Environment

Creative Reuse Workshop: Get Ready To Junk Journal!

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Junk Journaling image by Liz Martineau and Gordon McDonough. Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

The public is invited to attend a free drop-in junk journaling workshop at the SALA Los Alamos Event Center, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30.

What is “Junk Journaling?”

Learn how to make books from scratch using creative and unique materials. Facilitators Liz Martineau and Gordon McDonough, among their many other activities, make books from scratch and will be on hand to get participants started experimenting with bookmaking concepts, techniques, and materials. The workshop is called “junk” Read More

Tracking Wildlife On The Pajarito Plateau Workshop Sept. 13

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PEEC News:

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites nature lovers and outdoor explorers to join certified wildlife tracker Ann Hunkins for a hands-on tracking workshop on the trails: Tracking Wildlife on the Pajarito Plateau: Part 2! This exciting event will take place from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13.

Back by popular demand! Whether or not participants attended the first session, all are welcome for this next chapter in PEEC’s tracking series. The group will explore a local trail to learn how to interpret signs of wildlife in the landscape: tracks, scat, markings, Read More

NMED Warns Public Of Algae Bloom In Eagle Nest Lake

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NMED News:

COLFAX COUNTY — Visitors to Eagle Nest Lake near Angel Fire are being urged to use caution as a potentially harmful algae bloom forms. 

Samples collected by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) show harmful algae are present. NMED and the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department are urging visitors to the lake to take the following precautions: 

  • As always, do not drink untreated surface water. 
  • Avoid swimming in algae blooms and keep pets out of the water. 
  • Supervise children and pets, as they are more likely to ingest water. 
  • If you suspect an algae-related illness,
Read More

Water Rights Transfer For Copper Flat Mine Reopening Denied By State Engineer

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Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

SIERRA CLUB News:

SANTA FE — The State Engineer issued her decision last week denying Tulla Resources’ application to transfer water rights needed to reopen the Copper Flat Mine near Hillsboro in southern New Mexico.

The State Engineer also noted the effects of climate change on New Mexico’s water resources. Quoting a 2006 Office of the State Engineer report, she stated, “New Mexico’s water future will be determined by water demand and availability of our water resources, [and] climate change will likely have a significant impact on both.” Read More

Bighorn Sheep Family Spotted On White Rock Canyon Edge

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Rebecca Shankland of White Rock writes, ‘White Rock residents have been enjoying the small herd of bighorn sheep roaming the canyon recently, nibbling the grass, wildflowers, and sometimes special treats from domestic flower gardens.  They usually travel in a flock of about seven, ranging in age from small lambs to majestic adult males with impressive curled horns. But one morning, my visiting guests spotted a new sight: a mother nursing a young one that seemed rather large to be bothering her for a free breakfast. My friend Merula Franzgrote was there with her cell phone camera to document Read More

County: Low Water Pressure Impacting Eastern Area

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Crews expect pressure to be restored within 3-4 hours. Courtesy/The Spruce

COUNTY News:

Water customers from 9th Street heading east toward the airport are experiencing little-to-no water pressure and are encouraged to conserve water while repairs are being made.

A complication with an underground valve caused it to unexpectedly close, resulting in reduced water pressure for the area. Standby water crews from the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and a contractor working on the water transmission line replacement project in the area are working to repair and restore service. Read More

Tips To Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires Over Labor Day

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — All Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) District Offices and the Supervisor’s Office in Santa Fe will be closed for the federal holiday Monday, Sept. 1, and will resume regular business hours Tuesday, Sept. 2.

As the nation gears up for the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Santa Fe National Forest encourages everyone to help prevent human-caused fires with a few helpful tips while visiting public lands.

Nationally, 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans, including half of all wildfires on national forests.

Keep these tips in mind to help prevent human-caused wildfires:

Leave Read More

Scenes From PEEC’s 2025 Bear Fest At Nature Center

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Land of Enchantment Foundation Co-founder Dr. Kathleen Ramsay, left, and Executive Director Nirankar Horak participate in Pajarito Environmental Education Center’s (PEEC) 2025 Bear Fest Saturday at the Los Alamos Nature Center on Canyon Road. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

New Mexico Game and Fish Public Information Coordinator Amber Medina, left, and Public Information Officer Dela Joyner inform the public about bears during PEEC’s Bear Fest held Saturday at the Nature Center. Photo by Kirsten Laskeyladailypost.com

Bandelier National Monument staff, from front, Archeological Read More

Commissioner Garcia Richard Delivers Affordable Housing For Las Cruces With Mesa Vista Development Agreement

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STATE News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard announced a new lease today that will add around 1,700 new, affordable housing units to the East Las Cruces area on state lands near Organ Mountain High School. The development, which is a partnership with Sierra Norte Land Holdings, LLC, is part of Commissioner Garcia Richard’s efforts to prioritize the use of state land to meet communities’ needs, such as affordable housing.

This is the first time the State Land Office required that residential developments on state lands include affordable or attainable Read More