Coming Full Circle: In 2026 we will Celebrate 30 Years of Cloud Forest Institute

We are humbled and overjoyed to mark three decades since Cloud Forest Institute first took root in Mindo, Ecuador. What began as a bold dream—to learn, serve, and protect one of the planet’s most precious ecosystems—has grown into a living legacy of partnerships, education, conservation, and community action.

From our earliest efforts supporting cloud forest conservation and Indigenous sovereignty in the face of petroleum exploitation, to guiding hundreds of volunteers, travelers, and students through immersive service-learning experiences, we have seen firsthand the transformative power of connecting people to place. Together with our local partners, we’ve helped protect over 4,000 acres of critical cloud forest habitat, supported community-driven sustainable tourism, and inspired a new generation of environmental stewards.

Now, after a 9-year hiatus focused on family and reflection, we return to Mindo with renewed purpose—and a deepened sense of urgency. The world has changed. The pressures on ecosystems, cultures, and communities have only intensified. But so too has the opportunity to come together and act with clarity, courage, and hope.

As we reignite our programs, we are guided by the wisdom of our history and the fresh energy of this new era. Our roots run deep, and our vision reaches forward: empowering students, volunteers, and lifelong learners to not only explore and appreciate the cloud forest, but to engage meaningfully in its protection.

In a time when regeneration is more vital than ever, we are proud to reawaken our mission—to live, learn, and serve in harmony with nature.

This milestone is not just a celebration of the past—it’s a call to action for the future. We invite you to join us—whether as a student, supporter, or traveler—as we build the next chapter of this extraordinary journey.

The cloud forest is waiting.
The work is calling.
And together, we are just getting started.