Check out our 14ers Artwork Exhibit at Denver International Airport!

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A Changemaker student practices ancestral skills at the ancestral skills gathering at Ollin Farms

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Changemakers Spark Ancestral Skills Revival: Reconnecting Community Through Fire, Shelter & Crafts

Students Lead Frigid-Weather Gathering, Fostering Sustainability & Connection to Heritage. Written by Associate Director and Senior Instructor Chelsea Tossing. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, our Changemaker students have been craving to reconnect themselves and their community with ancestral skills. This past weekend, our Changemaker Outdoor Leadership Program welcomed 40 eager members of the… Read more »

AN NVHS student shading their head in the sun

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From Fire-Building to Friendship: New Vista High School Camps Out at Camp Patiya

Students Encounter Wildlife, Build Shelters, and Learn Valuable Outdoor Skills on a Memorable Camping Trip. Written by Instructor M Tormasi.  Earlier in April, Cottonwood Institute had the wonderful opportunity to take New Vista High School students camping just 25 minutes northwest of their school. Throughout the trip, many students stepped into leadership roles, facilitating team-building… Read more »

A student speaks at the Outdoor and Environmental Opportunity Fair

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Together for Tomorrow: A Cottonwood-ELK Collaboration Sparks Youth Enthusiasm for Environmental Careers

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 »

14er Selfie at DIA with Ford David Mike

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14ers Watercolor Exhibit Lands At Denver International Airport

  We are excited to announce that the 14ers Portraits watercolor collection by Mike Wilson are now on exhibit at Denver International Airport (DEN) to benefit Cottonwood Institute from March – September 2024. Local artist, Mike Wilson, generously donated his beautiful collection of 53 watercolors of all of the 14ers (peaks over 14,000 feet) in… Read more »

Base Camp Bash

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Base Camp Bash 2024: A Night of Wild Wonder

In a nutshell, 2024’s Base Camp Bash did not fall short of its theme as a “A Night of Wild Wonder.” On the evening of March 2nd, as attendees entered Upper Larimer event space in RiNo, they were greeted with a variety of sensory experiences: the scent of hundreds of fresh cut flowers, the sound… Read more »

An AXL Academy 8th grader poses in snow gear: a hat, goggles, and face mask

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A Snowy Overnight Adventure with AXL Academy 8th Graders

Students Enjoy Snowball Fights, Baseball, and Moonlit Walks on a Trip to Cal-Wood Education Center. Written by Caroline Paul. AXL Academy 8th graders spent an extraordinary overnight trip at Cal-Wood Education Center near Jamestown, Colorado. What started as exceptionally warm leaned its way to a beautiful overnight snowfall. AXL students spent the early afternoon learning… Read more »

CI Staff play a game of of Nutty Squirrels

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Cottonwood Winter Training: Connecting with Nature

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 »