Hanging Lake scenery.

CMC’s Integrated Sustainability and Ecosystem Science & Stewardship present

RESTORATION AND RESILIENCE IN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

Virtual Conference, Friday, April 24, 2026, 9am - 12pm

Register to attend the 2026 conference

Keynote Presentation: Restoration and Resilience in Climate Solutions

Sustainability challenges are invitations to build better futures. Dr. Len Necefer will share his journey from engineering to public policy to outdoor filmmaking. His approach to “mixing zones” of inquiry and action, such as Indigenous rights and climate change, has inspired creative solutions. Based on his work in Arctic Alaska, the Navajo Nation, and the San Juan River, Dr. Necefer will explain how our human curiosity and resilience can restore ecosystems and reveal opportunities for innovation and practical solutions in our mountain communities and beyond.

Register now for this free, public virtual event!

Keynote Speaker, Len Necefer.

Keynote Speaker

Len Necefer, Ph.D.

Environmental storyteller, filmmaker, and engineer working at the intersection of climate, culture, and community. Founder of NativesOutdoors, he creates Indigenous led stories about land, water, and energy—using science, film, and lived experience to inspire durable change.

Learn More about Len Necefer

On-campus Events

All live campus events are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, April 21

CMC Vail Valley at Edwards

Garden Prep Day with CMC & New Roots / 9:30am – 1:30pm

Everyone loves a little Spring Cleaning! Join New Roots during Climate Action Week, connect with the outdoors, and learn how to prep your Spring garden with the CMC garden beds. Come and go as you please at the Community Garden at CMC Vail Valley-Edwards campus.

Registration is required for the Vail Valley event; admission is FREE

Questions? Contact Kim Langmaid, klangmaid@coloradomtn.edu

Friday, April 24

CMC Leadville

Ecology and Stewardship in Practice / 3:00 – 5:00pm

Celebrate the incredible work of our bachelor’s degree candidates as they unveil their research projects. Join us for refreshments and light hors d'oeuvres at the Pinnacle Learning Commons for learning and connection! Observe and engage in stimulating conversations with students and faculty about cutting-edge research and environmental stewardship.

Registration is required for the Leadville event; admission is FREE

Questions? Contact Monia Haselhorst, mhaselhorst2@coloradomtn.edu

Wednesday, April 22

CMC Breckenridge

Earth Day Fair / 3:30 - 6:15pm

Drop in for an Earth Day afternoon with the Sierra Club Headwaters Group—snacks will be waiting. Mingle with local environmental groups, catch a talk from ecologist Delia Malone, and settle in for a short documentary on global rewilding, The Rewilders (2025). Come for the community; stay for the spark.

Registration NOT required; admission is FREE

Friday, April 24

CMC Spring Valley & Glenwood Springs

Community Garden Party and Sustainability Poster Session / 2 - 3pm

Pop into the Spring Valley Greenhouse and take a wander through the permaculture garden—plants, fresh air, and good vibes included. Grab a snack, catch a little music, and chat with the Sustainability capstone students as they share their newest research in a super-friendly poster session. Whether you’re a student, a neighbor, or just plant-curious, come say hello and leave with a few new ideas to grow.

Registration NOT required; admission is FREE

Friday, April 24

CMC Steamboat Springs

Integrated Sustainability Earth Day Celebration / 12:30 - 2:30pm

Make Earth Day a mini adventure at the Bear Park Permaculture Center, where Integrated Sustainability seniors are serving up their capstone research and action projects. Jump into hands-on activities with the Sustainability Club, snack on appetizers, and meet folks from campus and the community who care about big ideas and practical solutions. Bonus points for taking the garden + greenhouse tour and checking out the outdoor learning pavilion powered by its grid-tied solar array.

Registration NOT required; admission is FREE