As I write this letter, the Gunnison Valley is finally blanketed with the first real snow of the season. It took a while for the valley to turn from brown to white this fall, which was a bit unnerving after years of drought. The cycle of life in our valley begins with water falling from the sky. The Land Trust works to protect the water of the Gunnison Valley because water takes care of the land and the creatures that depend on it, us included! My holiday wish is for an abundance of the white stuff that will feed our rivers for the rest of the year. What is yours?

The Crested Butte Land Trust turned 30 years old this year. Supporters like you helped us celebrate the big anniversary with live events, volunteer stewardship projects, field trips, and amazing financial generosity. With your help, the Land Trust found success in protecting new acreage from the crest of Paradise Divide to the Slate River wetlands as well as along Smith Hill. Each piece of land conserved by the Land Trust is protected forever and we couldn’t do this work without you. This landscape has given us all so much and thanks to you, it will continue to provide life changing experiences for our grandchildren and their grandchildren. The Crested Butte Land Trust thanks you. The planet thanks you.

I’m looking forward to settling into the winter season. The routine of carving a few runs at the resort, hiking peaks with trusted backcountry partners, and hot americanos on cold days are what I look forward to most. The winter is also when the Land Trust plans for the busy summer growing season to come. Some of us hibernate in the winter and others prefer to roll in the snow like a dog with a tennis ball. Whichever you are, I can’t wait to see your face on the trail, now or when the valley turns green again. Until then, have a safe and wonderful holiday season.

Warmest Regards,

Jake Jones
Executive Director 

Looking for gift ideas that benefit your community? Crested Butte Land Trust has a wide variety of gift ideas for your loved ones. Visit our website to shop for hats, bags, t-shirts and more. But you'll want to hurry, we have a limited supply of our annual calendars and holiday ornaments! Click here to rep your local Land Trust this holiday season.