Daily Postcard: Sundog Spotted Above Bomber Field
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 10, 2018
Daily Postcard: A sundog is spotted Thursday evening above Bomber Field. A sundog is a concentrated patch of sunlight occasionally seen about 22° to the left or right of the Sun. Sundogs often form in pairs on either side of the Sun when sunlight refracts through icy clouds containing hexagonal platecrystals aligned with their large, flat faces parallel to the ground. Source: skyandtelescope.com. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com Read More
Bandelier March Activities For Year Of The Bird
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 9, 2018
White-throated swift. Courtesy/NPSBANDELIER News:
This is the third month of the worldwide Year of the Bird, and the staff at Bandelier chose white-throated swifts as the bird of the month.
So far the swifts haven’t returned to Frijoles Canyon, but they could show up any day! One day the sky is quiet, and the next day there are suddenly small birds whizzing around, looking for insects. Besides the swifts, there will soon be violet-green swallows also animating the canyon skies.
The theme for March is pollinator and native plants. The park is hosting a day for
Read More Friends Of Bandelier Announces Dorothy Hoard Stewardship Award 2018 Recipient John Hogan
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 9, 2018
John Hogan presents a fire ecology talk to students. Courtesy/The Friends of Bandelier 
John Hogan demonstrates the best technique for coring a tree. Courtesy/The Friends of Bandelier By TERRY FOXX
The Friends of Bandelier
The Friends of Bandelier have chosen John Hogan as the 2018 recipient of the Dorothy Hoard Stewardship Award.
The award is given annually to someone who has contributed to the health and well-being of our landscape and community. Dorothy, the founder of the Friends of Bandelier, died in March 2014, and the award is a legacy to her passion and care of the place she Read More
Daily Postcard: Fiery Sunset Lights Sky
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 9, 2018
Daily Postcard: A fiery sunset lights the sky recently over Los Alamos. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
Santa Fe Watershed Prescribed Burn Planned Today
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 8, 2018
SFNF News:SANTA FE ― Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) plan to take advantage of favorable conditions, including fuel moisture levels, air quality, and winds and weather forecasts to initiate a one-day prescribed burn in the Santa Fe Watershed Thursday, March 8.
With thirty five percent of the 755-acre treatment area under snow pack, the areas adjacent to the snow pack are to be treated.
The treatment area is approximately three miles east of the City of Santa Fe on the south end between Nichols and McClure Reservoirs. Impacts from
Read More Heinrich Introduces Legislation To Help Restore And Rebuild National Parks
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 8, 2018
U.S. Sen. Martin HeinrichU.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation to address the maintenance backlog at our national parks.
The National Park Restoration Act will help restore and rebuild roads, buildings, campgrounds, trails and water systems in New Mexico’s 15 national parks, improving facilities for the more than 1.7 million yearly visitors to the parks.
“From the ancient wonders in Chaco
Read More Community Weighs In On Camp May Water Pipeline
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 8, 2018
Los Alamos resident Ed Birnbaum offers his thoughts on the Camp May Water Pipeline project. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Will the proposed Camp May Water Pipeline project offer aid to Pajarito Ski Area and resources to help fight wildfires or is it just the first building block for condos and other major developments on the mountain?
During a public meeting hosted by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Thursday night at UNM-LA, citizens voiced their support, questions and skepticism Read More
NMED Releases Draft 2018 Strategic Plan For Kirtland Air Force Base Fuel Cleanup Project
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 8, 2018
NMED News:The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) releases its draft 2018 Strategic Plan for the Kirtland Air Force Base aviation fuel cleanup project for public comment.
The draft 2018 Strategic Plan, and Strategic Plans for 2015, 2016 and 2017, can be accessed from the NMED website here: https://www.env.nm.gov/kafbfuelplume/kafb-fuel-plume-documents/.
Written comments on the draft 2018 Strategic Plan will be accepted through April 6, 2018, and should be sent electronically to dennis.mcquillan@state.nm.us.
Read More AGU: 2017 North American Wildfire Pollution Comparable To Moderate Volcanic Eruption
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 8, 2018
Dense smoke clouds linger above Canada’s Lake Athabasca Aug. 14, 2017, around which several major fires raged. These fires burned so intensely that smoke drafted several miles high, straight into the stratosphere; an effect usually seen in moderate volcanic eruptions, rarely fires. Credit/NASAAGU News:
Compare volcanoes to wildfires, and it’s no competition. In many cases, volcanoes are vastly more powerful, and their eruptions’ effects on climate are much more pronounced. But in August 2017, the tables turned.
The 2017 North American fire season was one of the most
Read More PEEC: Explore Swirls At Family Night March 13
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 7, 2018
Enjoy activities about swirls in nature with Melissa Mackey at the Los Alamos Nature Center’s Family Night. Photo from Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce SidmanPEEC News:
Tuesday, March 13, is Family Night at the Los Alamos Nature Center.
This free program allows kids to enjoy an evening of exploring swirls in nature with Mesa Public Library’s Melissa Mackey 6-7 p.m. The nature center will be open until 8 p.m. for exploring the exhibits.
Children will make marble race tracks to take
Read More Zinke Partners With Congress To Fix National Parks
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 7, 2018
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan ZinkeDOI News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke joined U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Angus King (I-ME), Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and others to introduce a bipartisan bill to rebuild America’s National Parks.
The proposed bill would use up to $18 billion in revenue derived from energy produced on federal lands and waters to establish a special fund within the Treasury specifically for “National Park Restoration”. The bill follows
Read More Daily Postcard: Delicate Sunrise
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 7, 2018
Daily Postcard: Delicate sunrise Sunday over Los Alamos. Photo by Kathryn Willcutt Read More
Heinrich Offers Online Resources To Help New Mexicans Prepare For Wildfire Season
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 6, 2018
U.S. Sen. Martin HeinrichU.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― With wildfire season underway, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is helping New Mexicans prepare and stay safe with the Wildfire Preparedness & Prevention Resource Center that provides information on how to protect our communities from the devastating effects of wildfires.
The online resource center includes active wildfire information, prevention and safety tips, resources for businesses, and more.
Heinrich also released a 30-second public service announcement
Read More Second Renewable Energy Festival Scheduled For Earth Day Weekend At Northern New Mexico College
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 6, 2018
NNMC News:ESPANOLA ― After a hugely successful first run, the Renewable Energy Festival returns for a second year on Earth Day weekend, April 20-21, at Northern New Mexico College in Española.
The festival kicks off Friday, April 20, with music and dance performances that celebrate Northern New Mexico’s rich heritage of respect for the environment and sustainable practices.
Saturday, April 21 features educational seminars, hands-on demonstrations and activities on a wide variety of renewable energy topics for the entire family. The day will also include
Read More Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District East Rowe Mesa Prescribed Burn Now March 7
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 6, 2018
SFNF News:SANTA FE ― Due to conditions, to include fuel moisture levels, air quality and weather forecasts, fire managers on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) delayed the start of the East Rowe Mesa area prescribed burn to Wednesday, March 7.
The treatment is designed to improve wildlife habitat and promote forest health. As weather conditions permit, the East Rowe Mesa prescribed burn could continue into April.
Up to 5,000 acres of the 22,000-acre project area are expected to be treated in the East Rowe Mesa
Read More Los Alamos Winter Farmers Market March 8, April 12
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 6, 2018
Apple goods from Montoya’s farm. Courtesy photoLAFM News:
Just a one more winter market after this week’s market, which is 8 a.m. to noon. Thursday March 8 then April 12. Both are at the Fuller Lodge.
This month at market:
- New vendor- Goat Cheese, Feta, Cheve, Goat Milk, Keifer
- Montoya’s – Apples, dried apples, Cider, Snowcones, Roasted Green Chile,
- Jams & Jellies, Tortillas.
- Rodriguez Farm- Chico’s Chile, Pinto Beans, Bean mixes.
- Ranch de Iris- Chile pods, Winter squash, Organic seeds, Starts
Kirtland Fire Contained, Crews Mopping Up
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 6, 2018
KAFB News:KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE ― The fire on an eastern range in a remote area of the base has been contained and is under control.
The fire is no longer burning, but crews remain on the scene to monitor potential hotspots to ensure they don’t reignite.
Firefighters were busy clearing brush and assessing the area Monday. The area affected was assessed via aerial surveillance at about 100 acres.
Fire crews were assisted overnight by winds turning in a favorable direction, helping to contain the fire.
The fire began Sunday just
Read More Daily Postcard: Sunrise Sunday Over White Rock
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 6, 2018
Daily Postcard: Sunrise Sunday over White Rock. Photo by Nancy Ann Hibbs Read More
This Week At Pajarito
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on March 5, 2018
PAJARITO MOUNTAIN News:Pajarito Mountain has Mushroom, Zero Road East, and the Beginner’s area open. The Magic Carpet and the Beginner Lift are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for daily operations.
Current Lift ticket prices are $24 for all ages. For the snow report and ticket info, click here.
Upcoming Events (click here for our calendar):
March 17 at Pajarito will be the 70th Annual Skiesta. Skiesta is a long-standing tradition at Pajarito Mountain. The very first Skiesta was held in 1948 and featured music, costumes and a 50 cent hot dog lunch. Since it’s very humble beginnings,
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