In June, TWP’s Indigenous Lands Program team participated in a 3-day staff retreat with our partner, Montezuma Land Conservancy. Bringing together 6 staff from each team in Cortez, CO, the retreat focused on visiting sites of the traditional harvest program and river restoration structures, planning shared work in coming years, and celebrating our new joint staff member, Wyatt Wilson. TWP’s ILP resource coordinator, Zoe Bashkin, shares her experiences and insights from her days with the team

Diane Vella has been with Trees, Water & People for more than 17 years, keeping our programs running, our staff paid, and our office dogs well-loved.

Fondly referred to as “Hellen with two Ls,” or simply “Castro,” in the office, Hellen Castro has been with TWP since 2020 as our Development and Outreach Manager. Hellen’s work spans departments, focused on the marketing communications, donor relationships, and fundraising efforts that support our programs.

It was one of those nights where you know everything you stand for, everything you work for, and everything you value is being challenged by a dark, countervailing force.

For over 25 years, our home base has been in Fort Collins, Colorado. But as our work in New Mexico grows, we’ve been reminded of the power of simply being there. And being there can mean so much – it’s knowing the landscapes, it’s knowing the people, and it’s investing in close relationships with both.

On August 12th-14th, the TWP team gathered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for our annual retreat. 

Our staff has grown to 18 diverse individuals, representing eight countries and five Tribal nations, and the retreat offered much-needed space to connect, reflect, and renew the relationships that hold TWP together.

As any experienced gardener will tell you, to get great results, plant the right crops for your climate, water and weed regularly, and most importantly, put time into building your soil.

TWP is staffed by a group of dedicated and culturally grounded professionals with diverse backgrounds who get up every day to work for people and the planet, and to help communities manage the natural resources upon which their livelihoods depend. The commitment of our people to our mission makes a difference!

“We seek to help create work opportunities that people can be proud of and that contribute to a higher standard of living.”

At TWP we believe everyone deserves a dignified livelihood. A dignified livelihood is more than income security, it's one that provides a safe and enjoyable environment, that ensures dignity and respect and gives constant opportunities to transcend barriers and grow. At TWP, this starts from within.