It has been a fantastic year for the Learning Gardens at New Vista High School! The action packed year was filled with student-initiated and implemented garden projects. There were many opportunities for students to engage with and learn in the garden during academic classes and Gardening Workshops. Students learned about gardening in Colorado and practiced… Read more »
On April 22nd 2014, to celebrate Earth Day, the Earth Task Force (ETF) hosted a bike repair day at the front of New Vista High School. This event inspired more students to bike to school, and provided a free opportunity for people to get their bike repaired or tuned up. Many students also enjoyed the… Read more »
This spring, the Community Adventure Program (CAP) at New Vista High School had many amazing outdoor experiences! Each adventure built upon the last, as the students grew into competent and excited outdoor enthusiasts. On most Friday afternoons throughout their few months together, CAP class headed to the nearby trails at the base of the Flat… Read more »
The 2014 Base Camp Bash was an incredible success for the Cottonwood Institute. We raised critical funds for our programs, met some amazing supporters, and celebrated the impact our students are having in the community. One way we honor our students is through our annual Ripple Effect Awards. The Ripple Effect Award is given each… Read more »
Oh what a night! The 2014 Base Camp Bash was an outstanding success. What happens when you bring together amazing people, incredible sponsors, fabulous auction items, committed educational partners, present cool awards, enjoy delicious food and beverages, a great band, and toss in a “Change Your World” Selfie Booth? Well, for those of you who… Read more »
The Earth Task Force (ETF) at New Vista High School in Boulder, CO has heard a lot about fracking, or hydraulic fracturing. Everything from the horrifying idea that fracking could contaminate water supplies to how beneficial it is as a lower emission fossil fuel. Most people in Colorado rely on natural gas, which comes from… Read more »
This past March, students from New Vista High School’s Earth Task Force (ETF) hosted an exciting community event called Bring Your Own Mug Day (BYOM). The purpose behind the event was to encourage students and staff to use their own reusable mugs, in place of taking advantage of disposable cups. Reusable mugs are an important… Read more »
Cottonwood Institute had a great time attending sessions and presenting at the 14th Annual Teaching Outside the Box Conference in March 2014! As always, the conference was inspiring and rejuvenating, filled with sessions, roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, and celebrations. Each year, the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education hosts the Teaching Outside the Box Conference. The conference… Read more »
Last month, students from the Earth Task Force at New Vista High School in Boulder, CO hosted a clothing swap. The purpose of the event was to encourage peers and staff to pursue their fashion interests in a more eco-friendly manner. Due to the money and materials that are invested in the purchase of new… Read more »
Endangered Wolves and Animal Tracking This spring, we will facilitate our Endangered Wolves and Animal Tracking Program to students from Littleton Academy, Logan School, Colorado Academy, and STRIVE Preparatory Charter Schools. As part of the program, students will camp out for nearly a week at Mission:Wolf, a wolf refuge located in south central Colorado, to… Read more »
