This 2023 Rivers & Birds has created a leadership transition.
After 23 years as the Executive Director, Roberta says it is time to pass the leadership baton. Our solution was instead to create a multi-directorship to distribute the workload with three additional co-leaders - all of whom have worked for years with Rivers & Birds . We are excited to collaborate and believe our multi-generational synergy will reinvigorate and expand Rivers & Birds environmental outcomes for the greater good of all.
Director
Roberta Salazar
Passion for her cultural roots and natural heritage in New Mexico, combined with a professional understanding of nature, inspired Roberta to found Rivers & Birds 23 years ago , afte rher 17-year career as a wildlife biologist for the federal government.
"Celebrating Earth with others through outdoor experiences in nature, we honor life in a way that is joyful, meaningful, and connects to the spirit of all life. Teaching the interconnection of living systems is key to sustainability.”
director
Chris Pieper
Since he arrived in Taos 27 years ago, Chris has dedicated his energy as an educator and community organizer to honor the land and cultures that make our place in Northern New Mexico so special. Chris has taught high school inTaos. He serves as a Ditch Commissioner on the Acequia del Rio Lucero y Arroyo Seco. He is an accomplished organic farmer. He is a gifted storyteller. Chris continues these efforts now through his work with Rivers & Birds as he teaches our environmental education programs for public school students, provides educational talks and workshops on soil restoration for adults and hosts Rivers & Birds’ Earthbeat weekly radio hour on KNCE.
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director
Becka Porter
Becka graduated from Western State Colorado University with a BS in Geology. She has taught with Rivers & Birds since 2005. She is also delighted to be homeschooling her son and working as a mediator with the Taos Magistrate Court mediation program.
"When I become aware of how my actions impact the world around me, I am better able to make choices that serve and reflect my values of interconnectedness and compassion. It’s wonderful to be planting the seeds of compassion and interconnectedness through the many programs put on by Rivers and Birds."
Director
James Porter
James arrived in Taos 23 years ago with a dream to build an Earthship home to live in a low footprint way to honor the Earth. After a career in home building, James transitioned to obtain a Masters Degree in Geographic Information Systems. In this field, he has worked for the Village of Taos Ski Valley, Enchanted Circle Trails and Taos Land Trust. He dedicates his life now to achieve conservation of the natural world for the benefit of future generations.
"I apply GIS to support natural systems to conserve, protect, preserve, and educate. Rivers & Birds is a powerful organization that's had great successes and I am pleased to use my skills to support their efforts to honor our Earth."
Graphic designer
Jesse Furr
As a young person raised in Taos County, Jesse is thrilled to help show our community all of the great work Rivers & Birds does through graphic design and illustration. Jesse has helped to enhance Rivers & Birds’ class workbooks in order to ensure that the next generation of Earth Stewards has engaging learning materials for years to come. He also illustrated a fun series of animal stickers that we are thrilled to be able to share with everyone.
"Being a student in Rivers & Birds’ Watershed Learning Project at the end of elementary school really opened my eyes to how people and public lands interact in powerful, positive ways."