Beni arrived in Las Trampas shortly after the highway was paved in the 1960s and acquired the land and built the adobe homes as a refuge and environmental education center. He was mentored by the generation of the 1890s Jacobo Romero (see “River of Traps”), Tranquilino & Filia Lopez, Max & Eulalia Cruz and Fermina Leyba, to name a few.  They were descendants of the original families who have been living in Las Trampas for hundreds of years without electricity, fossil fuels or any significant cash money. Their open hearted attitudes, joie de vivre and self reliance inspired him to create the Self Reliance Foundation producing films in Las Trampas such as “Sun Dried Foods” and its Spanish version, “Comida Seca Por El Sol,” which were shown worldwide by the United Nations to inspire others to appreciate their own cultures and integrate small scale solar technology into their traditional ways of life.  “Acequias del Norte” explained water rights and showed how to irrigate more efficiently while maintaining traditional culture. 

     A later film, “Rekindling the Fire”in English and Tewa documenting the Tesuque Pueblos revitalization of organic agriculture has been used by various Indian tribes to encourage traditional practices.  He has managed multiple grants for the National Science Foundation to increase understanding of science, technology and the environment among under-served Hispanic audiences. In the 21st century he subsidized use of the property by Gemini Farm, a major source of organic food; whose hard working staff were an inspiration to many. He is founder and chair of Hispanic Communications Network, www.laredhispana.org, the largest provider of Spanish-language educational information in the United States. Beni serves as an advisor to Sara Rose, the farm’s Director.