Philanthropist and Edwards Aquifer Steward George Mitchell Dies at 94

George P. Mitchell, a friend of the Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs, died this morning at the age of 94. Mr. Mitchell was a geologist, an independent oil and gas and real estate developer, and a major Texas philanthropist.

Mr. Mitchell understood the vulnerability and importance of the Edwards Aquifer to central and south central Texas. He and his wife, Cynthia Mitchell, who died in 2009, were early donors to the Save Our Springs Alliance in the 1990s.  

In the 2000s, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell provided more than $3 million in funding to help launch and sustain the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and its member groups, including the SOS Alliance. Mr. Mitchell also provided funding at a critical juncture to save and protect the land at Jacob's Well, near Wimberley. The land is now a Hays County park. The Jacobs Well Spring is a critical source of contributing flows to the downstream Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs.

In more recent years, the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation has become one of the largest funders for groups working to protect the Edwards Aquifer and waters throughout the state of Texas. Mr. Mitchell's son, Kirk Mitchell, is board chair emeritus of the SOS Alliance.  

SOS Alliance will be forever grateful for George and Cynthia Mitchell's support for protecting Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. Mr. Mitchell was the rare oil and gas pioneer who also understood that water and energy conservation are critical to sustaining a healthy planet. 

You may read more about Mr. Mitchell and the Mitchell Foundation at www.cgmf.org.                                                     

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