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) Internships
Started in the summer of 2018 through a partnership with Southwest Open School (SWOS), our Ag Immersion Program provided local high school students the opportunity to engage in paid, 4-week hands-on learning experience at Fozzie’s Farm and other regional farms and ranches.
In 2024 the program is evolving to also include career exploration in other outdoor industries such as resource management, recreation, and conservation (ARC). All high school youth in Montezuma County are invited to apply. We now offer two 2-week options to provide youth and families with more flexibility.
- June 10 - 21 for Native American students of all tribal affiliations
- July 22 – August 2 open to all local high school students
Students will gain valuable leadership skills, explore local farms and conservation sites, learn about outdoor recreation opportunities, meet local professionals, and gain insight into careers and education. Students will…
- enjoy healthy meals and snacks
- be furnished with personal protective equipment
- have free transportation from Cortez to Fozzie’s Farm and back each day.
For full participation, students earn a weekly stipend of $135 and may be eligible to earn school credit.
The 2024 application deadline has passed. Please check back next spring for 2025 program info.
Field Trips
Fozzie’s Farm has become an exciting destination for area school field trips and regularly hosts classes throughout the school year.
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.
Montezuma Land Conservancy (MLC) utilizes the expertise of our partners to provide a wide variety of fun and educational programs.
Are you a teacher, youth group leader, or school administrator? Interested in bringing a group out to Fozzie’s?
Contact Andres Esparza 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!
Applications for 2025 apprenticeships are open through May 14, 2025.
“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?
With a staff of only two at Fozzie’s, 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 MLC’s Fozzie’s Farm, a partnering property, or other public location 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.