Downy Woodpecker Drills Apple Tree On Barranca Mesa
‘You’re gonna need a bigger bit.’ Straining to pry its prize from the hard wood, this Downy Woodpecker twisted its head upside down as it drilled into the trunk of an apple tree last month on Barranca Mesa. Local wildlife photographer Jonathan Dowell, Ph.D. took this photo. See more of his photos on Instagram @SnowyEgretPhotography
Downy Woodpeckers
By Jonathan Dowell
Although Downy Woodpeckers are found in Los Alamos County all year long, they are somewhat reclusive and make themselves less common than other woodpeckers at neighborhood feeders. The smallest of North American woodpeckers, Read More
Daily Postcard: Snow Piles High In White Rock
Daily Postcard: Snow piles high on a bird bath and branches of apricot tree Thursday in White Rock. Courtesy photo Read More
Los Alamos High & Middle School Athletes Spotted Friday Clearing Snow From Urban Park Tennis Courts
On Friday morning, Los Alamos High School and Los Alamos Middle School Tennis Team athletes, parents and coaches showed up armed with shovels and snowblowers to clear the Urban Park tennis courts. Instead of clearing their own driveways, they put their energy toward opening up the courts for the enthusiastic Los Alamos tennis community. ‘Thank you LAHS and LAMS athletes, parents and coaches!’ Photo by Paula Knepper
LAHS and LAMS Tennis Team athletes, parents and coaches showed up armed with shovels and snowblowers Friday to clear the Urban Park tennis courts. ‘Thank you LAHS and LAMS athletes, Read More
Los Alamos County Provides Warming Centers
COUNTY News:
During inclement weather, individuals stranded or otherwise facing the elements may need a safe place to stay warm. Los Alamos County Social Services division has identified several locations where individuals can temporarily seek shelter to warm up.
While these sites may not offer full amenities such as restrooms, they provide a safe environment to avoid the elements.
The following locations are open to the public:
- Los Alamos Police Station vestibule – 2500 Trinity Drive – Open 24 hours, seven days a week;
- Justice Center – 2500 Trinity Drive – Open to individuals
County Wildlife Education: Why Rodents Are Concerning
Rodents can carry and spread diseases like hantavirus, salmonella and leptospirosis to humans and domestic animals. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Why are rodents a concern in Los Alamos?
Spread diseases: Rodents can carry and spread diseases like hantavirus, salmonella and leptospirosis to humans and domestic animals. Hantavirus has a high fatality rate.
Contaminate food: Rodents can contaminate food with their urine, droppings, and hair.
Cause structural damage: Rodents can damage buildings by gnawing on insulation, wiring, pipes, water hoses, mortar, cement, wood doors, floors, Read More
Eastern Bluebirds In Sun And Snow In North Mesa Park
Eastern bluebirds in the sun and snow Friday in North Mesa Park in Los Alamos. Photo by Lauren Hughes Read More
Buy Santa Fe National Forest Christmas Tree Permit Nov. 14
SFNF News:
SANTA FE — Create a memorable experience with friends and family by cutting a Christmas tree on the Santa Fe National Forest.
Purchase a Christmas tree permit online or in-person at the Supervisor’s Office in Santa Fe and all Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) District Offices starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 through Dec. 31, 2024.
Purchase a permit the following ways:
- Online through recreation.gov starting Nov. 14. After purchasing, print the permit and place it on the dashboard of one’s vehicle before cutting a tree. Note that a digital image on a smartphone is not considered a valid
Daily Postcard: Sunset After Storm At Anderson Overlook
Daily Postcard: Sunset after the storm Friday at Anderson Overlook. Photo by Kristin MortensenWintry Scene On Aster Street In White Rock
Wintry Scene on Aster Street Wednesday in White Rock. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
New Mexico State Agencies Assist In Winter Storm Response
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE – Since Wednesday, multiple state agencies have supported local emergency managers and public safety teams as New Mexico faced severe winter weather.
New Mexico State Police officers and the New Mexico Department of Transportation have responded to numerous calls and have assisted hundreds of stranded motorists.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation has deployed approximately 200 snowplows, loaders, and graders to clear roads statewide. Crews have been working around the clock in 12-hour shifts, continuing through the weekend.
The New Read More
As The Fog Rolls In Looking North From Los Pueblos Street
View as the fog rolled in this morning from the valley looking North from the end of Los Pueblos Street in Los Alamos. Photo by Ann GreeneFinal Climate Action Plan Goes To Council For Consideration
COUNTY News:
After more than a year of extensive community engagement and research, Los Alamos County’s Sustainability Manager Angelica Gurule will present the final Climate Action Plan (CAP) to the County Council for adoption consideration. She will also ask Council to consider adopting an emission reduction target of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Council meeting in Council Chambers, 1000 Central Ave.
As directed by the County Council, the efforts to create a plan kicked off in June 2023 with the goal of reducing the County’s Read More
Senior Activity Centers Closed Through Monday
LARSO News:
The Betty Ehart and White Rock Senior Activity Centers will be closed today due to snow. All programs are canceled and regular services are not available.
Home Delivered Meal recipients, please use emergency meal today. Community/Congregate Meal participants will not be served lunch.
The Betty Ehart and White Rock Senior Activity Centers will also be closed Monday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Home Delivered Meal recipients please use designated frozen meal for the holiday.
The Centers will reopen on Tuesday, Nov. 12 for regular hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Please note Read More
Gala To Help Unwanted & Abused Horses Nov. 30
Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program News:
SANTA ANA PUEBLO — The Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization at the Stables at Tamaya on the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico, announces the 2024 Tamaya Horseshoes & Heels Gala Nov. 30, 2024. The charity event will bring awareness to the plight of unwanted horses in New Mexico and raise funds for its ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need.
Founded more than 10 years ago at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa’s Stables at Tamaya, the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program has helped and rescued Read More
Some Non-essential County Svcs./Facilities Staying Closed
COUNTY News:
Due to inclement weather, some non-essential County government facilities will remain closed today, Friday, Nov. 8.
These include the senior centers, Teen Center, youth activity centers, Family Strengths Network, and visitor centers.
All other County facilities and services are open for business, including the Nature Center.
County Traffic and Street crews continue to clear the major roads and streets according to the FY 2024 Snow and Ice Plan.
Help our snow team clear the roads faster and keep you safe with these tips:
- Park vehicles off the street when possible.
- Stagger parked
Los Alamos Nature Center Open Noon To 4 PM Today
Los Alamos Nature Center will have a delayed opening today, noon to 4 p.m. at 2600 Canyon Drive. Courtesy/PEEC
PEEC News:
Braving the winter chill? The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) at Los Alamos Nature Center will have a delayed opening today, noon to 4 p.m., welcoming visitors to enjoy its exhibits and indoor spaces despite the snowy weather outside.
Whether looking to learn more about local wildlife, explore interactive displays, or simply find a cozy spot to take in breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape, Los Alamos Nature Center is the place to be.
Stop by and Read More
Pile Burn Season Begins On Santa Fe National Forest
Santa Fe National Forest fire managers prepare for winter prescribed fire activities. Courtesy/SFNF
SFNF News:
SANTA FE — With recent snowfall, Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) fire managers are preparing for winter prescribed fire activities.
Pile burns are tentatively planned as early as next week and will occur between November and April in the Cuba, Coyote, Jemez, and Espanola ranger districts. Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim to reduce flammable fuels and mitigate the risk of large high intensity wildfires.
Prescribed fire projects Read More
NMDGF Employees Receive 2024 National Awards
Department herpetologist Leland Pierce and big game program manager Nicole Tatman. Courtesy/NMDGF
Department OHV program manager Desi Ortiz, second from left. Courtesy/NMDGF
NMDGF News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) has announced that two of its employees recently received prestigious national awards in their respective fields.
Leland Pierce, the Department’s herpetologist, received the Distinguished Service Award for 2024 from The Wildlife Society (TWS), while Desi Ortiz, the Department’s Off-Highway Vehicle Program Manager, was named the OHV Read More
NMED Bureau Chief Elected Vice President Of ACWA
NMED News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico Environment Department Surface Water Quality Bureau Chief Shelly Lemon was recently elected Vice President of the Association of Clean Water Administrators (ACWA) for the 2024-2025 term.
Lemon’s leadership role puts New Mexico at the forefront of surface water protection efforts throughout the nation. She has served on the Association’s Board of Directors since 2020, representing EPA Region 6 — encompassing New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
ACWA is the national voice of State and Interstate clean water programs and stands strong Read More
Santa Fe National Forest Dist. Offices Closed Veterans Day
SFNF News:
SANTA FE — All Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) offices will be closed Monday Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
The Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor’s Office and District Offices will resume regular business hours Tuesday Nov. 12.
To honor and commemorate veterans, Nov. 11 is designated as a fee free day. Fees will be waived at many day-use recreation sites. Did you know federal agencies offer passes for military members and their dependents? Learn more at Military Pass | USGS Store.
If you plan to visit the Santa Fe National Forest over the weekend contact us for current conditions Read More
