Explore Pollinators on a Guided Butterfly Walk at Pajarito Ski Hill
Published on July 12, 2026
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the community to a free Butterfly Walk on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This guided outing, led by ecologist Simone Lord, offers participants the chance to slow down, observe, and learn about the butterflies that call northern New Mexico home. The group will meet at the Los Alamos Nature Center at 8:45 a.m. before caravaning to the Pajarito Ski Hill. Weather permitting, the outing will include both on‑trail and light off‑trail exploration as participants search for butterflies, observe their behaviors, and learn about the habitats that support them.
Event Details
Title:
- Title: Butterfly Walk Guide: Simone Lord, Ecologist and PEEC Board Member
- Date & Time: July 18, 2026; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Meeting Location: Los Alamos Nature Center (meet at 8:45 a.m.) 2600 Canyon Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87511
- Admission: Free
What to Bring
- Water, lunch, and snacks
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Rain gear (monsoon season!)
- Binoculars and cameras (recommended)
- Insect net (optional)
Trail Information
This outing is considered easy overall, but participants should be prepared for uneven and loose terrain and some light off‑trail walking in a natural setting.
About the Guide
Simone Lord is an ecologist passionate about wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. Her academic background includes studying wildlife and pollinator‑plant interactions, and she has a particular love for butterflies. Originally from Iowa, Simone moved to New Mexico in 2022 and quickly fell in love with the Southwest’s landscapes and biodiversity. Outside of work, she enjoys snowboarding, hiking, reading, and crocheting. This guided walk offers a peaceful and engaging way to connect with the natural world and learn more about the butterflies that brighten our local ecosystems. All are welcome to join this summer morning of exploration.
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.