PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to a free in‐person and live‐streamed presentation, “Using AI to Protect Both Livestock and Mountain Lions,” from 7 to 8 p.m. MT, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium.
The program will be led by members of the PEEC Nature Youth Group (PNYG), a team of local high school students dedicated to improving the Los Alamos ecosystem through science‐informed, community‐driven projects.
During this talk, PNYG members will share updates on their work with (and creation of!) PumaGuard, an innovative system designed to use artificial intelligence to detect mountain lions in sensitive areas and deploy harmless deterrents, such as light or sound, to prevent conflict. The system is currently being field‐tested in collaboration with researchers from UC Davis, giving students the opportunity to contribute to cutting‐edge wildlife conservation research.
The presentation will explore how AI can support coexistence between predators and people, how the PumaGuard system works, and what the team has learned through testing and refinement. Attendees will also hear about the group’s broader mission and the STEM‐based projects they pursue to protect local ecosystems.
About the PEEC Nature Youth Group
The PEEC Nature Youth Group is a student‐led team committed to strengthening the Los Alamos ecosystem through innovative, science‐based solutions. Their work spans wildfire prevention, water quality testing, wildlife protection, and community education. By combining hands‐on service projects with STEM research, PNYG empowers young people to make meaningful contributions to environmental stewardship. High school members meet weekly on Wednesday evenings at PEEC.
Admission: Free (In‐Person and Virtual)
This program is part of PEEC’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth leadership, fostering community science, and exploring innovative approaches to conservation in northern New Mexico.
For more information, visit PEEC’s website at peecnature.org/events. Stay connected on social media for updates on each week’s activities.
PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains, and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600 Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events, and hosts several interest groups, from birding to hiking to butterfly watching. PEEC activities are open to everyone; however, members receive exclusive benefits such as discounts on programs and gift shop merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35. To learn more, visit peecnature.org/support/membership/.