Bank joins in effort to add “Bookends” to open spaces

A Western Colorado bank has joined in efforts to raise money to add two parcels of land to the recreational and open spaces in the Grand Valley.

Through Oct. 1, Alpine Bank will match donations up to $12,500 for what’s called the Bookends acquisition.

“We’ve established a $12,500 matching grant, but we need the community’s help to reach our goal,” said Carolee Hawkins, regional marketing director for Alpine Bank.

The Mesa Land Trust in Grand Junction has raised nearly $775,000 of the $825,000 needed to acquire two parcels of land that flank the Lunch Loop trails on the west side and Three Sisters property on the east side in an area near the east entrance to the Colorado National Monument. The group plans to place a conservation easements on the Bookends parcels to ensure expanded trails, protected views and open spaces.

Over the past three decades, Mesa Land Trust has helped to protect nearly 100 square miles for agricultural uses, wildlife habitat and open spaces.

“We are so pleased that Alpine Bank continues to support our enviable quality of life,” said Rob Bleiberg, executive director of the Mesa Land Trust.

“This partnership reflects the important connection between local business growth and trail-based recreation,” Bleiberg added. “Trail opportunities and walkable and bikable lifestyles attract users of all ages to the Grand Valley to both visit and live.”

In addition to matching donations, Alpine Bank will donate $5 for every person who posts an image of their favorite biking or hiking spot in the Grand Valley on the Alpine Bank Facebook page or tags the bank at @alpinebank on Instagram along with the hashtag #banklocalbankAlpine through Aug. 30. The person who posts the image with the most likes on both Facebook and Instagram will receive a $100 Alpine Bank Visa gift card.

Through Oct. 1, Alpine Bank will donate $10 to the Bookends project for every person who opens a personal checking account with an environmental loyalty debit card.

Each time a customer uses a loyalty debit card, Alpine Bank donates 10 cents to local nonprofit groups.

“It’s a great way to give back,” Hawkins said. “Customers can choose a card that focuses on arts, education, environment, community and Americas. By encouraging the environmental card, we’ll be able to continue to support organizations like the Mesa Land Trust.”

Headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Alpine Bank operates 37 locations across Colorado.