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. Discover the science (and beauty) behind these natural survival strategies and gain inspiration for choosing and caring for resilient plants.
About the Presenter
Marisa Thompson (pronounced mah‐REE‐sah) connects people with plants through NMSU’s “Ready, Set, GROW!” webinar series, the “Southwest Yard & Garden” column, and hands‐on field research supported by dedicated volunteers. Her work spans mulches, shaded tomato production, wildlife habitat, fruit trees, and landscaping with native plants.
Before becoming a Master Gardener in 2008, Thompson worked in Albuquerque nurseries helping people find the right plants for their homes. She earned her M.S. in Horticulture studying pecan orchard floor management and her Ph.D. in Plant & Environmental Sciences researching pecan flowering mechanisms. Today, she brings her deep horticultural expertise to communities across the Southwest.
This program is presented in partnership with Bee City Los Alamos and is a part of PEEC’s ongoing effort to connect the community with the rich ecological stories of northern New Mexico and to inspire stewardship of the landscapes we share. Bee City Los Alamos is a community outreach project designed to unite people to make their communities better for pollinators, in particular native bees, by adding high-quality habitat and reducing pesticides.
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/.