We started our day at Ollin Farms with a greeting from Mark Guthridge, one of the owners and caretakers of Ollin Farms. Mark explained his family’s intergenerational journey to becoming a regenerative farm. He explained how regenerative farming actually builds soil by using compost, woodchips, mycelium, planting windbreaks, and smart grazing. He is not just… Read more »
What a day on the greens! The Harvard Gulch Golf Invitational brought together 104 players for a fun-filled afternoon of golf and community spirit, all in support of Cottonwood Institute’s mission to awaken the changemaker within every student. Thanks to everyone who came out, we raised an incredible $12,790 to connect more students to nature… Read more »
Looking back on the impact of our past school year of programming at Cottonwood Institute (August 2023-July 2024), we are overwhelmed by the life-changing experiences that were created for over 530 students. Across 12 Program Partners, 29 Programs were delivered where Instructors and students learned how to navigate the challenges of pushing themselves out of… Read more »
Inspiring the Next Wave of Environmental Stewards: How This Collaborative Event Is Helping Shape the Future of Outdoor and Environmental Advocacy. Written by Associate Director & Senior Instructor Chelsea Tossing. With a shared vision of empowering young people and fostering a deeper connection with nature, Cottonwood Institute and Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) brought together… Read more »
A day of community building, thoughtful discussion, and hands-on learning to start the year intentionally. Written by Iona Kelly. On January 7th, 2024 Cottonwood Institute held an Instructor Winter Training day in the beautiful Camp Patiya. It was held with a focus on our various programs and how to support the creation of opportunities for… Read more »
Cottonwood Institute Founder and Executive Director Ford Church recently joined April and Ken Pishna on the Living A Stout Life Craft Beer Travel and Adventure podcast! April is a former Cottonwood instructor and Program Director. She and Ken are living their dream traveling the country, sampling craft breweries, and mountain biking. Read a repost from… Read more »
Are you looking for a unique gift to commemorate a special summer weekend, or your recent trip to Colorado? Cottonwood Institute’s 14ers Art Store hosts beautiful watercolors of 53 Colorado 14,000-footers (“14ers”), available as prints, canvases, or framed images. Created by local Denver artist Mile Wilson, the watercolors are painted from unique perspectives inaccessible to… Read more »
In 2022, Cottonwood Institute (CI) received not just one, but TWO awards from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE)! Our Changemaker Program was selected to receive a 2022 Innovative Environmental Education Program Award! The Awards Selection Committee announced that they are very impressed with the caliber of the work taking place through this program,… Read more »
Find out what students thought of CAP Class during fall 2021! Written by Curriculum Manager Chelsea Tossing (Escrito en español más abajo) Our 2021 CAP classes have wrapped, and it’s been an eventful semester here at CI! After COVID put a pause on our field experiences during the 2020-21 school year, we were thrilled to… Read more »
Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day are coming up quickly! Your support during these local and international giving days can help Cottonwood Institute unlock a $20,000 match from three generous families. When you set up a Seedling Monthly Giving Donation at any level by December 31, 2021, you will help unlock a $20,000 match to… Read more »
