Donate $10,000 To Cottonwood Institute Via Crypto, Stock Or Via Donor Advised Fund And Receive An Inspirato Vacation And Membership
Kids standing in the snow

Connecting students to nature. Inspiring them to protect it.

For PartnersFor Donors

Inspiring the next generation of Changemakers

Since 2004, CI has engaged students in innovative programs that support confidence-building outdoor skill development, immersive environmental learning, and student-directed community action.

7,081
Students Served Since 2004

Explore Programs

boy flipping a pancake outdoors

CAP Class

boy by the river with a bug in his hands

Multi-Day Environmental Programs

boy with rocks in the background smiling and carrying a big backpack

Changemakers

Latest Blog Posts

Visit Our Blog
Beats on the Creek summer concert series to benefit Cottonwood Institute
July 5, 2024By Ford Church

Rock On: 2024 Beats On The Creek Summer Concert Series Is Back!

Beats on the Creek is a fun summer concert series hosted by Coohills Restaurant & Bar in Denver, CO to benefit Cottonwood Institute.   Rock on y’all! Beats on the Creek, entering its tenth season, will take over the Wewatta…

Read More
A RiseUp Community High School student rafting on the Arkansas River during the Watershed Project trip
June 28, 2024By Teagan Papke

RiseUp Makes a Splash! A Week of Rafting, Reflection, and Recharging in the Colorado Mountains

From Fish Hatcheries to Fierce Rapids, RiseUp Community High School Students Navigate Nature and Themselves in Leadville. Written by CI Field Instructor Hailey Schmidt. A small group of RiseUp Community High School students spent a wonderful week with Cottonwood Institute,…

Read More
AXL 8th grade student holding a bullsnake he found on the overnight trip
June 25, 2024By Teagan Papke

Bullsnakes, Bonfires, and Baby Salamanders: AXL Academy 8th Grade CAP Students Say Farewell with Epic Camping Trip!

AXL Academy 8th Graders Explore, Learn, and Make Memories on Unforgettable Adventure. Written by CI Field Instructor Caroline Paul. That’s a wrap on another great year of Community Adventure Program (CAP) Class at Aurora’s Expeditionary Learning Academy (AXL)! The 8th…

Read More
two people hugging, one holding an award
Featured Event

Base Camp Bash

The Base Camp Bash is our main fundraising event! This is our annual excuse to get together in person, have fun, and celebrate our students and successes. The Bash is where we present the coveted Ripple Effect Award, which honors one student from each of our schools who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in their Cottonwood Institute programs.

The Base Camp Bash helps raise the critical funds we need each year to connect students to the outdoors and empower them to take action to improve their schools, the community, and the environment for future generations. Join us next year!

Sponsor an Event

Support Cottonwood Institute

Your support allows us to offer free programs that break down barriers to the outdoors. Help us connect students to nature and inspire them to protect it – make a tax-deductible donation to Cottonwood Institute today.

Donate Today