Environment

Stay Safe On The Trails: Living And Hiking Responsibly With Wildlife In Los Alamos County

Bobcat. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Living in Los Alamos County means sharing our beautiful landscapes with a wide range of wildlife. While encounters with animals like bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and rattlesnakes are relatively uncommon, they do happen—especially along trails and open spaces. Understanding the risks and practicing smart habits can help keep you, your pets, and wildlife safe.

Wild animals are not naturally aggressive toward humans, but they may react defensively if surprised, protecting young, or seeking food. Off-leash pets are one of the most common Read More

Environmental Services To Close For Staff Training April 8

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Environmental Services will be closed Wednesday, April 8, for employee development, safety training, certification compliance, and facility maintenance.

This includes operations at the Eco Station and the White Rock Overlook Convenience Center. Trash, yard waste, and recycling collection services will also be suspended. Collection services for those impacted will be provided Thursday, April 9.

Environmental Services will hold one training and certification day per quarter to ensure all employees remain compliant. The quarterly closure is to minimize Read More

Los Alamos High School Astronomy Club To Present Two Student‐Led Planetarium Programs At PEEC

Courtesy/PEEC

Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

The Los Alamos High School Astronomy Club will present two student‐led planetarium programs at the Pajarito Environmental Education Center’s (PEEC) Los Alamos Nature Center.

Program 1: Planetary Defense — What Happens When an Asteroid Hits Earth?

  • Friday, April 10, 7-8 p.m.
  • Lead Presenter: Lydia Davis

What would happen if an asteroid hit Earth? How can we protect ourselves from interplanetary threats? How must we look to the future to avoid the same fate as the dinosaurs? Come to Los Alamos High School Astronomy Club’s presentation on planetary defense Read More

Documents Added To LANL Electronic Public Reading Room

LANL News:

New documents have been added to the Los Alamos Legacy Cleanup Contract Electronic Public Reading Room.

All legacy cleanup documents required to be posted after April 30, 2018, are available on the site linked above.

For legacy cleanup documents that were posted prior to April 30, 2018, please visit the LANL electronic public reading room.

Read More

Santa Fe National Forest Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions 

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Due to elevated wildfire risk, the Santa Fe National Forest will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions (Order # 03-10-00-26-03) forest-wide beginning today, April 2, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2026.

The decision to implement fire restrictions is based on various factors, including the availability of firefighting resources, current drought conditions, weather forecast, the time of year, and fuel moisture levels. Implementing fire restrictions can help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety.

What is prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions? Read More

New Mexico Invests $1.9M To Expand Youth Outdoor Access

Wumaniti Earth Native Sanctuary engages Indigenous and rural youth in traditional horseback riding, archery, mustang rescue and shelter building. Courtesy/EDD

EDD News:

SANTA FE — A $1.9 million investment through the state’s Outdoor Equity Fund will connect over 22,000 youth across 14 counties to 62 programs that promote wellness and expand outdoor access.

Applications for overall FY26 funding surged 141% over the previous year, with 228 organizations requesting $7.8 million in funding against $4 million available.

“This state investment in our youth is amplified by nearly $2 million Read More

PEEC Launches Monthly Bird Walk Series April–October At Los Luceros Historic Site

Courtesy photo

PEEC News:

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is excited to offer a monthly Bird Walk at Los Luceros, held on the first Sunday of each month from April through October. These free outings invite birders of all experience levels to explore the rich riparian habitat of Los Luceros Historic Site alongside knowledgeable local guides.

Advanced registration is required at peecnature.org/events.

Led by Mary Parsaca and Mary Orr, each walk takes place during the site’s “Dawn ’til Dusk Day,” giving participants early-morning access to towering old-growth cottonwoods, Read More