Conservation leadership series
An Opportunity to Learn and lead
As Coloradans, what brings us together as a community is our love for our open lands. Colorado’s epic views, thriving wildlife, flowing water, and fantastic opportunities for an active outdoor lifestyle are what unite and interconnect us all. But most of us never get the chance to learn about why land trusts work to protect these outstanding natural resources and how that protection gets done. Conservation Leadership Series (CLS) is your bridge to a deep understanding of conservation in Colorado and a way to explore and expand your own conservation ethic.
Every year, CLS engages a cohort of established early- to mid-career professionals from diverse industries in a nine-month, immersive educational experience that weaves together a series of briefings, field experiences, and networking opportunities. The goal of the program is for graduates to integrate their learning into their professional and personal lives, ultimately cultivating a strong conservation ethic across the state. It simultaneously educates and inspires a new generation of conservation champions while providing Colorado Open Lands with new perspectives and ideas on our industry.
Be the voice for our lands and water in your industry. Join us in 2025! Read on below for application instructions.
2025 Program Information
Each year, we welcome approximately 20 individuals into the cohort. Applications for the 2025 cohort are open for submission between January 15 (8:00 a.m. MST) and February 5 (4:00 p.m. MST), 2025.
Is the Conservation Leadership Series for you? Read the Program Overview document linked below to help answer that question! It provides guiding questions for applicants as well as answers to frequently asked questions. In addition, please read the Calendar of Events booklet for information about program dates.
2025 Program Overview
See detailed information!
2025 Calendar of Events
View the booklet!
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open.
To express interest in the program for 2026 or beyond, please submit your information here and we will be in contact with more information as it becomes available.
Hear from program alumni!
Since 2017, 95 emerging leaders from a variety of professional occupations have graduated from the Conservation Leadership Series! There is no better way to learn about the impact of the Conservation Leadership Series than from past participants. Read on to hear about their experience:
“The Conservation Leadership Series (CLS for short) has been a mind-blowing learning opportunity completely unique to COL and has laid the framework for my understanding of the vast world of conservation. I have learned more on a single CLS visit than I learn at a whole conference thanks to this amazing program and the incredibly talented staff at COL! I went into this program with an inkling of knowledge and now I have the ability to confidently educate others about conservation and spread the word about the cutting-edge work that COL is leading. COL is at the forefront of keeping Colorado beautiful, wild, and awe-inspiring for generations to enjoy forever!” – Ray Winn (2023 participant)
“Building a land and conservation ethic in the next generation of business and political leaders is critical for the future success of a state with an economy rooted in land-based activities like agriculture and outdoor recreation. Colorado Open Lands is meeting that challenge, bringing future leaders together to build a foundation of understanding and a deep love of the land that will last for generations, and ensure that Colorado will continue to be a place where people come to experience the outdoors through exploration and adventure, forever.” – Emily Orbanek (2017 participant)
Questions? Contact Yvonne Schramm at yschramm@coloradoopenlands.org or 303.988.2373 ext. 223.
Ray Winn, 2023 Participant