Learn about local wildlife at Bear Festival in Los Alamos. Stop by Los Alamos Nature Center 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 for Bear Festival, PEEC and LEWF’s annual event sponsored by Century Bank, featuring activities and wildlife experts throughout New Mexico. Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

The community is invited to join the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation (LEWF) for the 7th Annual Bear Festival 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Los Alamos Nature Center, at 2600 Canyon Road.

This entertaining and educational event, sponsored by Century Bank, promises a day full of family-friendly fun, booths, games, and valuable resources on coexisting with black bears and other wildlife in northern New Mexico. Explore engaging crafts, participate in a scavenger hunt, and enjoy delicious food from Manko: Native American Fusion food truck, while learning from local, regional, and state-wide organizations about safe wildlife practices.

Please note: the nature center parking lot will be closed to vehicles during the festival; park across the street at the United Church or walk or bike to the event. Admission is free. Special thanks to Century Bank for making this event possible.

Additional Bear Festival Events:

• Tuesday, Aug. 20 – Bears in Space, 7-8 p.m. Join PEEC’s very own Elizabeth Watts to learn all about bears’ history throughout space, including constellations and the current Artemis project. $8/adult, $6/child.
• Friday, Aug. 23 – Bear Dinner, co-hosted by PEEC and LEWF, 6-8:30 p.m. Hear from local wildlife expert Dr. Kathleen Ramsay about black bears in New Mexico, and eat like one, too! Enjoy a buffet-style dinner catered by Secret City Kitchen featuring food that makes up a black bear’s diet. Drinks will include various herbal teas and a cash bar provided by Bathtub Row Brewing. $30/PEEC Member, $35/Non-Member.
• Saturday, Aug. 24 – River of Bears, 2-2:30 p.m. Join PEEC for a fulldome film in the planetarium, featuring the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, where more than 100 brown bears gather each summer. $8/adult, $6/child.

For more information, visit peecnature.org/events. Stay connected on social media for updates on each week’s activities.

About PEEC:

PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains, and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600 Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events, and hosts several interest groups, from birding to hiking to butterfly watching. PEEC activities are open to everyone; however, members receive exclusive benefits such as discounts on programs and gift shop merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35. To learn more, visit peecnature.org/support/membership/.