Molly Murfee
I first began my love affair with nature climbing high into the gargantuan magnolia tree my great-grandmother planted in Southern Arkansas. Early on I learned that nature was a place of solace and retreat. I took these roots with me when I began pursuing my outdoor careers and education. After receiving my Master of Arts degree in literature, with a focus on Nature Writing, for many years I served as an instructor and guide on backpacking and climbing trips with organizations and institutions from Outward Bound and Alaska Wildland Adventures to Colorado College and Colorado State University. I then became a faculty with the Audubon Expedition Institute, an experientially based Bachelor’s and Master’s program offering degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Education where I taught from the Bahamas to Mexico. Upon settling in to Crested Butte in 2002, I became a freelance writer publishing articles in magazines such as Crested Butte Magazine, Mountain Gazettte, and Powder. Writing is a passion I still pursue today, often focusing on the wild places that surround me. Since 2005 I have served as the Executive Director of 1%.
Leah Whiting
After graduating from the University of Colorado, I came to Crested Butte for the peace and beauty. I have called Crested Butte home for over 16 years and am remind myself daily how lucky I am to live here. My husband Matt and I own the Pioneer Guest Cabins down Cement Creek and have two children Owen and Maggie-Rose. We have been 1% participants since 2004 and through the 1% voluntary donations our business has contributed over $15,000 towards open space preservation in the Gunnison Valley. Land preservation is the hallmark of a healthy, flourishing community. By preserving open spaces and ranches, Gunnison County has transformed into a remarkably distinctive looking and feeling community compared to other Colorado tourist-based towns. 1% for Open Space is ensuring that, in the long run, Gunnison County is a viable community ecologically and economically. I take great pride in knowing that on a day to day basis, I am helping that process and preserving open space through my daily business transactions. My family cherishes the tranquility of Gunnison Valley’s our open spaces and we have peace-of- mind knowing it’s preserved for future generations….we can thank 1% for Open Space for that!
Glo Cunningham
Executive Director of the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum.
Pete Nichols
Co owner of the Bacchanale.
Karen Janssen
I have made Crested Butte my home since 1988. I have been involved with 1% for Open Space since 2001, when I served as the Executive Director for several years before joining the Board of Directors in 2005. I also am on the Board of Directors of the Crested Butte Land Trust, as well as volunteer for numerous other local non-profit organizations. I teach music and Spanish to children of all ages with Munchkin’s Music and am a 1% for Open Space business participant, and am an avid Nordic skier, hiker and musician, amongst other pursuits. Basically, I just love to get outdoors and appreciate all the open space 1% has worked hard to preserve!
Kori Caskey
I moved to Colorado from Michigan, after earning my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University in 1991. After a winter season in Aspen and 3 1/2 years in Vail, I relocated to Crested Butte in 1995 for the availability of open space, recreation, clean air and superb quality of life. I have operated Clear Rivers Skin Care & Waxing since 2002 and immediately joined the 1% program. When I’m not in my studio you can find me on skis, a mountain bike or on foot – outside as much as I can be. I am very excited and proud to not only participate in the 1% for Open Space program, but to also serve on the board. Now I can assist in helping keep our valley, in my mind, how it was meant to be. I love living within the town limits of Crested Butte, from my home I can easily access the Lower Loop – one of my (many) favorite trails!
Beverly Griffith
I served as an elected member of the Austin City Council and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Capital Area Metropolitan Transit Authority. I have been an ardent supporter of parks and open space efforts, serving as chair of the Austin Parks and Recreation Board, co-founder and trustee of Austin Parks Foundation, and trustee of the Texas Recreation and Parks Society. My efforts contributed significantly to the successful passage of a $20 million bond proposition for open space. I also initiated a successful $41.5 million bond proposal to acquire parks and greenways inAustin. I am or have been a trustee or advisor for various organizations including the University of Texas School of Social Work, Austin Lyric Opera, the United Way, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. My career also includes five and one half years as a Vice President of Austin’s largest bank.
In Crested Butte, I am co-chair of Stewardship for Union Congregational Church, am a member of the Development Committee for the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, and am on the Colorado Advisory Council of The Trust for Public Land. In addition to 1% for Open Space, I serve on the Board of the Public Policy Forum. My husband, Balie, and I were named Volunteers of the Year by the Crested Butte Mountain Theater.
Heli Mae Peterson
Co owner and manager of Donita’s Cantina.