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Year In Review: Impact Report 2023-24

Looking back on the impact of our past school year of programming at Cottonwood Institute (August 2023-July 2024), we are overwhelmed by the life-changing experiences that were created for over 530 students. Across 12 Program Partners, 29 Programs were delivered where Instructors and students learned how to navigate the challenges of pushing themselves out of… Read more »

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Hot Temperatures and Hotter Throws at 2024 The Throwdown

On Saturday July 13th, 2024, 30 teams gathered downtown at McGregor Square to participate in Denver’s favorite Charity Cornhole Tournament, The Throwdown! With proceeds from the tournament going to supporting Cottonwood Institute’s CAP Class at AXL Academy in Aurora, the tournament gives teams a highlight their cornhole prowess, win epic prizes, and participate in an… Read more »

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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 »

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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 »

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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 »

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Still Glowing from the 2023 Base Camp Bash

Colorado environmental education nonprofit Cottonwood Institute hosted its spring benefit, the Base Camp Bash, in April. Thank you to all of our attendees and sponsors! Check out photos from the 2023 Base Camp Bash Here. The 2023 Base Camp Bash was fire and we are still glowing from an amazing evening to support Cottonwood Institute,… Read more »

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Buy 14ers Art. Help Kids Get Outdoors!

Are you looking for a unique gift to commemorate a special summer weekend, or your recent trip to Colorado? Cottonwood Institute’s 14ers Art Store hosts beautiful watercolors of 53 Colorado 14,000-footers (“14ers”), available as prints, canvases, or framed images. Created by local Denver artist Mile Wilson, the watercolors are painted from unique perspectives inaccessible to… Read more »

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Year In Review 2022

Year in Review 2022: After another hike around the sun, it is time to reflect on what Cottonwood Institute accomplished this past 2021 – 22 school year, the challenges we faced, and our vision for the future. Accomplishments: Programming: It was a wildly busy school year emerging from lock downs and pandemic curveballs. Despite a… Read more »

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Explore State Parks with the Keep Colorado Wild Pass

Did you know that starting in 2023, Coloradans can get a Keep Colorado Wild Pass for $29 when they register their car? This pass provides entry to all Colorado state parks and supports important conservation work throughout the state. Through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, funding from the pass will go towards state park maintenance, backcountry… Read more »

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Fish Catchers and Bug Collectors!

Escrito en español más abajo. AXL Academy joined Cottonwood Institute for a Friday of bug collecting and fish catching at Lake Lehow, which is a private lake owned by Denver Water and used by Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) for clinics. The group started the day in inquiry mode: what bugs live in this stream?… Read more »