Discover the Wonders of Seasonal Community Science with PEEC

Published on March 27, 2025

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites community members to explore the fascinating world of seasonal community science at a special event on Friday, March 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Los Alamos Nature Center (2600 Canyon Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544). The event is free to the public and will feature Craig Martin and PEEC education staff as they showcase a variety of ways for individuals to get involved in community science projects.

About the Event: Community science offers something for everyone, no matter their interests. From local wildlife to the farthest reaches of space, participants can make valuable contributions to knowledge. During this event, attendees will learn about iNaturalist projects that focus on identifying plants and pollinators, as well as how they can contribute to the upcoming City Nature Challenge in April. This challenge invites residents of the tri-county area to document wildlife and plants in the region.

Additionally, attendees will be introduced to NASA projects, including opportunities to observe the sky and analyze data from space telescopes.

About Craig Martin: Craig Martin, a long-time Los Alamos resident, is an avid naturalist and writer with over 300 published works. His deep connection to the mountains of New Mexico began at the age of twelve, and he has spent much of his life exploring the West. Martin has a rich background in environmental education, having worked as a naturalist for Delaware State Parks and the National Park Service. He has authored several books, including Los Alamos Trails and 100 Hikes in New Mexico, and has made over 12,000 observations on iNaturalist. Martin served as the Open Space and Trails specialist for Los Alamos for 12 years and continues to inspire others to engage with the natural world.

This event is a unique chance for anyone interested in nature, science, and community involvement to discover how they can make a difference. Whether you are a seasoned citizen scientist or new to the field, there’s something for you to explore.

Event Details:

Date & Time: March 28, 2025, from 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Los Alamos Nature Center, 2600 Canyon Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Admission: Free

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

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/.