Families and nature enthusiasts are invited to join a special presentation, ‘The Bear Necessities of New Mexico’ Thursday at the Los Alamos Nature Center. Photo by Rick Wallace
PEEC News:
As part of Bear Festival, the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites families and nature enthusiasts to join a special presentation, “The Bear Necessities of New Mexico”, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Los Alamos Nature Center.
This event led by naturalist Christie Collins celebrates New Mexico’s elusive state mammal, the black bear and promises a fun and educational experience.
Participants will learn about the black bear’s vital role in the ecosystem, including their diet of native plants and how to identify signs of their presence. Through an engaging presentation and hands-on activities, attendees will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of these important creatures.
PEEC’s guest speaker, Collins, has 15 years’ experience in environmental education. She recently moved to Santa Fe from Miami, Fla. where she was Science Educator at a Sea Turtle rehabilitation facility/nature center. There she oversaw public programs, camps, volunteer training and renovated a 9,000 square foot native plant garden.
Originally earning a Bachelor of Science in Business, Marketing, she decided to follow her passion for nature and conservation. She started as a volunteer naturalist for the Missouri Department of Conservation before becoming a Master Naturalist. Collins earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation, then took a position as naturalist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. She was also a naturalist at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tenn. In 2019 she received her Master of Science in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management concentrating on Parks Conservation and Area Management.
Collins has experience educating about prairies, karst, varied forests, coastal and ocean habitats. She is looking forward to exploring the beauty and unique characteristics of Santa Fe’s ecosystems. In her free time she loves macro photography with her favorite subjects being insects and spiders, spending time with her husband and two dogs hiking, canoeing and camping.
For more information, visit peecnature.org/events. Stay connected on social media for updates on each week’s activities.
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/.