The Volgenau Climate Initiative (VCI) cultivates leadership networks to drive and scale bold natural climate solutions.
If we’re going to succeed in confronting climate change, ecosystem loss, and their human impacts, we need to weave together our strengths and efforts. The right people are already in motion; we ensure they don’t have to go it alone.
Vision
VCI seeks to positively impact our climate and related ecological systems and our relationship with the land through improved practices, policies, and investments.
mission
To forge trust-based leadership networks that innovate and scale bold climate strategies, with a primary focus on natural climate solutions.
VCI Approach
No other generation will have more leverage than we do now to alter the fate of our food and water systems, climate stability, or biodiversity. We’re meeting this moment by bringing leaders together to slow down, connect, and restore so that they can think, discuss, innovate, and plan. We are prepared to support the ideas that arise out of these convenings.
2026 Convenings
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Large-Scale Composting
May 2026, Colorado
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State Public-Private Partnerships for Natural Climate Solutions
June 2026, Colorado
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Unlocking Northeast Forest Potential as a Natural Climate Solution
July 2026, Vermont
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Sovereignty, Stewardship, and Resilience
October 2026, Oklahoma
Details to come
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Technical Assistance Coordination and Capacity
November 2026, Texas
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The Future of the U.S. Forest Service and Natural Climate Solutions
December 2026, Arizona
Details to come
What we have heard from VCI convening participants:
“This retreat was important for all the right reasons. It brought together an incredibly passionate group of leaders in their communities and work spaces. Our time here provided an opportunity to amplify actionable ideas that will help the climate.”
