River Source was started in 1997 by Rich Schrader to initiate watershed resilience projects with significant public participation for long-term and community-based stewardship as an outgrowth of his learning at University of New Mexico’s Community and Regional Planning Program. Initially a sole proprietorship, in 2004 River Source became a mission-driven S-corporation that has been supported by a long-term fiscal sponsor that is a 501c3 non-profit educational organization. Rich has designed and implemented restoration projects and set-up ecological monitoring with private and public landowners on well over 100 sites throughout New Mexico.
Climate disruption presents a tangible threat to communities across the world in terms of food insecurity, natural disasters, loss of traditional ways of life and habitat fragmentation. Increasingly variable rainfall patterns are affecting the supply of fresh water, as we see streamflows averages decreasing in the Rio Grande River. In Santa Fe where River Source is based, people, government agencies and entrepreneurs are scrambling to find strategies to increase watershed resilience. River Source provides education, research, and community services to build capacity and then retreat to a supportive role for community-based “green teams”.
Carlos Herrera wears many hats for River Source as the Operations Director since 2011. Leveraging his Bachelors in Science from NM Highlands University and science work across northern New Mexico mountains, he does data collection, ecological restoration, and teaching in the field. He manages data and helps write reports in the office. He has a passion for being outdoors and getting kids outdoors. He also is a skilled drum maker and willow basket artisan that loves to share
Victoria Atencio is a former River Source Intern (2012-13, 
2013-14) who has worked extensively on watershed restoration and water monitoring projects for the Pueblo of Cochiti. Victoria is from the Pueblos of Santo Domingo and Ohkay Owingeh. Victoria holds a masters degree in Natural Resource Stewardship, specializing in Ecological Restoration, from Colorado State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Biology and Range Management from New Mexico State University. Victoria is a native plant enthusiast, enjoys teaching/educating about the natural world, and taking outdoor adventures with her son. Victoria currently serves as the Community Science Coordinator managing communications, educational outreach and restoration planning.
Gaby Rael is our Outdoor Equity Intern for spring 2022 as she
attends Arizona State University and connects with our partners at Future Focused Education.
Other people that work with River Source include Bill Zeedyk, Van Clothier, Craig Sponholtz and Aaron Kauffman. We also work with conservation partners such as Alan Hamilton, Toner Mitchell, Steve Harris, Garrett Veneklasen, Moises Gonzales, Miguel Santistevan, Jeremiah Kidd, Reese Baker, John David Blagg, Mary Stuever, Demis Foster, and many more.
Click here to learn about our Advisory Board and Staff
To contact River Source call 505-660-7928
Or send an email to
