Conservation leadership series

One of the most critical jobs of a land conservation organization, especially one that is in the business of perpetual land stewardship, is to ensure a connection to the next generation. To address this need, Colorado Open Lands created the Conservation Leadership Series (CLS). Every year, CLS engages a cohort of 10-20 young 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 an invaluable connection to our state’s emerging leadership.

 Get a glimpse into the program by looking at photographs from prior years!

To view the program details for 2023, click here.

To express interest in the program for a future year, please submit your information here and we will be in contact with more information.

Since 2017, 51 emerging leaders from a variety of professional occupations have graduated from the Conservation Leadership Series! There is no better evaluation of the impact of the Conservation Leadership Series program than one written by participant Emily Orbanek as she described her experience:

“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.”

 Questions? Contact Yvonne Schramm at yschramm@coloradoopenlands.org or 303.988.2373 ext. 223.