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$2,900 raised by 5 donors
19% complete
$15,000 Goal
OUR 2024 IMPACT
Cloud City Conservation Center (C4) fosters pathways to a healthier planet and community through initiatives that inspire the conservation of our natural environment in Leadville and Lake County, Colorado. Climate and environmental issues intersect with nearly every challenge we face as a rural mountain community. C4 addresses these challenges through four programs: Energy Efficiency, Environmental Education, Sustainable Food, and Waste Diversion.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
C4'S Energy Efficiency Program makes Lake County homes safer and warmer, improves our housing stock and helps community members reduce energy and housing costs. In 2024 we provided $360,500 in funding to support 216 Lake County households address energy, health and safety needs in their home, with 100% of those households taking steps towards reducing their energy usage.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
We grow future stewards of our planet and engage local youth in environmental education through outdoor field lessons, farm visits, classroom extensions, and career exploration. In 2024, we shared the joys and benefits of outdoor environmental education with 904 youth, including 70% of Lake County students.
SUSTAINABLE FOOD
Cloud City Farm and Community Garden support a more resilient Lake County food system through access to affordable, fresh produce as well as resources and education for our community. In 2024, Cloud City Farm & Community Garden engaged 1 in 4 Lake County residents with our local food system as we distributed 6,826 pounds of fresh, affordable food via our weekly donation-based farm markets- more than double the amount we distributed last year!
WASTE DIVERSION
We divert waste from the Lake County Landfill through our free community compost program and by supporting local partners with consulting and zero waste event services. In 2024 our compost program and event services diverted 55,000 pounds - 27 tons! - of compost and recycling away from our local landfill.
IN 2025 C4 PLANS TO:
Support a more sustainable and resilient Lake County community through the Lake County Climate Action Plan with Lake County Government.
Support affordable and energy efficient housing for Lake County residents by ensuring that 100% of residents who seek financial assistance through C4 receive it.
Increase waste diversion opportunities across Lake County by piloting commercial recycling and compost in partnership with local businesses.
Expand youth environmental education programming to reach EVERY Lake County School District student.
Expand the growing season at Cloud City Farm, increasing access to locally grown produce YEAR ROUND.
Cloud City Conservation Center fosters pathways to a healthier planet and community through initiatives that inspire the conservation of our natural environment.
In 2011, a diverse group of local stakeholders created the Lake County Energy and Sustainability Plan. Efforts by this group led to a new Lake County recycling center, the community's first public renewable energy project, and first large-scale zero-waste events. The group that developed and implemented these projects became Cloud City Conservation Center's founding board and staff as C4 officially began operations on January 1st, 2013 with seed funding from Lake County Government. Today our work focuses on issues at the intersection of healthy equity and sustainability in Lake County. We have four main programs: Energy Efficiency, Environmental Education, Sustainable Food and Waste Diversion.
Organization name
Cloud City Conservation Center (C4)
other names
C4
2013
Tax id (EIN)
46-0616024
Category
Environment, Food, Agriculture & Nutrition, Education, Housing & Shelter, Community Improvement & Capacity Building, Human Services, Public & Societal Benefit
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
130 W 5th St #119Mailing
PO Box 459Lake County, CO, US