New director of the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) Jillian Rubio speaks at the Nov. 1 Kiwanis meeting. Photo by Don Casperson

By BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos

Jillian Rubio, the new director of the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) came to Los Alamos from a very different world (by way of Brooklyn, NY and Tucson, Ariz.), but said she finds her new job exciting.

She spoke Nov. 1 at the Los Alamos Kiwanis Club weekly meeting. With her background in environmental education, Rubio’s career has included roles such as Chief Program Officer at the New York City Outward Bound Schools, Director of the Prospect Park Audubon Center, Board Member of the North American Association for Environmental Education and President of the Arizona Association for Environmental Education.

She joined PEEC in May and noted that for more than 22 years it has been a part of and central to the community. Despite the recent pandemic, the organization was able to pivot its activities to virtual mode with online programs. She praised PEEC staff for creating a strong and resilient foundation.

PEEC, a non-profit organization funded by donations, grants, and some support from the county, is working to build membership. It has a new director of volunteer services, a website and newsletter, a gift shop and a movie schedule. There programs range from “talks to walks” and Rubio said they have recently started a new strategic planning process to take them through the next five years.