Kids standing in the snow

Connecting students to nature. Inspiring them to protect it.

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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.

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Multi-Day Environmental Programs

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Latest Blog Posts

October 13, 2024By Sadie Norton

AXL Academy 8th Grade Field Day 

Written By Field Instructor, Caroline Paul The Aspens at Golden Gate Canyon State Park put on a show for AXL Academy’s 8th graders last week. The first field day of the school year kicked off with beautiful fall colors only…

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October 8, 2024By Sadie Norton

A Day in the Woods with Angevine Middle School

Written By Senior Field Instructor, Amy Kopkin Atkins As you can imagine, asking an 8th grader to part with their phone, is like asking a 3 year old to part from their favorite stuffie. They try denial, “Oh Miss, I…

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NVHS Students mulching at Ollin Farms
October 4, 2024By Sadie Norton

Soaked Seeds of Change: New Vista Students’ Transformative Day at Ollin Farms

Written by Eeland Stribling, Cottonwood Institute Field Instructor When New Vista High School students stepped onto Ollin Farms for a Cottonwood Institute field day, they expected to learn about sustainable farming. What they didn’t expect was how a day of…

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Featured Campaign

Bid or Donate Now: Cottonwood Institute 20th Birthday Campaign

Cottonwood Institute is celebrating its 20th birthday on September 27th, 2024. Over the past 20 years, we have positively impacted the lives of over 7,185 middle and high school students and they have designed and implemented countless Action Projects to help improve the environment and their communities.

Help us celebrate our 20th birthday by bidding on our online auction or making a tax-deductible donation by September 30th, 2024. Click here for more information:

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.

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