A previous PEEC butterfly walk. Courtesy/PEEC
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to a free Butterfly Walk from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, July 18 at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area.
This guided outing, led by ecologist Simone Lord, offers participants the chance to slow down, observe, and learn about the butterflies that call northern New Mexico home.
The group will meet at the Los Alamos Nature Center at 8:45 a.m. before caravanning to Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. Weather permitting, the outing will include both on‐trail and light off‐trail exploration as participants search for butterflies, observe their behaviors, and learn about the habitats that support them.
What to Bring:
- Water, lunch, and snacks
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Rain gear (monsoon season!)
- Binoculars and cameras (recommended)
- Insect net (optional)
Trail Information
This outing is considered easy overall, but participants should be prepared for uneven and loose terrain and some light off‐trail walking in a natural setting.
About the Guide
Simone Lord is an ecologist passionate about wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. Her academic background includes studying wildlife and pollinator‐plant interactions, and she has a particular love for butterflies. Originally from Iowa, Lord moved to New Mexico in 2022 and quickly fell in love with the Southwest’s landscapes and biodiversity. Outside of work, she enjoys snowboarding, hiking, reading, and crocheting.
This guided walk offers a peaceful and engaging way to connect with the natural world and learn more about the butterflies that brighten our local ecosystems. All are welcome to join this summer morning of exploration.
For more information, visit PEEC’s website at 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/.
