This summer, C4 was powered by a dedicated team of interns and seasonal staff who together contributed more than 3,000 of hours hands-on service — the equivalent of over 375 full work days of learning, growing, and community impact. From growing food and supporting youth education to coordinating volunteers and supporting waste diversion at major events, each and every individual was a key part of C4’s team, work, and impact.

💚 By the Numbers

3,200 hours of service to the community
Over $50,000 invested in the local economy and workforce
Tens of thousands of pounds of waste diverted and food grown
1 in 4 Lake county community members– and 40,000+ visitors – reached through education, food, and sustainability

🌱 Jo — Healthy Futures AmeriCorps Youth Engagement Coordinator

Throughout her yearlong, 1,700-hour AmeriCorps service term, Jo supported local environmental education and helped connect Lake County students to farming, food and the natural world.

She engaged youth at Cloud City Farm, in their classrooms, and on field lessons across Lake County. Beyond the school day, Jo worked with Project Dream participants and GOL! Rockies Rock summer campers to bring learning to life in hands-on, real-world ways.

“Whether Jo was sifting compost with summer campers or breaking trail through knee-deep snow with farm club students, you could count on her to bring a sense of humor, natural curiosity, and genuine energy. She helped build trust, connection, and a love of learning that will stay with us long after her Americorps term.” – Ash Warner, Education Director

Hours served: 1,700 (June 2024 - September 2025)
Impact: Strengthened C4’s partnership with LCSD, expanded food and farm education, and helped engage more than 1,000 youth in nature-based learning.
Thanks to Support From: Mountain Roots Healthy Futures AmeriCorps, Lake County School District, Get Outdoors Leadville!

🥕 Maddie — Cloud City Farm Assistant

Maddie spent the summer supporting every aspect of food production at Cloud City Farm—from seeding and harvesting to construction projects and weekly markets. She brought contagious energy and humor to the team, keeping morale high even on the longest harvest days. Maddie’s warmth helped her connect easily with everyone—staff, volunteers, and visitors alike—and her dedication, curiosity, and passion made her an invaluable part of the farm’s success this season.

“Growing food for the community has been the single most important and rewarding job I’ve ever had. It’s truly what I was brought into this world to do. It’s truly been privilege, and for that I say thank you.” - Maddie, Cloud City Farm Assistant

Hours served: 375
Impact: Helped expand Cloud City Farm’s growing capacity; supported the distribution of thousands of pounds of fresh produce through markets and food access partners; gained valuable experience in agriculture and sustainability
Thanks to Support From: Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Workforce Development Program, The Summit Foundation

🌼 Aimee & Ada — Growing Stewards Interns

Aimee and Ada—both LCSD high school students—spent their summer as Growing Stewards Interns at Cloud City Farm, learning the full cycle of sustainable food production while exploring conservation, leadership, and community impact. They quickly became integral members of the farm team.

“Watching Aimee and Ada grow more confident and capable every week was so rewarding. By the end of the summer they were leading volunteers, running the farm stand, and teaching others what they’d learned. They brought so much incredible energy to the team!” — Ash Warner, C4 Education Director

Hours served: 125 each, 250 total
Impact: Supported farm operations, led student and volunteer groups, helped produce thousands pounds of local food; learned and explored environmental careers through field trips to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Elements Mountain Compost.

Thanks to Support From: Copper Environmental Foundation

♻️ Amber & Jaren — Zero Waste Interns

Amber and Jaren were at the heart of C4’s summer zero-waste efforts, helping make Leadville Race Series and Boom Days weekends cleaner and more sustainable. They supported event attendees, managed and sorted waste streams, and worked toward ambitious diversion goals at every event.

“Being a mentor to Jaren & Amber, talking with them about their passions, and helping them see themselves as leaders was the highlight of my summer. One intern’s family even called to thank us for helping them grow. That meant everything.” -Izzy Lisle, C4 Sustainability Manager

Hours served: 170 each, 340 total
Impact: Diverted tens of thousands of pounds of waste from the landfill, increased community awareness of recycling and composting, and developed leadership and outreach skills through mentorship and event experience.

Thanks to Support From: Leadville Race Series

♻️ Even More Zero Waste Staff!

In addition to our interns, more than 50 community members worked or volunteered with C4’s Zero Waste program this summer, contributing over 500 hours of support at the Leadville Race Series and Boom Days events.

Hours served: 500+
Impact: More than $10,000 in wages to locals, helped collect over 30,000 pounds of material, and supported a 76% diversion rate at Leadville Race Series events—up from 71% last year.

Thanks to Support From: Leadville Race Series, Boom Days, B1 Energy & Recycling

A Final Thanks

These individuals represent the next generation of environmental stewards, educators, and community leaders. We’re deeply proud of their growth and grateful for their hard work, enthusiasm, and care for this place.

Thank you to our partners and funders for making these opportunities possible and helping us cultivate a stronger, more sustainable Lake County.

Growing Together: Celebrating C4’s 2025 Interns and Seasonal Staff