These 25 volunteers removed about two tons of old fencing recently from Acid Canyon. Photo by Thomas Graves/www.thomasgraves.com
Many hands made light work of the fencing cleanup project. Photo by Thomas Graves/www.thomasgraves.comPEEC News:
Hikers have long been subject to the sight of Atomic Energy Commission era chain link fencing disturbing views in Acid Canyon. Thanks to a hearty group of 24 volunteers and to organizations from the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and Los Alamos County the fencing, which was also a hazard to wildlife, was completely removed.
The volunteers joined Los Alamos County’s Eric Peterson, and PEEC’s Jonathan Creel, Oct. 28, for the Acid Canyon Clean-up Day. The goal was removing about one-half mile of fence posts, old fencing and debris. The project was anticipated to take four hours, but only took half the time because so many people show up to help.
Early in the process, the 4×4 “gator” that was used to haul the fencing popped a tire, but the volunteers never missed a beat. They began carrying the posts and fencing uphill to the truck, which then drive the old debris out of the canyon. In all about two tons of material was taken out of the canyon. Ruby K’s also pitched in to the effort by donating bagels for a pre-work breakfast, and photographer Thomas Graves was on hand to document the work.
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 a number of 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 merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35.
To learn more, visit www.peecnature.org.
The view of a section of the Pueblo Canyon Rim Trail near the Ranch School Trail both before and after the clean-up day. Photo by Thomas Graves/www.thomasgraves.com