Community Programs
Educational Programs
Our Community Programs utilize land as a canvas for positive youth development, building leadership skills, and exposing youth and young adults to careers in conservation, helping to ensure that the next generation is ready to continue this critical work.
Agriculture, Recreation, Conservation (ARC) Fellowships
Through a partnership with Southwest Open School in Cortez, our for-credit fellowship program provides high school students with career exploration opportunities in the fields of agriculture, recreation, and conservation (ARC).
The program equips students with valuable leadership skills, hands-on learning experiences at local farms and conservation sites, exciting outdoor recreation excursions, and the opportunity to meet local professionals and gain insight into careers and education possibilities.
Open to all Montezuma County high school students.
Commitment: 11 program dates on Fridays, spread across the ‘25-’26 school year.
Stipend, lunch & transportation provided.
Field Trips
Fozzie’s Farm, MLC's 83-acre educational hub in Lewis, CO, is a dynamic destination for school field trips and service learning opportunities.
Students and teachers alike get the chance to enjoy the outdoors, have fun, and get their hands dirty while they explore the farm. Programs work with teachers to ensure curriculum fits all state standards and provides a valuable outdoor learning opportunity to students.
Are you a teacher, youth group leader, or school administrator interested in bringing a group out to Fozzie’s Farm?
Contact Nicholas LaPalm for more information and scheduling.
“Fozzie’s Farm is about so much more than agriculture or land conservation. In addition to growing to appreciate land and water, [the students] will remember feeling connected to trusted adults, having hope for their futures, and being empowered to overcome challenges.”
— Casey Simpson, Director of Southwest Open School
Apprenticeships
Want to get your hands dirty learning and working at Fozzie’s Farm over summer break?
We offer paid apprenticeship opportunities for high school students and young adults at the farm. Work typically begins in early May, continues throughout the summer months, and concludes in the fall.
Apprentices can expect…
- a thorough orientation to Fozzie’s Farm operations and goals
- flexible scheduling and roughly 300 hours of work throughout the growing season (May through September)
- hands-on, collaborative learning with MLC staff and peers
- competitive wages
- personal protective equipment and safety training
- lots of fresh air and sunshine!
The deadline to apply for 2025 apprenticeship positions has passed. Please check back in early 2026.
“If you had told me a year ago that I would be working to inspire other youth to care about water, farms, and farming I would have told you that you were from a different planet. I never thought that was even a possibility. It’s changed how I see myself as someone who can make a difference."
— AJ Saiz, Water Education Intern
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you, or your school or work group, looking for ways to get involved in the community?
We often need help with work at the farm including planting projects, light construction, and other tasks.
Please fill out our Volunteer Opportunities Form to learn more and get involved.
Educational Workshops
Whether at Fozzie’s Farm or other partnering properties, MLC hosts a variety of workshop opportunities for landowners and the general public.
Workshops focus on a variety of topics including agricultural practices, conservation easement 101, land succession, and general discussions on conservation and natural resource protection.
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed of upcoming events!
Montezuma Inspire Coalition
Montezuma Land Conservancy is a proud member, and fiscal sponsor, of the Montezuma Inspire Coalition (MIC).
Learn more about the programs offered by MIC on their website.