Shrub and Tree ID Walk

Join PEEC and Craig Martin for a gentle fall stroll focused on identifying local shrubs and trees in their autumn and early winter forms. Even without spring leaves or summer flowers, our native plants have plenty of clues to offer—from bark texture and branching patterns to lingering leaves.

The walk will take place on a nearby trail selected by the leader based on current plant visibility and trail conditions. Participants will meet at the nature center and caravan to the trailhead together.

Please dress for the weather and bring appropriate gear: closed-toed shoes, water, hat, gloves, and any other seasonal necessities. This program is suitable for all ages and experience levels. Come learn how to recognize the subtle beauty of plants in their off-season!

About the Presenter:

Born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Craig Martin fell in love with the mountains of New Mexico at the age of twelve when a fellow Boy Scout shared pictures of his trip to Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron. He has lived in Los Alamos since 1987, exploring the West on foot, bike, and skis, and most often with a camera in hand. After working as a carpenter, a naturalist for the Delaware State Parks and the National Park Service, a geology instructor, and a junior high school science teacher, Martin took over primary care of his then-infant daughter and began a career as a freelance writer. Since 1990 he has written over 300 publications. His books include Los Alamos Trails, 100 Hikes in New Mexico, Los Alamos Place Names, and Quads, Shoeboxes, and Sunken Living Rooms: A History of Los Alamos Housing and Valle Grande: A History of the Baca Location No. 1. Most recently he collaborated with Terry Foxx to assemble a three-volume set, Plants of the Jemez Mountains. Martin served as Open Space and Trails specialist Los Alamos for 12 years before retiring and traveling throughout the United States to post more than 12,000 iNaturalist observations—most of them of plants—from 45 states.