New Mexico’s Next Generation Radio-Astronomy: A New Era Of Discovery In A Crowded Sky
Figure 1. Twenty seven huge antennae are mounted on rails, and a network of remote radiotelescopes is woven together to probe the skies. Courtesy/NRAO
By Mark A. MacInnes
Los Alamos Daily Post
World-Class Radio-Astronomy
For more than four decades, the radiotelescope dishes of the New Mexico Very Large Array (VLA) have stood on the plains of San Agustin, as New Mexico’s most recognizable and world-class scientific landmark. At an evening town hall on April 15 at the Bradbury Science Museum, this was the introductory pitch, according to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) Director Read More
Wildlife Department Urges Public To Leave Baby Birds Alone
Public urged to leave baby birds alone. Courtesy/NMDW
New Mexico Department of Wildlife News:
- Fledglings usually aren’t abandoned, as parents are typically close by
SANTA FE – Spring brings warmer weather across New Mexico, and along with it comes an increase in baby wildlife — and well-meaning members of the public who attempt to help them.
However, it is rare for these young animals to be abandoned, so the New Mexico Department of Wildlife reminds the public to leave them where they are found. Baby birds represent some of the most common young wildlife encounters during the spring, and it is Read More
Wildfire Notification: Crow Creek Fire, Colfax County
Crow Creek Fire, Wednesday, April 29. Courtesy/NMFD
NMFD News:
Update: The Crow Creek Fire was discovered at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 near HWY 445 north of Maxwell in Colfax County. Resources are on scene and are implementing a full suppression strategy. The fire is active and making wind-driven runs north through grass fuels toward HWY 64. Structures are threatened, and resources are providing point protection. Air resources have been ordered to assist suppression efforts. Currently, the fire is estimated at 50-100 acres.
Acres: 50-100 estimated.
Containment: 0% contained. Read More
PEEC Partners With Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area To Support Los Luceros Day Camp, June 1–5
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) to support this year’s Los Luceros Day Camp, taking place June 1 to 5, 2026 at Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde, NM.
Following recent staff changes at Los Luceros Historic Site, PEEC worked quickly to ensure that this beloved program could continue as planned. Eric Vasquez, Director of NRGNHA, and Gabriela Silva, NRGNHA’s Art Program Director, have enthusiastically stepped in to collaborate with PEEC for the 2026 session. Read More
Daily Postcard: Camouflaged Coyote On North Mesa
Daily Postcard: Camouflaged coyote on North Mesa. Photo by Katie Freyer
Invisible coyote lets out a howl. Photo by Katie Freyer Read More
Native Plant Adaptations: Helping Them Thrive In Los Alamos With Marisa Thompson May 11
Photo by Marisa Thompson
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to a free hybrid presentation, “Native Plant Adaptations: Helping Them Thrive in Los Alamos,” from 6 to 7 p.m., MT Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium. Attendees may join in person or virtually.
New Mexico’s hot, dry, and unpredictable climate challenges plants to survive in remarkable ways. To help them thrive in our landscapes, Marisa Thompson will explore how New Mexico’s native plants adapt through structural, physiological, and seasonal changes. Read More
Daily Postcard: Deer Visit Little Forest Playschool
Daily Postcard: Deer congregate Sunday outside of Little Forest Playschool. Photo by Fr. Theophan Read More
Los Alamos County Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions April 28
COUNTY News:
Due to ongoing dry conditions and prevailing high winds, Fire Marshal Colorado Cordova of the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) has enacted fire restrictions to Stage 1, effective today, April 28, within the boundaries of Los Alamos County to safeguard public health and safety, as well as protect lands, structures, and natural and historical artifacts.
Under the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Order 2026-01, stringent restrictions and conditions are imposed as follows:
- Building, maintaining, and use of outdoor fires, including campfires and recreational fires of any
DPU’s Outdoor Watering Rule Starts On May 1
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Department of Public Utilities’ outdoor watering rule starts on Friday, May 1 and runs through Wednesday, Sept. 30.
DPU kindly asks residents to water according to their address and the schedule from May through September.
Most importantly, refrain from watering between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day. Read More
Stars Align For New Mexico Dark Sky Event May 15-17
CDTC News:
West-central New Mexico is home to iconic natural features like El Malpais National Monument and the Gila Wilderness, America’s first designated wilderness. Now, a group of organizations is encouraging people to look skyward to discover more of the region’s wonders.
The second annual Continental Divide Trail Dark Sky Gathering will take place May 15–17 in Pie Town, a community famous for its pies—and its access to some of the darkest night skies along the Continental Divide.
According to DarkSky International, artificial light pollution from human development disrupts wildlife, Read More
BLM Seeks Input For June 2026 Geothermal Lease Sale In New Mexico
BLM News:
SANTA FE — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on 68 parcels across 197,852 acres in Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, and Sierra counties that may be offered in a June 16 geothermal lease sale. This public feedback period ends May 11, 2026. The official sale notice will post to the BLM National NEPA Register on May 1. Leasing of these parcels will allow lessees to explore the potential for future geothermal development. A sale amendment may be issued prior to the sale due to potential resource concerns identified during the public comment period.
For each parcel leased, Read More
Spring Birding Hikes: Two Guided Outings With PEEC & The Los Alamos Mountaineers
Courtesy photo
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC), in partnership with the Los Alamos Mountaineers (LAM), invites the community to welcome spring migration with two guided birding hikes through Acid and Pueblo Canyons. Outings will take place from 7–10 a.m., Thursday, May 14 and Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Led by local birder Robin Gurule, each hike offers participants the chance to explore two Los Alamos canyons with a small group while learning to identify migrating songbirds, especially by ear. These outings are designed to be accessible to birders of all experience Read More
Daily Postcard: Young Elk Spotted Near N.M. 4 In The Jemez
Daily Postcard: A young elk is spotted next to State Road 4 in the Jemez last Wednesday. Photo by Marc BaileyLos Alamos County Edges Closer To Banning Plastic Bags
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
The issue of whether to ban plastic bags is, funnily enough, similar to plastic bags themselves. Neither decomposes nor fades away. They will exist for years and years.
Ten years ago, there was a debate on whether to ban plastic bags. Potential plastic bag bans have appeared sporadically since, most recently during the April 7 Los Alamos County Council meeting. During the meeting, it was voted 6-1 to direct the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) to return to council in 90 days with a proposed plastic bag ban. Councilor David Read More
All 18 Holes Open At Los Alamos Golf Course
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Golf Course will be opening the back 9 on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Due to completed warranty work, there will be at least four temporary greens and two tee boxes that will be unavailable until further notice.
Warranty work is being completed on the front 9; however, it will not affect playability.
The golf course staff recommends a few days of course rest in between open days to allow the specialized maintenance work required to continue, and additional turf grow-in; therefore, the days and hours of course play will continue to be on Wednesday at 3 p.m. through Read More
U.S. Senators Heinrich, Klobuchar, Merkley Lead Colleagues To Raise Concerns About Forest Service Reorganization
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, led a letter to the Trump administration expressing strong concerns about the reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Read More
Daily Postcard: Virga Over Sangre De Cristo Mountains
Daily Postcard: Early morning virga over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as viewed Sunday from Los Alamos. Virga is a meteorological phenomenon where rain or snow falls from a cloud but evaporates or sublimates before reaching the ground, appearing as wispy streaks or shafts hanging from the cloud base. Common in dry, high-altitude regions, it occurs when precipitation falls into a layer of dry, warm air. Photo by Bob Reedy Read More
Household Hazardous Waste Collection At Eco Station May 1
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County’s Environmental Services will accept household hazardous waste on a monthly schedule and new hours.
Residents who already pay for curbside collection can drop off household hazardous waste at the Eco Transfer Station.
Collection Schedule Through September:
- Friday, May 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friday, July 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Accepted items include:
Smoke Detectors, Light Bulbs, Aerosol Spray Cans, Automotive Fluids, Corrosives, Cleaners, Photographic Flammable Solvents, Read More
Wildfire Season Is Coming … Make Sure To Be READY!
COUNTY News:
Help prevent wildfires and be prepared, just in case, by taking a few essential steps at home:
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- Sign up for emergency alerts by texting LOSALAMOS to 888777
- Dispose of extra combustible materials at home
- Clear a defensible space around your home
- Create your family emergency plan
- Build a 72-hour Go Kit
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Stay safe and get READY by signing up for emergency alerts in Los Alamos County: Click here. Read More
Weekly Fishing Report: April 26, 2026
By GEORGE MORSE
Sports and Outdoors
Los Alamos Daily Post
The Western United States, particularly the states that are part of the Colorado River drainage are facing an unprecedented water crisis.
A severely below-normal snowpack and warm temperatures in March have led to low streamflows and reservoir levels throughout the region.
Glen Canyon Dam, which impounds Lake Powell, is in danger of reaching “Dead Pool” meaning no water could be released. Reservoirs upstream from Lake Powell, like Flaming Gorge in Utah, have been ordered to release more water to prevent this catastrophe.
The City Read More