Executive Director’s Message

November 2008:

Thank you for visiting the Cottonwood Institute website. The Cottonwood Institute is “changing the world one adventure at a time,” but we can’t expect people to want to change the world or care about the environment if they have not had an opportunity to explore the outdoors. Please help us spread the word and let people know about our organization so we can continue inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Call me an eternal optimist, but these are exciting times!

• People are investing billions of dollars into alternative energy like wind and solar, despite the shaky economy.
• Green building and energy efficient homes are all the rage, despite the housing crisis.
• Going green is “in” and individuals and businesses seem to be much more environmentally conscious than they were even two years ago, despite the news we receive on a daily basis about our planet being in peril.

However, what excites me most is the work of the Cottonwood Institute. We are on the frontlines, inspiring the next generation of community leaders and environmental stewards through our award-winning environmental service-learning curriculum. Thanks to our supporters, we deliver powerful educational programs to public schools, community organizations, and students across the country.

According to Brittany Salley-Rains, a Griffith Scholarship recipient and graduate of four Cottonwood Institute courses, “The Community Adventure Program changed my life. Not only has it awakened in me a passion I never knew existed; it has increased my awareness about environmental issues in my community and shown me that I can and do make a difference. CI’s courses gave me the opportunity to brainstorm environmental issues in my local community as well as design and implement three service projects with my classmates. In doing so, I helped others and developed leadership and public speaking skills.” I am pleased to report that Brittany is now instructing courses for us during the summer and plans to continue making a difference in her community for years to come!

We hope you will join us on one of our amazing programs. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact me directly at 303.447.1076.

Sincerely,

Ford Church, Founder and Executive Director