About Us
The Rio Grande Watershed Conservation & Education Initiative (RGWCEI) started as a part-time education position with the conservation districts of the Rio Grande Watershed. These five districts (Center, Costilla, Conejos, Rio Grande, & Mosca Hooper) recognized that youth education was an important element in promoting their mission of soil & water conservation. Over the past 25 years, RGWCEI has grown to become an independent non-profit, the only conservation education non-profit in Colorado partnering with conservation districts and other organizations to bring natural resource stewardship to youth of the San Luis Valley. Our programs, learning resources, and partnerships interact with more than 3,000 youth every year!
RGWCEI staff enjoy being part of our community through programs, festivals, and events.
Hannah Thill
Executive Director
Hannah is a native of Indiana and brings a wealth of knowledge about biology and environmental education. She is a graduate of Goshen College and began work with RGWCEI for two years as part of the Mennonite Voluntary Service. Hannah became the Program Coordinator full time in 2020 and now takes on responsibilities as Director. When Hannah is not planning engaging activities for Valley youth, she is gardening, knitting, or spending time with her dog Gimli.
Mattea is a Colorado native with an extensive background in agriculture and sustainable crop and livestock practices. Mattea came to the San Luis Valley to attend Adams State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Agribusiness and a Master of Business Administration in Leadership and Public Administration. After school, Mattea began work as the District Manager of the Center and Rio Grande Conservation Districts and assists RGWCEI with program activities. Outside of these conservation programs and efforts, Mattea can be found helping on her family's farm in Mosca, riding her horses, hiking with her dogs, or spending time with her son and husband.
Program Assistant and Financial Director
Mattea Freel
To the world, it might be just dirt. But to a farmer, it is LIFE.
Our Mission
The Rio Grande Watershed Conservation & Education Initiative strives to increase understanding and awareness of natural resource stewardship and working landscapes in the San Luis Valley through K-12 and community education, collaborations, and connections.
Our Vision
RGWCEI staff and board of directors recognize that our area of Colorado is dependent on stewardship of agriculture and our natural resources. Through our programs, partnerships, and dedication to watershed health, we hope to provide a deeper engagement for our community with those resources.