Kris Holstrom

Kris Holstrom is good at growing. From the organic, high-altitude Tomten Farm she started twenty years ago, to the relationships she has built in the community to encourage sustainable, environmental practices, she has made significant contributions to the Telluride region.

Holstrom planted a lot of seeds — not just at Tomten, but all over Telluride. She has served on the county planning commission for many years, advocating for the environment as the region developed. She started the composting movement that has become successful at the sumer festivals, and reduced the Bluegrass Festival waste by half. She was the natural choice for the new position of Sustainability Coordinator, helping to integrate all of the ecological innovations in the Towns of Telluride and Mountain Village and in San Miguel County. And most recently, she took the reins of the Telluride Farmers Market, ensuring that it carried on into its fifth summer of providing organic, bio-regional food and products to the community.

Holstrom still makes time to operate the Tomten farm, providing educational work opportunities to more than 100 interns over the years.

"I couldn't do the farm without the interns, and I couldn't do the job of Sustainability Coordinator without the community," says Holstrom.

What is Plum 98? It¹s a collection of 98 individuals (a nice, round number) who have etched a mark in the Telluride community with positive energy and vision. Be it in the realm of art, recreation or politics, we at Plum want to recognize these local stars for their encouragement and inspiration. To read about more interesting locals, check out the rest of our Plum 98ers.