About Manitou CAWG
The Manitou Springs Climate Action Working Group (CAWG) aims to create, promote, and support climate-related initiatives in Manitou Springs and the surrounding region.
We are an independent environmental group working collaboratively with the City of Manitou Springs, our residents, and our regional partners.
Our goal is to increase community engagement and raise citizen awareness around environmental issues and challenges like watershed, tree canopy, fire mitigation, food security, and more.
Current Initiatives
- Hosted a Climate Action Expo with a potluck and awards ceremony
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Gathering community input for a 2025 action plan, focusing on:
- Composting initiatives
- Reducing chemical use in parks
- Implementing permeable surfaces
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Raising awareness on environmental issues such as:
- Watershed management
- Tree canopy preservation
- Fire mitigation strategies
- Food security initiatives
Past Actions
- Organized tree plantings in 2019 and 2020
- Led community action to protect trees
- Supported the TreeCity USA program
- Reviewed and revised city code for environmental friendliness
- Held 2019 Environmental Expo Potluck & Awards Ceremony
- Instrumental in hiring a sustainability coordinator
- Helped achieve Pollinator District status for Manitou Springs
- Influenced sustainable landscaping around Hiawatha Gardens
- Helped formulate Manitou Springs Resolution 1919 (passed by City Council in 2019)
The 2025 Greeni Awards & Community Potluck
Thank you to everyone who attended!
We celebrated the positive while working toward a livable future.
Event Details
Date: November 15, 2025
Time: 5 PM to 8 PM
Location: Manitou Springs City Hall
Highlights
- ★ Keynote: Richard Skorman
- ★ Greeni Awards Ceremony
- ★ Community Potluck
The climate is changing, are we?
The 2025 Greeni Awards
Congratulations to our 2025 Greeni Award winners! These individuals, businesses, and organizations demonstrated outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action in our community.
Greenest Business
Anna's Apothecary
Greenest Individual
Bret White
Greenest Organization
Manitou Springs Kiwanis
Greenest Lodging
The White Yarrow Inn
Greenest Student
Scarlet Huffman
Greenest Educator (tie)
Carol Quillin
Greenest Educator (tie)
Iraiah Waak & Austin Roberts
Greenest City Effort
Manitou Springs Tree Canopy Study
Pollinator Protector
Forrest Alvarez
Community Spirit Award
Elizabeth Guess
Honorable Mentions
We also honor the following 2025 nominees for their outstanding environmental contributions: Schryver Park Rain Garden, Flying Pig Farm, SmokeBrush Farm, Beth Chorpenning, Annie Schmitt, Mary Ellen Montgomery, The Cliff House, The City of Manitou Springs
The 2024 Greeni Awards
In our inaugural "Greeni" Awards in 2024, we recognized current and future leaders in environmental stewardship. Here are the winners for each category:
Greenest Educator
Miles Groth
Greenest Individual
Joan Stang, Tina Riesterer
Greenest Business
E-Bike Sales & Rentals
Greenest Group
Manitou Springs Garden Club
Greenest City Project
Mansions Park Community Garden
Pollinator Protector
Ruth Markwardt & Flying Pig Farm
Greenest Restaurant
Adam's Mountain Cafe
Greenest Lodging
The Buffalo Lodge
Honorable Mentions
We also honor the following 2024 nominees for their outstanding environmental contributions: Schryver Park Raingarden, Ellen Fortier, Barak Ben Amots, Manitou Springs Seed Library, Smokebrush Farm, Kiwanis Club of Manitou Springs, PacMan (Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou Springs), Dan Stuart, Doug Howell, Cate Terwilliger, The White Yarrow Inn
How to Get Involved with CAWG
We're always looking for passionate community members to join our efforts. Whether you have expertise in environmental science, simply care about our planet, or want to make Manitou Springs more sustainable, there's a place for you in CAWG.
Ways to participate:
- Attend our regular meetings
- Volunteer for community events and initiatives
- Share your ideas for climate action in Manitou Springs
- Follow us on social media and help spread the word
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Manitou Springs Climate Action Working Group?
CAWG is an independent environmental group that collaborates with the City of Manitou Springs, residents, and regional partners to create and support climate-related initiatives.
How can I join CAWG?
You can join by attending our regular meetings, volunteering for events, or simply contacting us at [email protected]. We welcome everyone!
When are the meetings held?
We hold regular meetings to discuss initiatives and plan events. Please email us or follow our social media pages for the latest schedule.
What are the Greeni Awards?
The Greeni Awards are an annual ceremony hosted by CAWG to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations in Manitou Springs that demonstrate outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship.