Margolis: ‘Fire Ecology And Changing Fire Regimes In The Jemez Mountains’ April 13


PEEC to host ‘Fire Ecology and Changing Fire Regimes in the Jemez Mountains’ April 13, at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium. Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will host USGS Field Ecologist Ellis Margolis for an in‑person and live‑streamed presentation, “Fire Ecology and Changing Fire Regimes in the Jemez Mountains”, 7-8 p.m., Monday, April 13, at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium. Admission is free for both in‑person and virtual attendees.

Registration is available at peecnature.org/events.

In this timely and accessible talk, Read More

Stay Safe On The Trails: Living And Hiking Responsibly With Wildlife In Los Alamos County

Bobcat. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Living in Los Alamos County means sharing our beautiful landscapes with a wide range of wildlife. While encounters with animals like bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and rattlesnakes are relatively uncommon, they do happen—especially along trails and open spaces. Understanding the risks and practicing smart habits can help keep you, your pets, and wildlife safe.

Wild animals are not naturally aggressive toward humans, but they may react defensively if surprised, protecting young, or seeking food. Off-leash pets are one of the most common Read More

Environmental Services To Close For Staff Training April 8

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Environmental Services will be closed Wednesday, April 8, for employee development, safety training, certification compliance, and facility maintenance.

This includes operations at the Eco Station and the White Rock Overlook Convenience Center. Trash, yard waste, and recycling collection services will also be suspended. Collection services for those impacted will be provided Thursday, April 9.

Environmental Services will hold one training and certification day per quarter to ensure all employees remain compliant. The quarterly closure is to minimize Read More

Los Alamos High School Astronomy Club To Present Two Student‐Led Planetarium Programs At PEEC

Courtesy/PEEC

Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

The Los Alamos High School Astronomy Club will present two student‐led planetarium programs at the Pajarito Environmental Education Center’s (PEEC) Los Alamos Nature Center.

Program 1: Planetary Defense — What Happens When an Asteroid Hits Earth?

  • Friday, April 10, 7-8 p.m.
  • Lead Presenter: Lydia Davis

What would happen if an asteroid hit Earth? How can we protect ourselves from interplanetary threats? How must we look to the future to avoid the same fate as the dinosaurs? Come to Los Alamos High School Astronomy Club’s presentation on planetary defense Read More

Documents Added To LANL Electronic Public Reading Room

LANL News:

New documents have been added to the Los Alamos Legacy Cleanup Contract Electronic Public Reading Room.

All legacy cleanup documents required to be posted after April 30, 2018, are available on the site linked above.

For legacy cleanup documents that were posted prior to April 30, 2018, please visit the LANL electronic public reading room.

Read More

Santa Fe National Forest Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions 

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Due to elevated wildfire risk, the Santa Fe National Forest will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions (Order # 03-10-00-26-03) forest-wide beginning today, April 2, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2026.

The decision to implement fire restrictions is based on various factors, including the availability of firefighting resources, current drought conditions, weather forecast, the time of year, and fuel moisture levels. Implementing fire restrictions can help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety.

What is prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions? Read More

New Mexico Invests $1.9M To Expand Youth Outdoor Access

Wumaniti Earth Native Sanctuary engages Indigenous and rural youth in traditional horseback riding, archery, mustang rescue and shelter building. Courtesy/EDD

EDD News:

SANTA FE — A $1.9 million investment through the state’s Outdoor Equity Fund will connect over 22,000 youth across 14 counties to 62 programs that promote wellness and expand outdoor access.

Applications for overall FY26 funding surged 141% over the previous year, with 228 organizations requesting $7.8 million in funding against $4 million available.

“This state investment in our youth is amplified by nearly $2 million Read More

PEEC Launches Monthly Bird Walk Series April–October At Los Luceros Historic Site

Courtesy photo

PEEC News:

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is excited to offer a monthly Bird Walk at Los Luceros, held on the first Sunday of each month from April through October. These free outings invite birders of all experience levels to explore the rich riparian habitat of Los Luceros Historic Site alongside knowledgeable local guides.

Advanced registration is required at peecnature.org/events.

Led by Mary Parsaca and Mary Orr, each walk takes place during the site’s “Dawn ’til Dusk Day,” giving participants early-morning access to towering old-growth cottonwoods, Read More

More Critters Out And About—Help Keep Them Safe

Gopher snake found by water spigot. Photo by Jan Macek
By JAN MACEK
Los Alamos 

This nonvenomous gopher snake was found March 30 by a water spigot. It hatched out late last year and will be relocated to a safe backyard within the appropriate relocation range—1/8 to 1/4 of a mile. Too far a distance and not the same ecosystem or environment could mean death for the snake.

Not every snake needs to be relocated. However, if you have a rattlesnake or are uncomfortable with a non-venomous snake in your area, please call the police dispatcher 505.662.8222 and ask for someone on their list who relocates.  Read More

The Big Dig Paid Off: What’s Coming To Pajarito Ski Area For Winter 2026/27

Snowmaker at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. Courtesy/Pajarito

PAJARITO News:

Every season has a story, and this one started with a dry winter and a whole lot of waiting. But while the snowpack didn’t always cooperate, something else was happening beneath the surface—literally.

The Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project, the ambitious pipeline infrastructure effort that our community has been following for years, has raced ahead of schedule. And now, Pajarito is ready to put that momentum to work.

This summer and fall, we’re getting to it. We’re talking about a multimillion-dollar, multi-year Read More

Celebrate 34th Annual National Trails Day® With American Hiking Society June 6

AHS News:

Saturday, June 6, 2026, American Hiking Society invites hundreds of thousands across the nation to step onto the trails for the 34th annual National Trails Day®.

This annual event unites hikers, cyclists, paddlers, equestrians, trail organizations, public land agencies, nonprofits, and businesses, all with a shared mission: to keep any trail, anywhere better than you found it. The Nation’s 250th Celebration and American Hiking’s 50th Anniversary makes 2026 the best year yet to take part in National Trails Day® by hosting or attending an event and sharing about NTD across social Read More

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