Craig Martin leads a group on a plant walk. Photo by A. Hannah
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites community members of all ages to take part in a BioBlitz at the Los Alamos Nature Center from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 25.
This free event is part of the worldwide City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition that encourages people across the globe to document local biodiversity and contribute to real scientific research.
Participants will explore the trails and habitats around the Los Alamos Nature Center, Kinnikinnick Park, and Acid Canyon while working together to record as many species as possible. Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or brand‐new to community science, the BioBlitz offers a fun, hands‐on way to learn about local plants and wildlife while supporting global biodiversity data.
Throughout the morning, local experts will lead guided walks focused on birds, plants and insects. Participants can also stop by the nature center patio at any time for help identifying their observations or learning how to use the iNaturalist app.
Expert‐Led Walk Schedule
- 7–9 a.m. — Bird Walk (Pre‐registration required for this walk only; Register here)
- 10–11 a.m. — Plant Walk
- 11 a.m.–12 p.m. — Insect Walk
- 12–2 p.m. — Community Science Identification Time on the Patio
Groups are limited to 20 participants to ensure a high‐quality experience. Participants are encouraged to download the free iNaturalist app before arriving so they can easily photograph and upload their observations. All data collected during the BioBlitz will contribute to a global biodiversity database used by researchers, land managers, and nature enthusiasts.
Everyone is welcome to join this exciting day of discovery, learning, and community science. Explore nature in your own backyard and help put Los Alamos on the map for the City Nature Challenge.
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/.
Craig Martin leads a group on a plant walk. Photo by A. Hannah
Craig Martin leads a group on a plant walk. Photo by A. Hannah