Wolves In New Mexico: The Past, Present And Future – An Evening Discussion With Valles Caldera Experts Nov. 12
Learn about Wolves In New Mexico: The Past, Present & Future Tuesday at Fuller Lodge. Courtesy/PEEC
PEEC News:
Discover the fascinating and complex history of wolves in New Mexico at the upcoming presentation, Wolves in New Mexico: The Past, Present, and Future, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the Pajarito Room in Fuller Lodge.
This event, hosted in collaboration with the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC), the Los Alamos History Museum, and the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, offers a rare chance to learn about wolves' enduring legacy and evolving role in the landscape of the Southwest.
Event Highlights
Wolves once roamed freely across New Mexico, and much of the western United States before a federal eradication campaign nearly wiped out these apex predators in the early 20th century. In this event, environmental historian and Valles Caldera Park Ranger Adam Dean will recount the history of wolves in New Mexico, connecting the story to other states and even global wolf populations. He will highlight the conservation and environmental factors that shape public perceptions and policies around wolves today.
Tyler Obermeit, the lead Wildlife Technician at Valles Caldera National Preserve, will provide insight into the current status of the Mexican Gray Wolf experimental population. He will share the story of the renowned wolf Asha (F2754), whose recent journey through the Jemez mountains marked the first documented sighting of a wolf in the region since 1932, symbolizing a significant moment for conservation in New Mexico.
About the Presenters
Adam Dean is a graduate of the University of Virginia with expertise in 19th-century American environmental history. He has published extensively on Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks and is currently working on a history of wolves in Finland. After ten years in academia, Adam joined Valles Caldera in 2023, bringing his environmental expertise to local wildlife and historical interpretation.
Tyler Obermeit holds a Bachelor's of Science in Natural Resource Ecology from Arizona State University Polytechnic and a Certificate in Wildlife Management. He has worked with state wildlife departments in Arizona and California, focusing on the conservation of threatened species. Obermeit's dedication to wildlife preservation, particularly for endangered species like gray wolves, shapes his work today as the lead Wildlife Technician at Valles Caldera.
Admission: Free. Join us for an engaging evening exploring the legacy, journey, and future of wolves in New Mexico and beyond. This free event provides an opportunity for community members to connect with expert voices, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of wildlife conservation.
ABOUT PEEC:
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.
