After nearly three decades, 1% for Open Space celebrates the power of pennies.
In October of 1997, longtime Crested Butte local Sue Navy bought a pair of socks at The Alpineer. They cost 1% more than they might have, but she was overjoyed to pay the extra 15 cents or so, because it meant that the new land conservation project, 1% for Open Space, was up and running. The brainchild of Ethan Hicks (Alpineer’s manager at the time) and Crested Butte Land Trust board members Glo Cunningham and David Baxter, the innovative new program asked participating businesses to add a 1% voluntary contribution to all goods sold.
Glo, David, and Ethan had originally approached local business owners to gauge their thoughts on the viability of such an idea, and the response wasn’t positive. But despite the lack of encouragement, the trio did it anyway. Since its humble beginnings, the 1% for Open Space program has raised more than $2.8 million, nearly all of which has been allocated for land preservation and stewardship projects in the Gunnison Valley, protecting more than 10,200 acres of land.
The program’s first initiatives helped to shape the views and recreation that many have come to know and love. In 1998, a donation to the Land Trust for a conservation easement on Robinson Ranch enabled the construction of the Rec Path, connecting Crested Butte to Mt. Crested Butte. The program’s second project funded a 193-acre parcel surrounding the Slate River Valley, which is now home to the Lower Loop. Shortly after, 1% for Open Space funded the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy’s project to place a conservation easement on the Lazy F Bar Ranch, located on Brush Creek.
Of course, this amazing effort wasn’t simply accomplished through the sale of socks. Victor and Candy Shepard, the former owners of Le Bosquet restaurant, were among the first businesses to join, and numerous others have followed suit — the count currently stands at 47 businesses, which include retail, restaurants, and real estate agents.
“All the money is raised in the valley and stays in the valley,” says Molly Susla, the organization’s current executive director. “It’s incredibly empowering to be able to give to the projects we care about. We have never had to turn one down due to lack of funds!’’
Initially, the donations were funneled to the Crested Butte Land Trust, but since 1% for Open Space became a separate 501 (c)(3) nonprofit in 2001, any nonprofit with projects aligned with its mission, “to support the conservation and stewardship of our open spaces in the Gunnison Valley,” can apply. Currently, 12 different beneficiaries have received funds, including the Crested Butte Land Trust, the Town of Crested Butte, the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy, the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association, Trout Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Gunnison County, and High Country Conservation Advocates.
“One of the most incredible things about this program,’’ says Glo, who is still involved and serves as president of the board of directors, “is that it represents support from so many parts of the community. A donation from 1% embodies the generosity of locals and visitors alike channeled through a wide variety of businesses. It shows that all those people believe in the value of open space.”
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), a state organization that invests a portion ofthe Colorado Lottery’s proceeds to protect and improve the state’s outdoors, has made a huge impact in the Gunnison Valley through its many generous grants, totaling millions of dollars, to local outdoor and preservation projects, like playgrounds, trails, open space, and other projects.
“When considering a project, GOCO used to call and ask ‘why’ if we weren’t involved!” says Glo of the touchstone that 1% for Open Space has become in helping to secure larger, state, and federal funding opportunities. This has proven to be another important role of the organization, as 1%’s support and donations have helped to leverage over $50 million for land conservation. The program’s success has also inspired similar programs in other communities. Continuity has been an integral part: several board members have been involved since the organization’s inception, and there have been only three executive directors during its 28-year existence.
“There have been so many wonderful board members,” says Molly. “Everyone’s participation has allowed almost all of the raised funds to go to conservation easements, stewardship, fee simple land acquisition, and more, rather than operating expenses.”
But fresh ideas and perspectives are equally valuable. Meredith Diers, owner of the participating Crested Butte business Chopwood Mercantile, is a recent board addition. “I’m honored to be a new board member with 1% for Open Space because, as a group, we’re able to affect and implement positive results that contribute to the magic of Crested Butte,’’ she says. “It’s such a joy for our business to participate in the collection of the opt-out donation and share with guests how our community pulls together. Participating is simply the right thing to do!”
In 2025, after almost three decades of service, there has been an unparalleled feeling of coming full circle. It’s fitting that the most recent funded project has contributed to the Crested Butte Land Trust’s conservation efforts at Cement Creek Ranch, which is owned by founder David Baxter. When he and those other two forward-thinking individuals conceived the 1% program decades ago, who could have imagined the lasting impact those first 15 cents would have? Small change, just like small changes, can really make a difference!
Join 1% for Open Space. Visit 1percentforopenspace.org for more info