Flathead Land Trust marks 40th anniversary with celebration near Whitefish

The Flathead Land Trust is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Saturday with a shindig on property near Whitefish protected by a conservation easement.

The festivities, which kick off at 11 a.m., will be held on the Kohrs property west of Whitefish, a stretch of more than 650 acres of farmland and riparian habitat along the Stillwater River. Tickets are $40 per person and children under 10 can attend free of charge. 

Attendees can expect to enjoy a picnic lunch from Uptown Hearth -- wine, local beer and other refreshments are available to complement the meal -- while listening to a live performance by the Flathead Valley's Mike Murray. Entertainment includes property tours, hayrides, face painting and games for children. 

A raffle will give partygoers a chance at cabin stays, guided fly-fishing excursions, and ski and mountain biking passes. The event is expected to end with a paddle raise with the opportunity for matching donations. Contributions raised during the event will go toward Flathead Land Trust's efforts to conserve Northwest Montana's land and water legacy for the future, organizers said. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit flatheadlandtrust.org or call 406-752-8293.