As the holiday season approaches and we all begin to think of giving and thanking those dear to us, I would like to extend a huge thank you to the Save Sun Mountain group.

This committed grass-roots organization was able to achieve something truly amazing that should be considered a gift to Santa Fe. This hard-working, focused group of concerned, environmentally inspired Santa Feans, as well as angel supporters beyond our immediate community, achieved something amazing — it saved Sun Mountain.

We drive by it all the time. We don't even realize the beauty of that open space on the edge of the Santa Fe National Forest.

The open foothill wilderness is the backdrop to our historic city. I am lucky to have a view of Sun Mountain from our large office windows on West San Mateo Road. It is a small mountain compared to others, but it is the heart of Santa Fe.

At a time when crime is on the rise, gang violence is more prevalent than ever and the woes of tough economic hardship affect us all, there still is hope. If we can keep the land open and free then we can also think positively about the future.

Many of us came here because of the land, many of us stay because of the land. Sun Mountain will be open space for our lifetimes and for the generations to come. Cherish this open land only a short trip from the Plaza and be thankful for the people in our community who cared to save it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Santa Fean Kitty Ault is national sales manager of Sense Clothing, based in Santa Fe.