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
Interim Executive Director & Program Coordinator
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 housemates exploring the mountains.
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.