CO Environmental Organizations
Impact overview
Feb 2026 – May 2026From February through May 2026, CO Environmental Organizations demonstrated significant momentum across regenerative agriculture, climate science, and sustainability innovation. Farm to Crag's Soil & Sustenance Fund raised over $32,000, providing 75 CSA scholarships and $150 benefits to expand access to locally grown food across Montana and California. UCAR achieved major breakthroughs including the release of the six-petabyte MESACLIP climate dataset spanning 4,500+ years and the reopening of Mauna Loa Solar Observatory after a two-year closure, resuming critical space weather monitoring for NASA's Artemis II mission. Meanwhile, 1000 Gretas advanced climate entrepreneurship through panels at Colorado Climate Week and Boulder Startup Week, while Retrocycle launched The Colorado Cup reusable system in Breckenridge, demonstrating the portfolio's integrated approach to environmental challenges.
Themes
Farm to Crag's comprehensive approach to connecting outdoor communities with local food systems through CSA support, community gatherings, and educational programming. Includes maintaining large-scale pollinator habitats and supporting small farms.
UCAR's advancement of atmospheric and climate research through major dataset releases, space weather forecasting, and observatory operations. Includes AI-enabled prediction capabilities and support for NASA missions.
1000 Gretas' support for climate startups and entrepreneurs through panels, workshops, and funding opportunity promotion at major Colorado events.
Retrocycle's development and launch of reusable systems like The Colorado Cup, focusing on practical waste reduction solutions in mountain communities.
Cross-organizational efforts to educate communities about environmental issues through workshops, film screenings, visitor centers, and hands-on learning experiences.
Milestones
Vilicus Farms maintained nearly 700 acres of thriving pollinator habitat as the world's largest Bee Better Certified farm.
May 2026
Farm to Crag raised over $32,000 through their Soil & Sustenance Fund, providing 75 CSA scholarships.
April 2026
UCAR's Mauna Loa Solar Observatory reopened after a two-year closure, resuming space weather monitoring for NASA's Artemis II mission.
April 2026
Farm to Crag raised $11,000 toward critical water infrastructure at Blue Heron Farm, reaching 55% of their first milestone goal.
March 2026
Retrocycle launched The Colorado Cup reusable cup system in Breckenridge in partnership with SustainableBreck.
March 2026
1000 Gretas facilitated climate innovation panels during Colorado Climate Week, including fleet electrification discussions.
March 2026
NSF NCAR released the MESACLIP dataset containing over six petabytes of climate data spanning more than 4,500 years.
February 2026
NSF NCAR developed AI-enabled space weather forecasting extending prediction capabilities from hours to weeks in advance.
February 2026
Monthly snapshots
Cyclists and researchers at Vilicus Farms pollinator habitat
Fresh vegetables and CSA produce from local farm
Climate innovation panel discussion at Boulder Startup Week
Summary
FARM TO CRAG advanced regenerative agriculture through their F2C Soil & Sustenance Fund, providing $150 CSA benefits to make local food more accessible in Montana, while hosting educational gatherings on regenerative viticulture in California and organizing citizen science events at Vilicus Farms' 700-acre pollinator habitat. UCAR continued atmospheric research operations through their Mesa Lab facilities and visitor center, while 1000 Gretas supported climate innovation through Boulder Startup Week panels and funding opportunity promotion for next-generation entrepreneurs.
- FARM TO CRAG provided $150 CSA benefits to make summer CSA memberships more accessible at Gallatin Valley Botanical.
- Vilicus Farms maintained nearly 700 acres of thriving pollinator habitat as the world's largest Bee Better Certified farm.
- UCAR's Mesa Lab Visitor Center provided interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences about Earth's atmosphere for learners of all ages.
- 1000 Gretas hosted startup panels at Boulder Startup Week to support climate innovation entrepreneurs.
- UCAR's 2016 ORCAS campaign data informed new research showing Southern Ocean biological productivity exceeds previous estimates.
Farm to Crag Earth Day celebration with funding achievements
Mauna Loa Solar Observatory facility reopening announcement
NSF NCAR aircraft comparison showing research capabilities
Community members gathering for Bishop Farm to Table dinner
Fleet electrification panel discussion at Colorado Climate Week
Colorado Cup reusable system launch announcement in Breckenridge