The Adventure Continues
In memory of their son and brother following a tragic accident, Kendall and Sherry Mikesell and their daughters, Laura and Julie, launched the Chris Mikesell Foundation in 2008. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 in grants to organizations honoring Chris’ adventurous spirit, passion for travel, and love of people. Those lucky enough to know Chris knew that he not only moved to Crested Butte after college to work and enjoy his time in the mountains but because he thought it was paradise on Earth. Now, years after his tragic accident, the Chris Mikesell Foundation continues to spread Chris’ love and adoration of Crested Butte by providing financial support to various local organizations.
Preserving Chris’ Paradise on Earth
One of the organizations the Chris Mikesell Foundation is proud to provide continued support to is the Crested Butte Land Trust, which protects and stewards open lands for vistas, recreation, wildlife, and ranching, contributing to Gunnison County’s unique heritage and quality of life. In addition to helping the community by protecting the Gunnison Valley’s breathtaking beauty, agricultural heritage, wildlife habitats, and access to trails for year-round public recreation, the Crested Butte Land Trust has successfully completed numerous conservation projects over the past 31 years. Some of their most notable projects include the protection of Long Lake, the Lower Loop Trails, Lupine Trails, Smith Hill conservation area, Gunsight Bridge, and the Slate River Wetlands.