Ann Hunkins identifying track. Courtesy/PEEC
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to step into the quiet beauty of winter and uncover the secrets written across the snow during Discovering Wildlife in Winter, a hands-on field program led by Certified Wildlife Tracker Ann Hunkins.
The program takes place 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 7.
Winter landscapes hold an entire world of clues: tracks, trails, patterns, and subtle signs that reveal how animals move, forage, rest, and survive. This immersive outing goes far beyond identifying footprints. Participants will learn to interpret animal behavior, read habitat features, and understand the presence of species that often remain unseen.
Hunkins will guide attendees through the fundamentals of track and sign identification while helping them develop the observational skills needed to “read” the winter environment as a whole. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the outdoors, this program offers a rare opportunity to deepen your connection to the wildlife that shares our region.
No prior tracking experience is required. Participants should dress warmly and be prepared for walking on snow-covered and uneven terrain.
About the Presenter
Ann Hunkins is a wildlife tracking and nature educator based in Santa Fe, NM. She earned her Track & Sign Specialist certification from the Certified Wildlife Trackers Association in 2023 in Southern California and completed her Level III Trailing certification in Wisconsin in 2022. She teaches tracking throughout the Southwest and brings a wealth of field experience and insight to her programs.
Admission: $40 for PEEC members; $45 for non-members. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Learn more and register 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/.