One of our three original co-founders, Steve Van Heiden, is stepping down from his Board position with CCI – although he will continue to make ongoing contributions to CCI. As an original Co-founder, Steve’s contributions have been immeasurable to the organization. He contributed to the original vision and provided a lifetime’s experience and knowledge of lophophora and other cacti. Many will recognize him as one of the leading authorities in the world on psychoactive plants and cacti, having contributed to our current understanding of their biology, ecology, and pharmacology. He has worked tirelessly as a writer and photographer, participated in field research, and provided mentorship to a worldwide group of cacti and lophophora lovers. His involvement with CCI – published under his Keeper Trout moniker – touched virtually every project and aspiration that we engaged in. Our relationship will never end, but we wish him the time and energy to pursue everything that is left on his cactus to-do list.
