When a government shutdown in October halted communications between North Carolina students and Grand Canyon National Park rangers, Hatch River Expeditions, a rafting company based in Northern Arizona, stepped in to support the students’ educational project.
Amanda Clapp, a seventh grade science teacher at The Catamount School in North Carolina, had organized a class project focused on climate change and the significance of America’s national parks. Her students were set to interview park rangers across the country for podcast episodes. However, just before her group assigned to Grand Canyon National Park could conduct their interview, federal operations ceased due to the shutdown.
“The fall is a busy time for educators in the National Parks… Most of the rangers were working hard via email to help the kids with getting information, even if they weren’t able to meet face-to-face. And then they were all furloughed, and the correspondence ended,” said Clapp.
Recalling her previous experience on a teacher-focused rafting trip with Hatch River Expeditions—sponsored by the Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science—Clapp reached out for assistance when faced with this obstacle. “It was unforgettable!” said Clapp. “I think fondly of Hatch and the great service to the participants and the conservation and education missions of the National Park Service. So, I called for backup.”
Hatch River Expeditions responded quickly. Within an hour of Clapp’s request, Eva Hatch agreed to speak with her class. Eva Hatch serves multiple roles at her family’s company—including guiding trips—and has spent much of her life navigating through Grand Canyon since childhood.
“The canyon is always changing and there is always something new to learn about it. That’s one of the reasons I love it,” said Eva Hatch. “I had the privilege of being raised within the canyon walls, and with that comes a wealth of ever-growing knowledge that I love sharing with others any chance I get.”
During their virtual meeting, students discussed topics ranging from local wildlife and environmental changes affecting animal behavior to how young people can contribute to preserving natural spaces like Grand Canyon.
“Their interest in preserving the Grand Canyon is exactly the kind of support it needs,” said Eva Hatch after speaking with them. “Their questions showed a deep sense of love and responsibility for such an incredible place.”
Hatch River Expeditions has previously collaborated with various educational organizations by offering specialized river trips designed for schools or clubs. Although opportunities like directly addressing classrooms are less common than river excursions, company representatives say they value these chances when possible.
In 2025, beyond their work related directly to Grand Canyon education efforts, Hatch River Expeditions partnered with Braetan Peters from Elon University on research into how people adapt after being disconnected from smartphones during extended wilderness experiences. The company invited clients during its 2025 season to participate in this study as part of Peters’ neurobehavioral research.
“Grand Canyon is probably one of the last places left where your phone can’t constantly get internet. We hope we can help her get what she needs,” said Steve Hatch regarding this partnership.
Reflecting on his company’s approach toward educational outreach more broadly Steve Hatch added: “Not very many people in the world get access to the Grand Canyon the way we do. Whenever we can, we like to use that access to help people.”
Hatch River Expeditions operates as a third-generation family business providing white water rafting tours along Colorado River through Grand Canyon since 1934; it holds concession contracts with Grand Canyon National Park.
