At Mothapalooza, Community Members Explored the Vital Role of Nocturnal Pollinators through Hands-On Learning, Expert Presentations, and an Unforgettable Evening Under the Stars Written by Cottonwood Institute Instructor and & Social Media Coordinator Harmony Esqueda. At dusk on a warm summer night, a crowd eagerly gathered at Beech Open Space near Longmont for an evening… Read more »
Student-Led Learning Allowed Angevine Middle School Students to Follow their Curiosity, Learn from Community Experts, and Create Lasting Environmental Change on their Campus Written by Angevine Middle School CAP Instructor Sara Grillo. This semester, students in the Community Adventure Program (CAP) at Angevine Middle School took ownership of their learning in a way that made… Read more »
The Story of a Mt. Sopris Alumni Adventure Told One Word, One Laugh, and One Challenge at a Time Written by Shira Nathan, Cottonwood Alum. From May 21st through 24th, as per annual tradition, a group of Cottonwood alumni set out on their summer trip: this year, to backpack Thomas Lake Trail and attempt to… Read more »
Give Where It Grows to Support 40+ Colorado Nonprofits that Provide Outdoor and Environmental Learning Experiences During Great Outdoors Month June is National Great Outdoors Month, and the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education asks you to Give Where it Grows by donating to their incredible network of outdoor learning organizations, which includes Cottonwood Institute. Outdoor… Read more »
Cottonwood Institute Founder and Executive Director Receives the Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award from the Garden Club of America in 2026 Just before the annual Bash Camp Bash event began on April 11, 2026, Ford Church, Founder and Executive Director of Cottonwood Institute, received a surprise honor from the Garden Club of America. One of the… Read more »
Cottonwood Institute is Proud to Announce that We Have Been Awarded the Unique Distinction as a Colorado Water Education Exemplar for 2026! What is it? This distinction is given by the Colorado Watershed Assembly to recognize local programs that offer objectively exceptional education about Colorado’s water using the Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental Education. These… Read more »
Our Headlamp Highlights Shine a Light on the People and Organizations that Help our Cottonwood Community Thrive. Meet Board Member Alyssa. We are excited to highlight our Cottonwood Institute (CI) Board Member, Alyssa Ash, who has been on the CI Board since February 2026. Read on to learn more about Alyssa! Introduce yourself to the… Read more »
New Vista Students Explored Climate Solutions Through the Cycle of Hope and Hands-On Action Written by Lori Powell, New Vista CAP Instructor and Communications & Administrative Coordinator. The New Vista High School spring Community Adventure Program (CAP) class kicked off the quarter with a powerful learning experience. On the afternoon of the first day of… Read more »
From Fishing at Barr Lake to Navigating a Snowy and Soggy Campsite, AXL Academy 7th Graders Made the Most of Every Moment During this Spring Camping Adventure Written by AXL Academy CAP Instructor & Social Media Coordinator Harmony Esqueda. Our 7th grade AXL Academy CAP spring overnight started off strong with our first stop being… Read more »
AXL 8th Grade Students Spent their Final CAP Overnight Making Lasting Memories Through Fishing, Games, and Plenty of Sweet Treats Written by AXL Academy CAP Instructor & Social Media Coordinator Harmony Esqueda. For our last CAP camping trip before AXL Academy 8th graders continued onto high school, we anticipated a bittersweet and exciting camping adventure… Read more »
