Wildfire Notification: Unified Fire In Valencia County
NMFD News:
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on a wildfire that is requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico.
Update: The Unified Fire was discovered at approximately 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 23 near Madrone, east of Interstate 25 and south of Rio Communities in Valencia County. The fire is active and running through bosque fuels including grass, brush, and timber. Fire crews are employing a full suppression strategy during this initial attack response period.
Multiple structures are threatened and smoke is visible from I-25 and the surrounding Read More
Daily Postcard: Beautiful Flowers Bloom On Grand Canyon
Daily Postcard: Beautiful flowers spotted blooming during a walk on Tuesday morning along Grand Canyon Drive in White Rock. Photo by VaLynn Purvis
Another view of beautiful flowers spotted blooming during a walk on Tuesday morning along Grand Canyon Drive in White Rock. Photo by VaLynn Purvis Read More
Future Outlook For CDT Southern Terminus
CDTC News:
SANTA FE — Deep in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, previously quiet places are receiving new attention. Namely, access to the southern terminus of Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) in southern New Mexico has undergone numerous changes during the past year, resulting in new infrastructure and requiring additional planning for some travelers.
Last summer, management of lands encompassing the CDT southern terminus monument was transferred from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the U.S. Army at Fort Huachuca with the creation of the New Mexico National Read More
Final Update For Nacimiento Wildfire—Now 100% Contained
Courtesy/SFNF
SFNF News:
Location: The wildfire is in the Cuba Ranger District, south of New Mexico State Road 126 and the Nacimiento Mine
Start Date: March 22, 2026
Size: 18 acres
Containment: 100 %
Cause: Under investigation
Vegetation: Burning in oak, ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper, and Douglas fir.
Resources: 60 personnel
Highlights: Fire crews remain actively engaged using a direct extinguishment strategy on the 18‑acre wildfire. On Sunday, firefighters, supported by large airtankers dropping retardant, were able to stop the fire’s forward progress. Handlines, along Read More
Daily Postcard: Colorful Red-naped Sapsucker Spotted Friday In Upper Water Canyon
Daily Postcard: A colorful Red-naped Sapsucker was spotted on Friday morning in Upper Water Canyon. Red-naped Sapsuckers are often seen during the spring and fall. They drill holes in trees in very neatly spaced rows, leaving the holes to fill with sap and then return periodically to drink the sap that has oozed out. Source: PEEC Bird Guide https://peecnature.org/learn/nature-guides/bird-guide/. Photo by Marc Bailey Read More
New Mexico OKs Labeling Of PFAS In Consumer Products
NMED News:
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SANTA FE — New Mexico’s Environmental Improvement Board today approved landmark rules requiring manufacturers to label consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS — the ‘forever chemicals’ often linked to serious health conditions including certain types of cancer — giving shoppers the ability to identify products made with PFAS.
In addition, the rules implement state law, which phases out and prohibits the sale of certain products containing PFAS.
“Today marks a monumental day for New Mexico, putting Read More
State Invests $13.5M In Trails, Programs, Recreation Economy
Climbing, hiking and tent camping are among the fastest growing activities in New Mexico. Courtesy/EDD
STATE News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico will invest $13.5 million in trails, watersheds and outdoor access as part of the FY 27 state budget signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, boosting the state’s $3.6 billion outdoor recreation economy.
The Outdoor Recreation Division of the Economic Development Department (EDD) will receive $3.5 million toward its Outdoor Equity Fund, the nation’s first-of-its-kind grant program dedicated to connecting underserved youth with outdoor experiences. Read More
Daily Postcard: Tree Blooms Overnight In White Rock
Daily Postcard: A tree that bloomed overnight is viewed Sunday in Piñon Trails in White Rock. VaLynn Purvis
Another view of the tree that bloomed overnight is viewed Sunday in Piñon Trails in White Rock. VaLynn Purvis Read More
Nacimiento Wildfire Ignited Today In Cuba Ranger District
The Nacimiento Wildfire began burning this morning in the Cuba Ranger District. Courtesy/SFNF
SFNF News:
SANTA FE— Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) fire managers were notified of a new wildfire start, named the Nacimiento Wildfire, this morning, March 22. The wildfire is in the Cuba Ranger District, located south of the Nacimiento Mine and south of N.M. 126.
Fire crews are actively engaged in a direct extinguishment strategy on the 17-acre wildfire. Large Air Tankers (LAT) were ordered to drop retardant and slow forward progression. As hot and dry conditions persist, both forest service Read More
Los Alamos National Laboratory Continuously Monitors Air
Map of all LANL’s air-monitoring locations. Courtesy/LANL
LANL News:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) routinely measures the composition of matter in the ambient atmosphere at the Lab and in the community.
LANL has 68 radiological air sampling locations that continuously monitor the air, making it among the most thoroughly monitored environments in the world.
Details
- 43 ambient air-monitoring stations;
- 25 monitored exhaust stacks from Lab facilities; and
- 8 meteorological towers.
During events such as wildfires, the Laboratory conducts extra sampling to perform specialized Read More
Daily Postcard: Central Ablaze With Glistening Blossoms
Daily Postcard: Central Avenue was ablaze Saturday with glistening white blossoms that made the trees along the sidewalks look like their branches were weighed down with snow. Appearances can be deceiving. It was hot, and the first days of spring felt more like the first days of summer! Photo by Johnnie Martinez Read More
Pajarito Astronomers’ ‘Dark Night’ March 21 At Overlook
Pajarito Astronomers News:
Los Alamos County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Divisions have partnered up with the Pajarito Astronomers for the Dark Night program.
Anyone with an interest in stargazing and the chance to look through a telescope is invited to come out to Dara Jones Soccer Field early this evening, 21 March, at Overlook Park in White Rock.
Volunteers from the Pajarito Astronomers Club will be present with telescopes starting about 45 minutes after sunset.
This event will be held, weather permitting. Updates will be posted at Pajarito Astronomers on Facebook. Read More
Los Alamos Public Utilities To Host Tour De Sewer!
COUNTY News:
No longer just a pipe dream, the new wastewater treatment facility in White Rock is a state-of-the-art site representing a pipeline of success. The public is invited to plunge into a tour of the site, 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 8. The tour is free but space is limited. Tickets are available at ladpu.com/tour.
Officially called the White Rock Water Resource Reclamation Facility (WRRF), the new plant went online in 2024. A decade prior, the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) began flushing out a plan to replace the original White Rock Wastewater Treatment Plant, built Read More
State Urges Residents To Protect Homes Amid Elevated Wildfire Risk Across New Mexico
This home in Boulder, Colo., survived a wildfire with defensible space. Courtesy/Josh Schlossberg Boulder Weekly
EMNRD News:
SANTA FE — With New Mexico entering what state officials are calling an exceptionally dry fire season, the state Forestry Division is urging homeowners to take steps to protect their properties and their insurance coverage before fire season peaks this summer.
A historically low winter snowpack is creating dangerous conditions across the state, with dry grass fuels building in the eastern plains and heavy tree fuels accumulating in forested areas.
“We’re heading Read More
Los Alamos Kiwanis Aluminum Collection 9AM-1PM Today!
Kiwanians and Los Alamos High School Key Club members from a previous collection event stand ready today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to collect and recycle aluminum cans in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church on Diamond Drive, near Sullivan Field. Courtesy/Kiwanis
KIWANIS Club News:
The Los Alamos Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos is gathering today, March 21, to collect and buy aluminum cans to be sent for recycling.
Collection hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church on Diamond Drive, near Sullivan Field.
The entire community is encouraged to bring the Read More
Bird & Wildlife Photo Gallery & Print Store Launched To Benefit Pajarito Environmental Education Center
Photo of a honey Bee in White Rock from the gallery launched to benefit PEEC. Photo by Richard Skolnik
COMMUNITY News:
White Rock resident Richard Skolnik has launched a photography website and print store to benefit the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC).
The gallery and store at https://www.richardskolnikphotography.com feature photos of birds and wildlife from White Rock, Los Alamos, Phoenix, Iceland, and Costa Rica. Each photo in the store is available in two sizes and on two fine photographic papers. Photos will be printed at White Wall, “one of the finest photo printers Read More
Daily Postcard: Eastern Fence Lizard Does Pushups On A Rock At Bandelier National Monument
Daily Postcard: An eastern fence lizard with a blue belly is spotted doing pushups on top of a rock near a trail recently at Bandelier National Monument. Courtesy/BNM Read More
Indoor Football, Halfway To Fair Celebration And More To Kick Off Spring At EXPO New Mexico
STATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE – Expo New Mexico is in full spring swing with a weekend packed with family-friendly events.
Indoor football returns to Tingley Coliseum on Sunday, March 22, as the New Mexico Chupacabras make their debut against the Orlando Pirates. The game kicks off at 2 p.m., with tailgating getting underway at 10:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Treasures of the Earth Expo is also underway at EXPO New Mexico, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 21 and 22. Attendees can expect over 50 dealers selling everything from amethyst cathedrals to Zebra rock, jewelry, supplies, beads, and more. Read More
Spaceport America To Host Second Annual Space Race
Spaceport America News:
LAS CRUCES — Spaceport America, in partnership with New Mexico-based Wanderlust Running, is set to host the second annual Space Race on Saturday, May 9.
Occurring at the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, the Space Race will feature a trio of races, including a 5K, 10K, and 15K. Participants in the 5K and 10K may run or walk their respective courses, while participants in the 15K must run.
Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to join the excitement. Please use the link below to register for one of the races, explore event details, and Read More
County: Public Input Sought On Proposed Lion Sculpture
COUNTY News:
The Art in Public Places Board is asking the community to complete a brief survey to help select a design for a proposed bronze lion sculpture at the Los Alamos Police Station. The survey is available at https://polco.us/shez8d and will remain open through April 5, 2026.
The Los Alamos Police Department requested a lion sculpture because lions are widely used in law enforcement symbolism to represent strength, courage, protection, and vigilance. The artwork will complement site improvements planned as part of the Police Memorial renovation, though it is separate from the memorial Read More