CMC to host annual virtual sustainability conference

Learn more about CMC’s sustainability and ecosystem science programs, and celebrate Earth Day at the same time

By Andy Stonehouse, Colorado Mountain College

In a season of unpredictable weather and a growing range of urgent sustainability challenges, student research might offer a hopeful pathway to the future. Some inspirational notes from an expert with active experience in the field doesn’t hurt, either.

Colorado Mountain College’s yearly Sustainability & Ecosystem Science Conference turns a spotlight on final project work by students in the Integrated Sustainability and Ecosystem Science & Stewardship programs.

It will be held as an online event from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 24. As always, it’s a free event, open to the public, with registration, schedule and full details available at CMC's sustainability conference.

The digital conference will also be followed by several live community events at local CMC campuses before and after the conference.

According to Valerie LeMaster, partnerships and experiential learning strategist with CMC, the conference is a chance to highlight the innovative, real-world research from students graduating in both programs. They’ll be demonstrating a range of projects they’ve been working on that directly impact the health, resilience and future of the region’s mountain communities.

“It’s a chance to be inspired by student research, and to gain insights you can bring to your own community, classroom or organization,” LeMaster said.

In addition to an introduction by CMC President Matt Gianneschi and student research presentations, a highlight of the conference will be the keynote address at 11 a.m. by Arizona-based Len Necefer, Ph.D., noted environmental storyteller, filmmaker and engineer, entitled “Restoration and Resilience in Climate Solutions.”

Necefer’s work sits at the intersection of climate, culture and community. As the founder of NativesOutdoors, an Indigenous-led media company, he weaves together his background in engineering, public policy, Indigenous issues and climate action to develop new approaches to sustainability.

Necefer, with Romanian and Navajo heritage, began his career as a mechanical engineer with NASA and earned his doctorate in Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University. He later made the move into filmmaking, photography and storytelling, to make his technical expertise more human.

As part of his presentation, Necefer will focus on his experiences in the Colorado River Basin and the sediment crisis in the lower San Juan River – and what happens when a reservoir disappears and a river begins to reclaim itself. He’ll also speak about a condor reintroduction project spearheaded by the Yurok Tribe of Northern California, and his fieldwork in Arctic Alaska.

For more information on the conference, contact Valerie LeMaster, 970-947-8432.

Campus events

CMC Vail Valley at Edwards - April 21

On Tuesday, April 21, from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., the campus is presenting Garden Prep Day with CMC & New Roots, a local nonprofit organization focused on food access, sustainability and community resilience. Join CMC during Climate Action Week, connect with the outdoors and learn how to prep a spring garden. Community members are invited to visit the community garden throughout the day at CMC Vail Valley at Edwards.

Registration is required by visiting Prep Volunteer Day. Admission is free.

Contact Kim Langmaid with questions.

CMC Breckenridge - April 22

At CMC Breckenridge, the online conference will be paired with an afternoon Earth Day Fair, held Wednesday, April 22 from 3:30-6:15 p.m. at 107 Denison Placer Road. The Sierra Club Headwaters Group will be hosting the free event and will have snacks – no registration is required. It’s a chance to meet with local environmental groups and a presentation from ecologist Delia Malone, as well as a screening of the short 2025 documentary, “The Rewilders.”

CMC Leadville - April 24

At the CMC Leadville campus, from 3-5 p.m., Friday, April 24 following the online conference, bachelor’s degree candidates will unveil their research projects through poster presentations. This casual event, with refreshments provided by Sodexo, is open to all CMC campus members and the public. Community members are invited to observe, interact and engage in conversations about cutting-edge research and environmental stewardship with sustainability and ecosystem science students and faculty at the Pinnacle Learning Commons, 901 S. Highway 24, Leadville. RSVPs are required by visiting CMC Leadville registration.

CMC Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs - April 24

At the CMC Spring Valley campus, the online conference on Friday, April 24 will be followed by a Community Garden Party and sustainability poster session, held from 2-3 p.m. at 3000 County Road 114. Community members are invited to visit the Spring Valley Greenhouse  to see the permaculture garden, plus enjoy snacks and music. Glenwood Springs’ sustainability capstone students will be on hand as well, sharing their newest research via a poster-making project.

The event is free and registration is not required.

CMC Steamboat Springs - April 24

At CMC Steamboat Springs, the online conference on Friday, April 24 will ease into the campus’ Integrated Sustainability Earth Day celebration, taking place from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Bear Park Permaculture Center, located at the entrance to the campus, at 1275 Crawford Avenue.

Integrated Sustainability seniors will be presenting work from their capstone research and action projects.

There will be hands-on activities with the Sustainability Club, free appetizers and a chance to meet folks from both the campus and the community to talk about big ideas and practical solutions. You can also check out the garden and greenhouse tour and the outdoor learning pavilion, powered by a solar array.

Admission is free and registration is not required.