Cultivo Global Summit 2026: Strengthening the bonds that power our mission

Cultivo was built from day one as a globally distributed team, and we know that structure makes us more creative, innovative, productive and resilient.

It also makes the rare moments when all of us share the same place especially valuable. Time together in person deepens the relationships behind our day-to-day work, and sends us home better prepared to pursue our mission of driving investment into nature.

This year, we converged on New York state, where the whole met to spend time together in nature, connect and trade ideas in person, and explore the beautiful landscapes of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains.

Fall was in the air, the mornings and evenings hinted at winter’s coming chill, and the region’s foliage was nearing peak autumn colors. It was an ideal time to visit.

Flying, bussing, and driving in from around the world, our team first congregated in White Plains, with the Manhattan skyline visible in the near distance, leaving early the next morning by bus for rural Saugerties, NY, and the AutoCamp resort. Along the way, we stopped to admire the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge, which – suspended 212 feet above the Hudson River – offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and surrounding Valley. When opened in 1888, the 6,768-foot span was considered the world’s longest bridge and an engineering marvel, and the Cultivo team took in the views as we traversed the 1.28 miles from east to west, and back, pausing for a group photo mid-span.

After a quick stop for lunch at Garvan’s Gastropub, where we ate a delicious meal in a beautifully preserved house dating back to 1759, it was off to Kaaterskill Falls, the highest cascading waterfall in New York State at over 260 feet, and one of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations for centuries. Located within the 7,620-acre Kaaterskill Wild Forest, itself lying within the 300,000 acre Catskill Forest Preserve, Kaaterskill Falls remain a sacred place for the Mohican people who once called the Catskills home. They are also one of America's oldest tourist attractions, having been celebrated by centuries of poets, painters – including the mid-19th-century’s famous Hudson River School art movement – filmmakers, and photographers, and playing a central role in the larger art and folklore spreading from New York’s Catskill region to the rest of the world. (Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle, anyone?)

The team hiked to an overlook of Kaaterskill Falls, and then continued along the trail up to Inspiration Point, a vast, open rock ledge along the historic Escarpment Trail that offers panoramic views over Kaaterskill Clove toward Kaaterskill High Peak, and one of the Catskills’ greatest lookouts. (Like Kaaterskill Falls themselves, Inspiration Point also famously inspired numerous 19th-century landscape painters.)

After hiking down and stretching our legs on a short bus ride, we arrived at AutoCamp Catskills, an outdoor resort where, instead of rooms, each guest lodged in a custom-renovated Airstream trailer. That night, we again dined as a team, and enjoyed time connecting with each other and chatting around the resort’s roaring central campfire.

Thinking back on the first evening at AutoCamp, Senior Manager of Ecological Impact Emiline Koopman reflected on the opportunity to speak with her colleagues face to face. “We collaborate closely every day, but being together in person adds a new dimension. You get to know the people behind the work on a personal level, and how much they care about the mission. While we come from different backgrounds and areas of expertise, some of my favorite moments of the summit were around the campfire, hearing how everyone found their way here and where we see the company going.”

The next day, after a restful night in our Airstreams, the day began with some members enjoying a forested trail run, a professionally instructed yoga session, or simply a warm cup of coffee or tea in front of the resort’s cozy indoor fireplace.

Then it was time to come together as a team and talk business. CEO and Co-founder Manuel Piñuela began the session by detailing Cultivo’s success and complimenting the team on our hard work. We then went into a series of fireside chats moderated by Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer James Clifton where different team members gave an overview of the programs they are working on.

As James noted “Even though we’re a small team, it's easy to get caught up in the day to day work that a lot of the team may not fully appreciate all the amazing and impactful work going on across all our programs. Creating the space for the team to talk and learn about all our programs in person was really energizing”

Senior Manager of Social Impact Tamara Moctezuma appreciated the opportunity to discuss our growing business in person. “Some of the best ideas come from impromptu conversations that would never happen in a scheduled meeting, like someone weighing in on a challenge another team has been wrestling with for months. Having everyone in the same place gave us a relaxed opportunity to see how our work fits together, and spot new ways to solve problems across the business.”

Back to fun and games, with cornhole and Giant Jenga competitions taking place behind the main lodge, and impromptu – and unexpectedly competitive – volleyball and soccer games kicking off in a secluded clearing toward the far end of AutoCamp’s forested property. All competitors emerged smiling, even if a few of us were sporting minor injuries. (Author’s note; I scraped my knee, but survived.)

Between volleyball sets, Anna Clare Monlezun, Senior Manager of Land Management, talked about Cultivo’s culture: colleagues who look out for each other’s mental and physical health are better prepared for the challenges the business faces.

“Working with the land means working with people, and healthy land relies on healthy people,” she said. “Cultivo builds community and connection from the inside out. Our 2026 Summit confirmed it for me: a company that invests in its people’s well-being is better equipped for the complex challenges of land stewardship and climate adaptation.”

After some post-athletic grooming, the team again came together for the perfect backwoods activity – a session of axe-throwing instruction and competition.

A delicious dinner was followed by s’mores; western-swing, line- and two-step dancing; and more conversations around the campfire under Catskill stars.

The following morning, conversation flowed on the bus ride back to White Plains, where the team dispersed to our homes around the world, ready to carry that energy back into our everyday work.

"For me this was the best summit yet. Very chilled, great company, great location. Getting to spend real time with colleagues I usually only see on a screen makes all the difference; you feel more connected.” reflected Neil McMillan, VP Technology. ”

CEO and Co-Founder Manuel Piñuela agreed wholeheartedly. “This year’s summit was yet another proof on how to build strong relationships and memories that matter. They matter even more when tackling tough challenges as a team. Breaking bread, hiking, playing football, dancing and singing (albeit perhaps embarrassing sometimes) with colleagues is simple yet extremely effective and enjoyable. Thanks for all the memories so far, team!