Phil Wofford 2

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Board Spotlight: Phil Wofford

We are excited to spotlight Phil Wofford (he/him), Cottonwood Institute’s newest Board Member! Phil is currently the Regional Vice President at Trader Joe’s and we are so excited to welcome Phil and the passion and enthusiasm that he will bring to the board. Let’s get to know him, shall we? What’s your story? Where did… Read more »

Coohills Beats on the Creek summer concert series to benefit Cottonwood Institute

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Coohills 2023 Beats on the Creek: Dancin’ In The Moonlight

Another Coohills Beats on the Creek summer concert series to benefit Cottonwood Institute has come and gone, but we had a blast and it had us “Dancin’ In The Moonlight”! Every summer Coohills Restaurant hosts a summer concert series to help raise money and awareness for Cottonwood Institute and our programs while folks live music… Read more »

A group of Casa de la Esperanza students, parents, and instructors pose by the Mission: Wolf sign

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2022-23 Program Year In Review

Pour yourself a refreshing glass of iced tea, find a cozy spot under the shade of your favorite tree, and let the gentle rustling of leaves be the perfect backdrop as we share tales from our 2022-23 journey at Cottonwood Institute (CI)! It’s a tale of young minds ignited, trails explored, and communities empowered.  … Read more »

Jessie on the Changemakers backpacking trip in Dominguez Canyon

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Changemakers 22-23 Year in Review

Cottonwood Institute works closely with our school and community partners to make sure that our programs meet a real community need and values student voices. Now entering its third year, the Changemaker Program engages CAP class alums through a yearlong leadership program. In 2021, students identified relationship building as our goal in response to the… Read more »

Throwdown participants celebrating!

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Cornhole for a Cause: Cottonwood’s 2023 Throwdown!

On a sunny Saturday, July 22nd, crowds gathered downtown at McGregor Square to take part in one of Cottonwood Institute’s biggest annual fundraisers, the Throwdown. Each year, friends and coworkers show off their cornhole skills, win epic prizes, and provide support to the Cottonwood’s environmental education programs.   Sixteen generous companies and organizations sent teams… Read more »

Two students rafting on the Arkansas river!

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Lincoln Hills Cares Dives Deep into Colorado’s Watershed

  Cottonwood Institute teamed up with folks from Lincoln Hills Cares on a program all about the Colorado watershed. Written by Field Instructor M Tormasi.   As July came to a close, Cottonwood Institute teamed up with folks from Lincoln Hills Cares on a program all about the Colorado watershed. With fishing, rafting, bug catching,… Read more »

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Harvard Gulch Invitational was Nonstop Fun!

Written by Ryan Feaster of Realty ONE Group Five Star, who puts on Harvard Gulch each year! Thank you so much for your support of Cottonwood, Ryan! What a day! The 2023 Harvard Gulch Invitational was filled with surprises, and we’re not done yet. Check out the photos here and please tag Cottonwood on social… Read more »

Darrius's Avid 4 Adventure trip

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Darrius Makes Waves In and Out of School

Written by Director of Strategic Partnerships, Teagan Papke. Have you ever dropped a pebble into a pond and watched as one tiny movement creates ripples that spread across the surface? That’s the essence of CI’s Ripple Effect Award, which celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, inspired their peers, and initiated ripples of positive… Read more »

Beats on the Creek collage

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Beats on the Creek is Back This Summer!

Beats on the Creek returns next Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 to the Wewatta Bridge! Come on down to Coohills Restaurant every Tuesday in August AND Tuesday, September 5th for live music, drinks, food, and community. This summer staple benefits Cottonwood Institute, so be sure to bring a $5 donation to gain entry to the bridge…. Read more »

A group of Casa de la Esperanza students, parents, and instructors pose by the Mission: Wolf sign

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Casa Gives Back at Mission:Wolf

Escrito en español más abajo. Written by Cottonwood Institute instructor M Tormasi. As the summer solstice neared, Cottonwood Institute instructors excitedly met up with folks from Casa de la Esperanza in Longmont. The camping trip ahead would include a no-lights-allowed night hike, a service project, and even meeting rescued wolves up close and personal. That’s… Read more »