A Pinyon Jay perches on a pine tree branch at Bandelier. Photo by Sally King

PEEC News:

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will host a free presentation, Culturally Significant Plants in Bandelier National Monument, at 6 p.m. today, July 14, in the Planetarium at the Los Alamos Nature Center. The event will also be available to attend virtually.

Bandelier Biological Technician Miles Campos will lead this engaging talk. He will explore native plants that have played an important role in the lives of Indigenous communities who once inhabited the area now known as Bandelier. Attendees will learn how these plants were traditionally used for food, medicine, and ceremony, and how these historical relationships can inform modern perspectives on native flora.

The program is designed for anyone interested in cultural history, ecology, native gardening, or deepening their connection to the land. Participants may even discover native species that can be planted at home to attract wildlife or for personal use.

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Advanced registration is required to receive the livestream link.

About the Presenter:

Miles Campos has served as a Biological Technician at Bandelier National Monument since August 2024, following two years of work in the Mojave Desert at Joshua Tree National Monument. At Bandelier, he supports vegetation projects including invasive plant treatment, native plant restoration, and long-term ecological monitoring. He is especially interested in connecting plant ecology to cultural and historical narratives to enhance land stewardship practices.

Event Details:

• What: Culturally Significant Plants in Bandelier National Monument;
• When: 6-7 p.m. today, July 14;
• Where: Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium, 2600 Canyon Road;
• Admission: Free | In-person or virtual attendance available; and
• Livestream registration: Advanced registration required to receive access link;

For more information, visit PEEC’s website at peecnature.org/events.

About PEEC:

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/.