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AXL students picking up trash

It’s Spooky Season but Change Doesn’t Have to Be Scary! 5 Simple Ways to Make Change in Your Community

At Cottonwood Institute, we believe in fostering the next generation of changemakers, which is why action projects are a crucial component to our CAP (Community Adventure Program) classes. These projects are hands-on initiatives where students identify an environmental issue they care about and work together to lead meaningful activities with local impact. CAP fosters leadership,… Read more »

Headlamp Highlights: Shining a Light on Board Member Candace Richter

Our Headlamp Highlights shine a light on the people and organizations that help our Cottonwood community thrive. We are excited to highlight our Cottonwood Institute (CI) Board Member, Candace Richter, who has been on the CI Board since September 2024. Read on to learn more about Candace! Introduce yourself to the Cottonwood Community. Where did… Read more »

Year In Review: Impact Report 2024-25

I love this time of year when I get a moment to pause and reflect on the positive impact Cottonwood Institute has created in the lives of our students and the communities we serve for the past programming year (August 2024 – July 2025). In a world that can feel divided, a quick scan of… Read more »

Putting for a Purpose: Harvard Gulch Golf Invitational Recap

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 »

Base Camp Bash Recap: Cheers To 20 Years!

This year, Cottonwood Institute celebrated our 20th Base Camp Bash fundraising event, thus our theme: Cheers To 20 Years! On the evening of April 5th, 2025, our Cottonwood community gathered for a night of music, food, fundraising, and festivities at Upper Larimer in RiNo in Denver. As people trickled in they were met with the… Read more »

A scenic view of a pristine, still lake reflecting the trees and rocks that surround it

Navigating Uncertainty with Hope and Action

Written by Teagan Papke, Director of Strategic Partnerships; Chelsea Tossing, Associate Director; and Ford Church, Founder and Executive Director The past few weeks have brought a wave of policy changes that have sparked concern and uncertainty for many in the communities we serve. From shifts in immigration policies, rolling back environmental protections, removing protections for… Read more »

A CHS student reflects while taking in a beautiful view of the valley

Help Unlock A $25,000 Match

  Have you ever had one of those moments where you want to do something to help a worthy nonprofit in your community, but you don’t know where to start? We feel you. Well, today is your lucky day because 3 generous families have stepped up to offer a $25,000 match to Cottonwood Institute to… Read more »

Longs Peak Mike Wilson

Holiday Giving Guide 2024

The holiday giving season is upon us and we wanted to spotlight a few amazing local businesses that donate back to Cottonwood Institute as you shop for your friends, family, colleagues, and clients. 14ers Watercolor Prints: You may have heard that local artist, Mike Wilson, donated his entire watercolor collection of all 53 14,000ft peaks… Read more »

Ford Church, Strat Labs Changemaker Spotlight

Changemaker Spotlight – Ford Church, Cottonwood Institute

Re-posted with Permission: Welcome to Strat Labs’ Changemaker Spotlight Series! This blog series is dedicated to showcasing the inspiring journeys of remarkable individuals who have transformed their passions into purposeful endeavors, leaving a significant impact on the world around them every single day. Join us as we delve into the heart of innovation and commitment,… Read more »

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