Williams: Gray Wolves In West Need Federal Protection
A pair of gray wolves. Courtesy photo
By TED WILLIAMS
Animal Wellness Action
On June 18, conservation groups urged Judge Donald Molloy of the U.S. District Court for Montana to overturn a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finding that western gray wolves do not merit listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The Administrative Procedures Act requires courts to declare unlawful any agency action that is “arbitrary and capricious.” The plaintiffs presented compelling evidence that the Service’s action was precisely that.
What’s more, the ESA requires that decisions to list or not list Read More
How Ubiquitous Small Particles Turn Harmful Inside Plants
UCR plant biologist Juan Pablo Giraldo (left) and study first author Christopher Castillo (right) in the laboratory. (Juan Pablo Giraldo/UCR). Courtesy photo
SCIENCE News:
A new UC Riverside-led study reveals how common small particles produced by nature as well as human activities can transform upon entering plant cells and weaken plants’ ability to turn sunlight into food. The discovery offers a path to control this issue.
Engine combustion and manufacturing, natural processes like forest fires and volcanic eruptions all emit nanoparticles, which are thousands of times smaller Read More
Daily Postcard: Agave’s Cool Blue Hue Adds Interest To White Rock Garden
Daily Postcard: Agave’s cool blue color adds interest to a garden bed on Grand Canyon. Photo by Annette Maes-Livermore Read More
Fort Fashions & Pastimes: July 12-13 In Watrous
Living history staff and volunteers will portray soldier and civilian life during Fort Fashions & Pastimes programs July 12 -13 Fort Union National Monument in Watrous. Courtesy/National Park Service
Fort Union National Monument News:
WATROUS – Fort Union National Monument in Mora County announces its Fort Fashions & Pastimes programs to be held Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13.
These free programs will feature 1800s clothing styles, leisure activities, and how both related to the economics and social structures of the time.
Living history staff and volunteers will portray Read More
Posts From The Road: Big Sur Coast Of California
Big Sur Coastline: Shown is a typical view of the Big Sur coastline from one of many viewpoints along Highway 1. The rugged San Lucia Mountains drop from high peaks to the rocky shores along this section of the California coast. This view is located south of the village of Big Sur, Calif. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Coastal Landscape: A view of the coastline, Highway 1, and the iconic Bixby Bridge is seen from a viewpoint about a dozen miles south of Carmel, Calif., and a short distance from the bridge. The late afternoon sunlight gives the scene a warm glow as the sun begins to set. Photo by Read More
Additional Scenes From ScienceFest 2025
The ScienceFest 2025 booth powered by Los Alamos MainStreet Saturday at Ashley Pond Park. The popular annual event featured more than 54 booths and 19 vendors this year, offering exciting things to see and do. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Recardo Lambert of Los Alamos County Department of Public Utilities mans the Sewage Disposal education booth ‘Don’t Flush That’ demonstration Saturday at Ashley Pond Park. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Even the turtles in the pond turned out in force for ScienceFest 2025 on Saturday at Ashley Pond Park. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com Read More
Rallying Cry: Public Lands Advocates Mobilize Against GOP Proposal To Sell 14 Million Acres In New Mexico
This map, released by the Wilderness Society, shows eligible lands scattered across New Mexico at risk in a new bill proposing to reverse long-standing public land protections. Courtesy/The Wilderness Society
By MARLENE WILDEN
Los Alamos Daily Post
marlene@ladailypost.com
A sweeping new proposal backed by U.S. Senate Republicans has sparked widespread concern across New Mexico, as it would make up to 14 million acres of the state’s federally managed public lands eligible for sale. Conservation groups, tribal leaders, and outdoor recreation advocates are sounding alarms over the Read More
Daily Postcard: Sprawling Squirrel Embracing Lazy Hazy Days Of Summer Cooling Off Under Water From Sprinkler
Daily Postcard: A squirrel sprawls on the ground cooling off under a sprinkler, embracing the lazy, hazy days of summer in the yard of a residence on Saturday afternoon in White Rock. Photo by Nancy Ann Hibbs Read More
Daily Postcard: Two-tailed Swallowtail Sipping Nectar Near Mountain Elementary School
Daily Postcard: Tiger swallowtail sips nectar recently near Mountain Elementary School. Photo by Greg Noeninckx Read More
NMED Offers Free Domestic Well Water Testing At Las Vegas Water Fair June 28
NMED News:
LAS VEGAS — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) will host a free domestic well water testing event in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 28.
Testing will be available 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in Las Vegas at the Contractor Connects + Event, located at the West Las Vegas High School, 179 Bridge Street in Las Vegas.
Well water tests typically cost about $150 but will be free to the first 100 participants or while supplies last. Participants must bring their own water sample to the event in order for it to be tested. Test results will be mailed to the households Read More
Bugs, Bots, & Baby Goats: PEEC’s Summer Family Evenings Are Happening, Rain Or Shine!
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is excited to welcome families back for its beloved Summer Family Evenings series, made possible thanks to the generous support of the Del Norte LOV Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Del Norte Credit Union.
At 6 p.m., every Wednesday evening from June 4–July 23, families can enjoy affordable, hands-on programs that bring science, nature, and animals to life at the Los Alamos Nature Center. With engaging guests from around the region, these events are perfect for curious kids and their grown-ups looking for summer fun.
Here’s Read More
Mountaineers To Explore Navajo Backcountry June 24
Rugged canyon country at the base of Navajo Mountain, which the Mountaineers searched for where David Roberts had been. Exploring this country is a ‘how hard can it be’ type of adventure. Courtesy/Mountaineers
By BILL PRIEDHORSKY
Los Alamos Mountaineers
The June 24 Mountaineers meeting will feature a talk by Norbert Ensslin. Over many years, some members of the Mountaineers have been exploring the maze of sandstone domes and slot canyons surrounding Navajo Mountain. This rugged area does not get many visitors, except for backpackers on the trail to Rainbow Bridge. But it has a rich history Read More
Go Behind The Scenes At Bandelier With Natural Resource Interns’ PEEC Presentation July 1
Bandelier National Monument’s Natural Resource Management interns, Vanessa Luviano and Mykah Gallher. Photo by Kristen O’Hara
PEEC News:
Discover what it’s like to work behind the scenes in one of New Mexico’s most iconic landscapes at a special event hosted by the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) at the Los Alamos Nature Center. At 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 1, Bandelier National Monument’s Natural Resource Management interns, Vanessa Luviano and Mykah Gallher, will present an engaging talk about their experiences as emerging conservation scientists.
This unique Read More
Discover The Secret Lives Of Pollinators In ‘My Garden Of A Thousand Bees’ Screening At PEEC June 23
Martin Dohrn filming a bumblebee hovering over a dandelion. Photo by Martin Dohrn Passion Planet
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC), in partnership with Bee City Los Alamos, invites the community to a special free screening of the acclaimed documentary My Garden of a Thousand Bees from 6–7 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium.
This event is generously sponsored by Los Alamos Technical Associates (LATA), a longtime supporter of community education and environmental stewardship. Admission is free, and families are welcome Read More
Daily Postcard: Hooded Warblers Spotted In Water Canyon
Daily Postcard: A male hooded warbler perched on a branch on Monday in Upper Water Canyon. Last year, hooded warblers nested along the reservoir road in Los Alamos, the first time ever in New Mexico. They’re back, this time in Upper Water Canyon, about 3.1 miles away. The male was first seen June 3, and has been there for more than two weeks now. A female was seen on June 10, but has not been seen since. Hopefully she’s sitting on a well-hidden nest now, and we’ll see her again on June 23, gathering food for her nestlings. Photo by Michael Smith
Another view of a male hooded warbler perched Read More
State Issues Smoke Advisory For Southwestern New Mexico In Wake Of Trout And Buck Fires
NMHealth News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Departments of Health and Environment issued a smoke advisory for communities affected by the Trout Fire in the Silver City area and the Buck Fire near Aragon.
Pending further notice, the advisory is in effect in Grant and Catron counties.
Smoke from the Buck Fire may be visible from Highway 12 southeast of the community of Aragon and southwest of Highway 60. The Trout Fire, north of Silver City, is expected to continue moving north and east, depending on wind direction and other weather conditions. Smoke can travel long distances and may harm air quality Read More
Canceled: Today’s Environmental Sustainability Meeting
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Environmental Sustainability Board meeting scheduled for today, June 18, is canceled due to a lack of quorum. Read More
Albert Chang Appointed Director Of New Mexico Oil Conservation Division
EMNRD News:
SANTA FE — Today, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department announced the appointment of Albert C.S. Chang as the new director of the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division.
The New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (OCD) regulates the state’s oil and gas industry: protecting the environment and the rights of resource owners, ensuring balanced, consistent, and transparent regulatory enforcement, fostering efficiency and innovation in the energy sector, and preventing the waste of oil and gas resources.
A graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, Chang Read More
Daily Postcard: Birds & Flowers On Canyon Rim Trail
Daily Postcard: The Canyon Rim Trail in White Rock near Kimberly Lane was full of birds and flowers for Father’s Day on Sunday. A small sample of them is shown here, including this Black-chinned hummingbird. Photo by Richard Skolnik
An Ash-throated Flycatcher viewed Sunday on the Canyon Rim Trail in White Rock. Photo by Richard Skolnik
A Black-throated sparrow viewed Sunday on the Canyon Rim Trail in White Rock. Photo by Richard Skolnik
A flax plant viewed Sunday on the Canyon Rim Trail in White Rock. Photo by Richard Skolnik
A sulphur cosmos plant viewed Sunday on the Canyon Rim Trail in Read More
SFNF Offices To Close Thursday For Juneteenth Holiday
SFNF News:
The federal holiday, observed on Thursday, June 19, is a Fee-Free Day.
SANTA Fe — All Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) District Offices and the Supervisor’s Office in Santa Fe will be closed Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
All offices will resume regular business hours Friday, June 20.
In observance of the federal holiday, June 19, is a Fee-Free Day. This means the Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency.
Enjoy the remaining Fee-Free Days of 2025:
- National Public Lands Day: Sept. 27; and
- Veterans Day: Nov.
