Environment - Los Alamos Daily Post

BAER Team Assesses Post-Fire Effects Of Naranjo Fire

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2019

SFNF News:

SANTA FE ― A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is assessing post-fire conditions for the Naranjo Fire near Regina on the Cuba Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF).

Monsoonal weather patterns are expected to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms this week, increasing the threat of localized flash flooding.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for northern and central New Mexico until midnight tonight.

As the BAER team continues its analysis, residents and visitors to the area around the Naranjo Fire should

UbiQD Announces Novel Quantum Dot Optical Fiber Technology That Delivers Extra Light To The Lower Canopy Of Plants

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2019

Fiber-coupled luminescent concentrators, using UbiQD quantum dots, deployed over a row of tomatoes in a commercial hydroponic greenhouse. Inset: Close-up of the fiber tips, where light is delivered to the lower canopy. Courtesy/UbiQD, Inc.

Representation of spectral tissue sensing utilizing the quantum dot-enabled fiber-coupled broadband medical light-source. The reflected spectrum can be a disease diagnostic. Courtesy/UbiQD, Inc.

UbiQD News:

Wide-ranging applications include greenhouse agriculture, medical diagnostics, and telecommunications

UbiQD, Inc., a New Mexico-based Read More

UA: Alien Moons … Vacations Of The Future?

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2019

UA News:

TUCSON, Ariz. — Humans first explored the Earth’s moon 50 years ago, an impressive feat for sure. But if you are interested in venturing a little off the beaten path, here are some other extraordinary moons humans may be able to visit in the future.

Pit Stop on Phobos

Your guide: Alfred McEwen, UA Regents’ Professor of Planetary Sciences and principal investigator of HiRISE, the sharpest camera ever sent to another planet.

As you pack up your spaceship in preparation for decades of travel, you’re sure to feel like you’re forgetting something. Don’t worry!

LANL: Vampire Algae Killer’s Genetic Diversity Poses Threat To Biofuels

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2019

New DNA analysis has found genetic diversity in Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus, complicating efforts to protect algae ponds and the biofuels industry from this destructive pest. The predatory bacterium sucks out the contents of the algae cells, ultimately transforming a productive green algae pond to a vat of rotting sludge. Photo by Seth Steichen and Judith K. Brown, Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.

LANL News:

New DNA analysis has revealed surprising genetic diversity in a bacterium that poses a persistent threat to the algae biofuels industry.

NWS: Today’s High Near 78; Tonight’s Low Around 57

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2019

The National Weather Service forecasts today’s high in Los Alamos near 78 with a 40 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms and tonight’s low around 57. Courtesy/NWS

Daily Postcard: Sunset Viewed From Diamond Drive

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2019

Daily Postcard: The sunset looking west Sunday evening from Diamond Drive. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More

Meet Rainforest Creatures At Nature Center Wednesday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 22, 2019

Rainforest species from Albuquerque’s Exotics of the Rainforest will be on display Wednesdat at the Los Alamos Nature Center. This program starts at 6:30 p.m. and is sponsored by Del Norte Credit Union. Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

The community is invited to stop by the Los Alamos Nature Center Wednesday, July 24 for Summer Family Evening and meet 25 different rainforest species.

Albuquerque’s Exotics of the Rainforest will be bringing free-flight Macaws and other rainforest creatures for participants to see up-close at this event.

The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the nature center’s Read More

Congress Moves To Permanently Protect Two National Treasures From Uranium, Oil, Gas Development

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 22, 2019

NWF News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congress has taken an important step toward permanently protecting two national treasures in the American West.

The House Natural Resources Committee approved H.R. 1373, the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act, which will withdraw a million acres from future mining of uranium and minerals around the Grand Canyon.

It also passed H.R. 2181, the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, which protects Chaco Canyon from oil and gas development.

“These bills will protect wildlife in two of the country’s most cherished landscapes.

Los Alamos Master Gardeners Iris Sale Saturday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 22, 2019

Trip To El Rancho De Las Golondrinas Wednesday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 22, 2019

Courtesy/El rancho de las Golondrinas

LAS GOLONDRINAS News:

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas offers free Wednesdays for New Mexico residents in July. The Los Alamos and White Rock Senior Centers will offer members round trip transportation for just $8.

The trip is planned for Wednesday, July 24. It departs the Los Alamos Senior Center at 9 a.m. and picks up at 9:15 a.m. at White Rock Senior Center.

Admission is FREE at Las Golondrinas for New Mexico residents and visitors are welcome to bring or buy lunch there. Those age 60 and over can join the senior centers for free.

NWS: Today’s High Near 79; Tonight’s Low Around 57

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 22, 2019

The National Weather Service forecasts today’s high in Los Alamos near 79 with a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and tonight’s low around 57. Courtesy/NWS Read More

Daily Postcard: Flower Baskets At 20th And Deacon

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 22, 2019

Daily Postcard: Flower baskets hanging on a light pole Friday evening at 20th and Deacon streets in downtown Los Alamos. Photo by Bonnie Gordon/ladailypost.com Read More

NWS: Today’s High Near 86; Tonight’s Low Around 60

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 21, 2019

The National Weather Service forecasts today’s high in Los Alamos near 86 with a 40 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon and tonight’s low around 60. Courtesy/NWS Read More

Daily Postcard: Hummingbird Flitting Among Flowers

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 21, 2019

Daily Postcard: A hummingbird flits among the flowers blooming in a garden Friday in Quemazon. Photo by Trisha Ancell Read More

Lana Martin Discusses Her Attempt To Climb Mount Elbrus During Mountaineers Meeting Tuesday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 20, 2019

Lana Martin dicusses her attempt at climbing Mount Elbrus at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Los Alamos Mountaineers meeting. The talk is free to attend. Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

Hear about Lana Martin’s attempt at climbing Mount Elbrus, the tallest peak in Europe, at the Los Alamos Mountaineers meeting Tuesday, July 23.

This talk will start at about 7:15 p.m. at the Los Alamos Nature Center. The Mountaineers’ meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and cover information about upcoming outings. The event is free to attend and is open to the public.

In celebration of her fiftieth birthday,

Test For Farmers Market On Saturday Begins Today

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 20, 2019

LAFM News:

Los Alamos Farmers Market is conducting a three month trial Saturday market starting today.

The market is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at the Los Alamos Justice Center.

On sale are fresh eggs, produce, herbs, fruits,honey, honey sticks, lamb, baked goods, burritos and more.

Alert: Department Of Health Cautions People To Take Precautions To Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 20, 2019

NMDOH News:

SANTA FE ― With temperatures rising to the high 90s in most parts of the state, triple digits in many areas, and with temperatures predicted to remain high over the weekend, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) cautions New Mexicans and visitors to be aware of weather conditions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

“It is very important to take precautions to avoid going to the hospital for heat-related illness,” NMDOH Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel said. “This weekend, limit your time outdoors, drink a lot of water, and never leave anyone, especially babies or

PEEC: Climbing, Fishing, Butterfly Counting July 27-28

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 20, 2019

PEEC is hosting a variety of adventures July 27-28 including climbing one of Northern New Mexico’s iconic peaks. Visit peecnature.org/events to find out what events are coming up and to register for these programs. Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC is hosting the annual Dorothy Hoard Memorial Butterfly Count July 27 around the Pajarito Plateau. Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC is partnering with the NMDG&F to host a fishing adventure July 28 at Fenton Lake State Park. Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

Get outside with the Pajarito Environmental Education Center July 27-28 with a variety of outdoor programs

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Appoints Seven New Interstate Stream Commission Members

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 20, 2019

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday appointed seven new members to the Interstate Stream Commission and re-appointed an eighth.

“Our water is our most precious natural resource,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “These individuals are tasked with upholding the people’s trust and providing for a sustainable future of that resource. My expectation is their diverse knowledge and expertise will serve New Mexicans well.”

Per state statute, the governor’s appointees must be representative of diverse major irrigation