Featured Volunteer: Ian Price

Ian is one of PEEC’s youth volunteers. Once a week he and his mother set aside time to take care of one of PEEC’s most beloved outdoor exhibits: The Human Sundial. We hope you enjoy reading Ian’s answers about his first volunteer job.

PEEC: Tell us about yourself.

I.P.: I was born in Los Alamos. I am 11 years old, I like to draw strange animals and monsters. I have been writing comic books this summer and the hero is “Tape Man” (he can get himself out of “sticky” situations). My favorite color is green.

My dad studies glaciers, my mom is an acupuncturist, and my sister is a sophomore in high school. I also have a dog named Laika, a cat named Nala, and a fish named Rojo.

PEEC: What is your job at the nature center?

I.P.: I take care of the Human Sundial outside the nature center. I have been weeding the sundial area and I repainted the letters on the rocks.

PEEC: How did you get involved with PEEC?

I.P.:  I have always loved visiting the nature center, even when I was little. I loved the turtles at the old location and called the nature center “turtlepeec”. This summer, since all of the art camps were canceled, my mom thought it would be nice if we could help out at the nature center.

PEEC: Why do you think it’s important to volunteer?

I.P.: Because I like the nature center and want to help keep it nice.  I enjoy volunteering because I like being outside.

PEEC: What do you most enjoy about PEEC?

I.P.: My favorite is going on field trips to the nature center. I also like the summer camps.

PEEC: What hobbies do you enjoy?

I.P.: Rock climbing, fishing, biking, swimming, hiking, skiing.

PEEC: Best outdoor experience in the Los Alamos area?

I.P.: That one is hard to answer because I have had so many fun outdoor experiences. Some examples are hiking to the springs on the Red Dot-Blue Dot trail, swimming at the Reservoir, and snowy ski days at Pajarito. There is a lot of opportunity for getting outside all year long.

PEEC: What is on your wish list for PEEC for the next 10 years?

I.P.: I would like to volunteer more and get to feed and care for some of the animals inside.

PEEC: Best memory working with PEEC? 

I.P.: When I almost made it all the way from the sundial to the shed with the broom balanced on my hand

PEEC: If you could be a local animal which would you pick?

I.P.: A hummingbird, because they get to drink sugar water all day and I think it would be fun to fly and do “J” dives.

Article by Christa Tyson, PEEC Visitor Services Manager. To inquire about volunteering call 505-662-0460.