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PEEC events are described on this page. Ongoing clubs for children are listed at the bottom of the page. All events are family-friendly and open to persons of all ages. Some programs require that children be accompanied by an adult. If you are uncertain whether an event will be suitable for your child, contact Programs@PajaritoEEC.org.
Tip: to receive a weekly e-mail of PEEC events, request PEEC This Week using our Contact form.
Summer Sunset Hikes
Join us for our popular Summer Sunset Hike series. Open to hikers of all ages. FREE, but donations appreciated.
August 11: Wildflower Sunset Hike Summer Sunset Wildflower walk with Chick Keller. Meet at PEEC at 5:30 p.m. Location to be announced.
August 25: Big Tree Hike Hike into Valle Canyon with Dorothy Hoard and associates. Meet at the trailhead for Cañon de Valle along State Route 501 (West Jemez Rd.) at 5:00 p.m. (Note earlier start time because it's later in the year). The goal is to find several of Los Alamos County's champion trees and to admire some also-rans that occur lower in the canyon. Douglas fir, SW white pine, ponderosa pine are some of the giants for girth and height that we'll see. This canyon also has historical interest as the main route over the mountains for over a century.
September 8: Wildflower Sunset Hike Summer Sunset Wildflower walk with Chick Keller. Meet at PEEC at 5:30 p.m. Location to be announced.
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"Green Hour" Parent/Child Hikes
August 4 - Pajarito Canyon
August 11 - Perimeter Trail
August 18 - Rendija Canyon Trail
August 25 - Burnt Mesa
Kids' hikes are parent/child hikes geared towards children age 2-10 . The format follows National Wildlife Federation's "Green Hour", where kids are encouraged to spend at least an hour a day of unstructured time outside, preferably in the woods. Therefore on these hikes, kids will decide the distance and activities of the hike (with adult supervision). Often that results in great learning moments and great distances covered. Sometimes the group splits into smaller groups based on kids' hiking speeds. We usually pick a place to have a snack before returning to the trailhead. Duration is anywhere between 1-3 hrs. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, hats, water, snack and weather-appropriate clothes. Led by Petra McDowell. Please register with PEEC at 662-0460 or www.PajaritoEEC.org so that we can coordinate meeting places and times. FREE.
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Park Flight Bird Banding
August 7, 14, 21, 28, September 4, 11, 18
9-11 a.m. (weather permitting)
Migratory birds are a colorful and highly visible sign of the changing seasons. For the fourth year, the public is invited to participate in Park Flight. Observe these birds up close by joining researchers studying the changing populations of migratory birds at a site below the ski hill, 2.7 miles above the intersection of Camp May Road and the new West Road. Look for the large dirt parking area on the right after the second silver guardrail as you drive up the Camp May Road, then walk 0.1 mile along a two-track road to the site. Before coming, please contact Stephen Fettig at 662-6785. FREE and family-friendly!
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Aldo Leopold's "Mia Casita"
August 13
Trip to Aldo Leopold's "Mia Casita" in Tres Piedras. Carpool from PEEC at 9 a.m. Guided visit with Forest Service's Benjamin Romero at 10:30, followed by a short walk for wildflowers. Optional restaurant or picnic lunch on the way home.
VCNP Science and Education Center
August 20
PEEC field trip to the Science and Education Center of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Leave PEEC at 8:30 a.m., carpool to Jemez Springs, visit, lunch, return.
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Meet the PEEC Critters
August 22, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Join us at PEEC for an up-close and personal look at our resident animal exhibits. We will discuss the needs of each of the animals and explain how we care for them. Learn what each animal eats and how it survives in the wild. Kids will get some hands-on time with our friendly hognose snake and feeding Elf the turtle. We will also include some tips on responsible pet ownership in the modern age. Cost is $18 member families/$20 non-members families (up to 4 people). 1-2:30 p.m.
Hike to Cerro Grande
September 12
Led by Tom Ribe, author of Inferno by Committee.
Tour the area where the NPS conducted the prescribed fire that began the Cerro Grande wildfire. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Cerro Grande parking area at the intersection of SR 4 and FR 289 for a 4-hour moderately strenuous walk of 4 to 5 miles. It is a beautiful area with spectacular views of the Pajarito Plateau, Rio Grande Valley, and the Valles Caldera. Bring sturdy walking shoes, lunch, and plenty of water. No dogs.
FREE, but donations appreciated.
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Nature Fiesta
September 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Nature Fiesta in Frijoles Canyon of Bandelier National Monument, sponsored by PEEC and Bandelier. Lots of nature activities and fun for all! Details will be posted as planning gets underway. The usual admissions policies apply at the Bandelier gate, but the Fiesta itself is FREE.
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Agua Adventures
Summer 2010, Any Time
This summer try an Agua Adventure! Several community groups, including
PEEC, have worked together to create community scavenger hunts
called Agua Adventures. Three levels of scavenger hunts will be
available beginning June 1, try any or all of them! Pick up a free
hunt guide at PEEC, the Bradbury Science Museum, the Los Alamos Historical Museum,
or the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce... and start hunting.
- Make a Splash - This relatively easy hunt focuses on the
downtown area and can be completed in a day.
Here is a clue to get you started:
Stored in the building of Los Alamos' past
You'll find water stored up for a disaster- alas,
Cans, canteen, and big drums all over the place
Your clue to record is the name of this space.
- Make Waves - This is a GPS hunt that takes place in White Rock.
- An Ode to the Foe of Fire - This most challenging level is for
adults and families. The challenge includes:
Water! Water! We need more right now!
When the fires were out, work began on the How.
In Hawk Country there now towers, a giant come to stay,
158 feet tall, he claims; from Whence?... so far away?
When your hunt is complete return it to the Chamber of Commerce, pick
out your instant prize, and register for a chance to win a larger
prize at the end of the summer. On June 1st let the hunting begin!
Registration
- No registration is required for most FREE events.
- For fee-based classes, we strongly recommend payment well in advance so that we can ensure your space in the class.
- Click here to download a class registration form (PDF).
- PEEC members receive a 10% discount.
- You may enroll online using a credit card with the "Add to cart" links. Please include an e-mail and phone number on the PayPal form so that we can contact you if necessary.
- You may drop off payment at the Center (cash or check only), or mail your class registration form with a check payable to PEEC (PO Box 547, Los Alamos, NM 87544).
- Last minute registration: please call and, if you can still be accomodated, we will reserve your space and you may register and pay when you come for the class. Call (505) 662-0460 and leave a message.
Cancellation Policy
- Programs require considerable preparation. Late cancellations hurt the program and its other participants.
- If a class is cancelled by PEEC, you will receive a full refund.
- If you cancel more than one week in advance, you will receive a full refund.
- Within one week before the start of the program, registrants may credit class fees towards a future class, to be used within one year.
Sunflower Kids' Summer Gardening
Summer 2010
Ongoing enrollment throughout June
We are planning an exciting summer program for kids to enjoy learning how to make compost, plant seeds, grow food (and harvest and eat it!) using our kids' garden and our greenhouse.
- Learn to grow vegetables and flowers from seeds
- Watch as worms turn our food scraps into fertilizer
- Make garden art from recycled materials
- Eat what you grow!
Every Tuesday, 9-10:30 a.m., beginning June 8. Students are not required to attend every week, as most will miss some weeks due to family vacations.
Especially for kids 7 to 10 years old, but others may also come.
$30 fee for the whole summer. Led by master gardener Marion Good, Katie Watson, and a very enthusiastic group of volunteers.
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Nature Playtime for Toddlers
First and third Mondays each month
Did you know that PEEC is packed with fun stuff for kids to explore? Moms and dads, bring your toddlers to PEEC to learn about the natural world. Read books, check out the animals, put on a puppet show, make a nature craft (craft changes each week), hike into Pueblo Canyon. The program is very informal, providing a fun and educational place to hang out with other caregivers and their little ones!
Led by Jessie Ross. FREE. Donations are appreciated but not required.
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Critter Club
Resumes September 2010
Join Critter Club at PEEC! Critter Club is a nature club for students in grades 1-3. Each week we will meet to discover the fascinating elements of the natural world. By identifying, collecting, and investigating, students will experience a fun-filled, educational program that inspires a deeper knowledge and connection with nature. We will take discovery walks, engage in hands-on science activities, investigate animals, and meet the trees, plants and flowers that surround us. Receive a nature journal, magnifying glass, and invitations to Critter Club events when you join the Club.
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Kinnikinnick Club
Resumes September 2010
Your child, grades 4-6, can be a member of Kinnickinnick Club. In Kinnickinnick Club, children are making a difference by learning about nature and designing and implementing community service projects. For more information, see Kinnikinnick Club page.
The club meets twice per month, usually on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 4:00-5:00 p.m. New students may join any time. E-mail Michele Altherr mjaltherr@gmail.com with questions.
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Middle School Environment Club
A new club for middle schoolers, designed by middle
schoolers. The club will meet at Los Alamos Middle School as an after-school activity.
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