As Cottonwood Institute (CI) enters our third year of programming for Nature Kids / Jovenes de la Naturaleza (Nature Kids) Program in Lafayette, CO, it is time to look back on what we have accomplished the previous two years. Nature Kids is a five-year, $10 million collective impact project led by Thorne Nature Experience that… Read more »
This year Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) is celebrating 30 years of being a statewide leader in environmental education in Colorado. Last week they put on their 19th annual Advancing Environmental Education Conference. Cottonwood Institute (CI) presented two conference sessions and received the Advancing Environmental Literacy Award on behalf of the Nature Kids/Jovenes de… Read more »
Over the last year Cottonwood Institute has been working with Martin Ogle at Entrepreneurial Earth to spread the word about an initiative to change our collective language around “green jobs”. Environmental education has often focused on introducing students to environmental or green careers in hopes of growing interest in this field. It’s a great field,… Read more »
The Base Camp Bash has been a special event for many years, raising critical funds for Cottonwood Institute (CI) students and programs. The past five years, CI started a new tradition by awarding two students from our Community Adventure Programs (CAP) the coveted Ripple Effect Award for their outstanding leadership, attitudes, and actions while designing… Read more »
There are many signs of early spring in March in the Front Range. As we anticipate more snow in the mountains, crocuses emerge in town, the days start lengthen, and lakes begin to thaw. Cottonwood Institute (CI) spring instructor training indicates the shift in season. CI instructors transition from winter field-days to spring overnights next… Read more »
Cottonwood Institute (CI) programs at New Vista High School have seen a few changes lately as student interest has shifted. The great thing about CI’s student directed programming is that it can shift with the students so their passions still lead the way! Below are descriptions of two new groups forming and getting projects underway… Read more »
For many years Cottonwood Institute (CI) has partnered with military programs to provide outings for kids and families serving in the US Military. This year, CI is offering 3 programs as part of a series of engagements with the Colorado Army National Guard. On Wednesday July 12th, three CI instructors took a long drive to… Read more »
On May 11, 2017, two Community Adventure Program (CAP) classes presented amazing project plans and policy change ideas to judges at the Civic Learning and Action Showcase hosted by The Civic Canopy. KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy (NDLA) had 4 students presenting about their project to preserve habitat and create community space on campus. STRIVE… Read more »
Boulder County has launched a first-of-its-kind collective made up of schools, teachers, and environmental educators who will use a set of guidelines to ensure all students graduating in Boulder Valley School District and St. Vrain Valley School District participate in meaningful and age appropriate environmental education. After years of collecting data, crunching numbers, and hours… Read more »
This April Cottonwood Institute (CI) continued their instructor training and professional development with a full day of professional driving and van training. CI teamed up with cityWild and Colorado Mountain Club Youth Education Program (CMC) to offer instructors an eight-hour professional development and certification in 15-passenger van driving. Collaborating with these two great organizations helps… Read more »
