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Field Notes: First-of-Year Sightings in the Flathead 🌼🌿🦆 (Musings from Jen Guse, Communications & Outreach Coordinator)

One of my favorite things about springtime in the Flathead is that every single day, something new pops up. I love taking note of these “FOYs” (first-of-the-year sightings).
Having spent over 20 years peering at the ground counting plants, my search for FOYs traditionally centered around flora. The springtime return of old friends brings me immense joy: Calypso orchids sprinkling the forest floor, hillsides of blooming serviceberry, and arrowleaf balsamroot brightening south-facing slopes.

Trained to rely on eyesight, I hadn’t realized I was tuning out my other senses. But thanks to the Merlin app and a few invaluable field trips with Flathead Audubon experts, I’ve learned to open my ears. While sandhill cranes and loons don't require technical assistance, the ruby-crowned kinglets, yellow-rumped warblers, and Hammond’s flycatchers did, and I’m now slowly learning to identify these sonic pleasures unaided. While eagerly awaiting mountain lady's slippers, I'm also on the edge of my seat listening for the first night hawks.

The other day, however, an unexpected FOY crossed my path: a very well-fed terrestrial garter snake. Given its rather thick status, I can only hope that some of my other favorite spring arrivals (like tree frogs) weren't in its belly!

But such is the cycle of life. Nature is both beautiful and complex, and it requires vast, connected swaths of natural habitat to thrive. Moments like these are when I’m extraordinarily proud of the work Flathead Land Trust does to keep these wild places wild.

What FOY species have you noted lately?

#firstoftheyearfriday #firstofyear #flatheadvalley #springtime #conservatio

Celebrating 10 Years of the Darrow Family Legacy! 🚜🌾🦌

A decade ago this month, a vital piece of the Flathead Valley was protected forever. In 2016, the Darrow siblings partnered with Flathead Land Trust to place a conservation easement on the historic 200-acre "Paladin Farm" just north of Bigfork.

This milestone celebrates more than just beautiful open space—it honors the incredible legacy of their parents, the late George and Elna Darrow, fondly remembered as "pillars of Bigfork."

George wasn’t just a local leader; he was a statewide conservation champion. As a state legislator, he was the chief sponsor of the Montana Water Policy Act (1967) and principal author of the landmark Montana Environmental Policy Act (1971). These policies continue to protect and preserve environmental and water quality for all Montanans.

Locally, he and Elna combined their love for agriculture and history by restoring Paladin Farm, which they bought in 1968.

This protected land:

• 🌾 Keeps productive agricultural traditions alive
• 🏔️ Preserves scenic open space near a growing community
• 🦌 Connects vital wildlife pathways near the confluence of Flathead River & Lake and Swan River

When establishing the easement, Roy, Karen, and Reed Darrow expressed the heart of the project: “We feel a conservation easement honors our father’s endeavors to protect open space, offer wildlife habitat, and encourage agricultural enterprise in the Flathead Valley.”

Ten years later, we remain incredibly grateful for the Darrow family's vision. Because of their choice, George and Elna’s passion for Montana’s wild places will live on for generations to come. ❤️🌲

#LandConservation #BigforkMontana #OpenSpace #FamilyLegacy #ConservationEasement

Celebrating 10 Years of the Darrow Family Legacy! 🚜🌾🦌

A decade ago this month, a vital piece of the Flathead Valley was protected forever. In 2016, the Darrow siblings partnered with Flathead Land Trust to place a conservation easement on the historic 200-acre "Paladin Farm" just north of Bigfork.

This milestone celebrates more than just beautiful open space—it honors the incredible legacy of their parents, the late George and Elna Darrow, fondly remembered as "pillars of Bigfork."

George wasn’t just a local leader; he was a statewide conservation champion. As a state legislator, he was the chief sponsor of the Montana Water Policy Act (1967) and principal author of the landmark Montana Environmental Policy Act (1971). These policies continue to protect and preserve environmental and water quality for all Montanans.

Locally, he and Elna combined their love for agriculture and history by restoring Paladin Farm, which they bought in 1968.

This protected land:

• 🌾 Keeps productive agricultural traditions alive
• 🏔️ Preserves scenic open space near a growing community
• 🦌 Connects vital wildlife pathways near the confluence of Flathead River & Lake and Swan River

When establishing the easement, Roy, Karen, and Reed Darrow expressed the heart of the project: “We feel a conservation easement honors our father’s endeavors to protect open space, offer wildlife habitat, and encourage agricultural enterprise in the Flathead Valley.”

Ten years later, we remain incredibly grateful for the Darrow family's vision. Because of their choice, George and Elna’s passion for Montana’s wild places will live on for generations to come. ❤️🌲

#LandConservation #BigforkMontana #OpenSpace #FamilyLegacy #ConservationEasement

Celebrating 10 Years of the Darrow Family Legacy! 🚜🌾🦌

A decade ago this month, a vital piece of the Flathead Valley was protected forever. In 2016, the Darrow siblings partnered with Flathead Land Trust to place a conservation easement on the historic 200-acre "Paladin Farm" just north of Bigfork.

This milestone celebrates more than just beautiful open space—it honors the incredible legacy of their parents, the late George and Elna Darrow, fondly remembered as "pillars of Bigfork."

George wasn’t just a local leader; he was a statewide conservation champion. As a state legislator, he was the chief sponsor of the Montana Water Policy Act (1967) and principal author of the landmark Montana Environmental Policy Act (1971). These policies continue to protect and preserve environmental and water quality for all Montanans.

Locally, he and Elna combined their love for agriculture and history by restoring Paladin Farm, which they bought in 1968.

This protected land:

• 🌾 Keeps productive agricultural traditions alive
• 🏔️ Preserves scenic open space near a growing community
• 🦌 Connects vital wildlife pathways near the confluence of Flathead River & Lake and Swan River

When establishing the easement, Roy, Karen, and Reed Darrow expressed the heart of the project: “We feel a conservation easement honors our father’s endeavors to protect open space, offer wildlife habitat, and encourage agricultural enterprise in the Flathead Valley.”

Ten years later, we remain incredibly grateful for the Darrow family's vision. Because of their choice, George and Elna’s passion for Montana’s wild places will live on for generations to come. ❤️🌲

#LandConservation #BigforkMontana #OpenSpace #FamilyLegacy #ConservationEasement

Celebrating 10 Years of the Darrow Family Legacy! 🚜🌾🦌

A decade ago this month, a vital piece of the Flathead Valley was protected forever. In 2016, the Darrow siblings partnered with Flathead Land Trust to place a conservation easement on the historic 200-acre "Paladin Farm" just north of Bigfork.

This milestone celebrates more than just beautiful open space—it honors the incredible legacy of their parents, the late George and Elna Darrow, fondly remembered as "pillars of Bigfork."

George wasn’t just a local leader; he was a statewide conservation champion. As a state legislator, he was the chief sponsor of the Montana Water Policy Act (1967) and principal author of the landmark Montana Environmental Policy Act (1971). These policies continue to protect and preserve environmental and water quality for all Montanans.

Locally, he and Elna combined their love for agriculture and history by restoring Paladin Farm, which they bought in 1968.

This protected land:

• 🌾 Keeps productive agricultural traditions alive
• 🏔️ Preserves scenic open space near a growing community
• 🦌 Connects vital wildlife pathways near the confluence of Flathead River & Lake and Swan River

When establishing the easement, Roy, Karen, and Reed Darrow expressed the heart of the project: “We feel a conservation easement honors our father’s endeavors to protect open space, offer wildlife habitat, and encourage agricultural enterprise in the Flathead Valley.”

Ten years later, we remain incredibly grateful for the Darrow family's vision. Because of their choice, George and Elna’s passion for Montana’s wild places will live on for generations to come. ❤️🌲

#LandConservation #BigforkMontana #OpenSpace #FamilyLegacy #ConservationEasement

Celebrating 10 Years of the Darrow Family Legacy! 🚜🌾🦌

A decade ago this month, a vital piece of the Flathead Valley was protected forever. In 2016, the Darrow siblings partnered with Flathead Land Trust to place a conservation easement on the historic 200-acre "Paladin Farm" just north of Bigfork.

This milestone celebrates more than just beautiful open space—it honors the incredible legacy of their parents, the late George and Elna Darrow, fondly remembered as "pillars of Bigfork."

George wasn’t just a local leader; he was a statewide conservation champion. As a state legislator, he was the chief sponsor of the Montana Water Policy Act (1967) and principal author of the landmark Montana Environmental Policy Act (1971). These policies continue to protect and preserve environmental and water quality for all Montanans.

Locally, he and Elna combined their love for agriculture and history by restoring Paladin Farm, which they bought in 1968.

This protected land:

• 🌾 Keeps productive agricultural traditions alive
• 🏔️ Preserves scenic open space near a growing community
• 🦌 Connects vital wildlife pathways near the confluence of Flathead River & Lake and Swan River

When establishing the easement, Roy, Karen, and Reed Darrow expressed the heart of the project: “We feel a conservation easement honors our father’s endeavors to protect open space, offer wildlife habitat, and encourage agricultural enterprise in the Flathead Valley.”

Ten years later, we remain incredibly grateful for the Darrow family's vision. Because of their choice, George and Elna’s passion for Montana’s wild places will live on for generations to come. ❤️🌲

#LandConservation #BigforkMontana #OpenSpace #FamilyLegacy #ConservationEasement

Celebrating 10 Years of the Darrow Family Legacy! 🚜🌾🦌

A decade ago this month, a vital piece of the Flathead Valley was protected forever. In 2016, the Darrow siblings partnered with Flathead Land Trust to place a conservation easement on the historic 200-acre "Paladin Farm" just north of Bigfork.

This milestone celebrates more than just beautiful open space—it honors the incredible legacy of their parents, the late George and Elna Darrow, fondly remembered as "pillars of Bigfork."

George wasn’t just a local leader; he was a statewide conservation champion. As a state legislator, he was the chief sponsor of the Montana Water Policy Act (1967) and principal author of the landmark Montana Environmental Policy Act (1971). These policies continue to protect and preserve environmental and water quality for all Montanans.

Locally, he and Elna combined their love for agriculture and history by restoring Paladin Farm, which they bought in 1968.

This protected land:

• 🌾 Keeps productive agricultural traditions alive
• 🏔️ Preserves scenic open space near a growing community
• 🦌 Connects vital wildlife pathways near the confluence of Flathead River & Lake and Swan River

When establishing the easement, Roy, Karen, and Reed Darrow expressed the heart of the project: “We feel a conservation easement honors our father’s endeavors to protect open space, offer wildlife habitat, and encourage agricultural enterprise in the Flathead Valley.”

Ten years later, we remain incredibly grateful for the Darrow family's vision. Because of their choice, George and Elna’s passion for Montana’s wild places will live on for generations to come. ❤️🌲

#LandConservation #BigforkMontana #OpenSpace #FamilyLegacy #ConservationEasement

You will want to read this great @flatheadbeacon article outlining @u.s.forestservice Forest Legacy Program funding that just came through, supporting the milestone Foys to Blacktail Community Forest Project! (🔗 in bio).

Our Executive Director, Paul Travis, summed it up: “We’ve been celebrating this project for a month now, in large part because we were able to buy and secure the property through generous donations and the use of recoverable funds from within our community. But this Forest Legacy grant money has been the lynchpin of this project all along. Rewind to last year, and we were not able to move forward on this time-sensitive acquisition because the status of the funding was unclear. But it’s clearer than ever now, so this is really the beginning.”

We could not have reached this point without the generosity and vision of eleven individual donors who recognized the importance of protecting this landscape. Whitefish Community Foundation served as the project’s philanthropic advisor, convening donors and project partners to aggregate funding and secure the land.

What an incredible collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service, Flathead Land Trust, @foystoblacktail Trails, @whitefishcommunityfoundation, @trustforpublicland, @montanafwp and Griffith Family Foundation! We are so grateful for this partnership!

#foystoblacktail #keepmontanawild #communityconservation #montanatrails #ForestLegacy #flathead #flatheadvalley #flatheadtrails

🤝 Big things happen when we collaborate!

This week, reps from nine organizations gathered for the quarterly @flathead_river to Lake Initiative meeting to share conservation triumphs and map out future strategies. Together, we are taking direct action to protect and restore the natural heritage of Flathead River and Lake. 🌊🦅

The energy for local conservation is high! Major highlights of the meeting:

🌱 Newly funded conservation easements
🐻 Innovative wildlife crossing and local conservation proposals
📊 Hot-off-the-press water quality data
👀A peek at the upcoming State Wildlife Action Plan

We had an illuminating presentation from Kimberly Szcodronski of @montanafwp (who traveled to the Flathead to present for us!) on the Montana State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Slated for approval this year, this crucial plan identifies habitats and species of greatest conservation need to protect Montana's biodiversity.

We also got an insightful first look at the Montana Pesticide Stewardship Partnership Program (PSPP) from Janelle Groff of @umflbs. The project tracks pesticide movement to help protect our local watersheds. 💦

Want to help? 🔗 Learn more here: https://flbs.umt.edu/monitoring/mt-pspp/volunteer/

💪 Stronger together!

#flatheadriver #flatheadlake #conservation #montanawildlife #waterstewardship #CollaborativeConservation

Save the date for The Land Affair! 🌾✨

Join us on Thursday, July 30, for a night where community and conservation meet. We’re celebrating our open spaces and wild places at the stunning venue, The FARM Montana (Wrangler Springs Ranch) in Bigfork! 🏔️

Enjoy a true Montana evening featuring:
🎶 Live Americana & Rock by Radio Ranch
🍴 Local gourmet BBQ by Forage
🍺 Local beer, wine, and exciting raffle baskets
🌲 A look at our latest conservation wins and a peek into the future

Early Bird Special: Grab your tickets by July 15 for just $75 ($85 after).

Help us ensure that our "wild places" remain a permanent part of our story. Under the historic barn rafters or the big Montana sky, we’ll see you there!

🎟️ Learn more & get your tickets at the link in our Bio

💼 Interested in business sponsorship? Learn more at the link in our bio!

#TheLandAffair #flathead #flatheadvalley #FlatheadValleyMT #BigforkMT #LandConservation

In case you missed it: KPAX-TV featured the Foys to Blacktail Community Forest this week! 🌲 We are so excited to see this milestone for local conservation get the spotlight.

Check out the full story at the link in our Bio 🔗

Foys To Blacktail Trails Whitefish Community Foundation Trust for Public Land Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Griffith Family Foundation

#trails #FlatheadValleyMontana #flatheadvalley #flathead

🎉 Join Flathead Land Trust and our project partners at the Foys Community Center at Herron Park on Friday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m. as we celebrate a massive conservation milestone!

Together, we’ve successfully secured over 1,100 acres of land for future generations. This evening is a tribute to the power of stewardship and the incredible community that made it possible. Come and hear the behind-the-scenes story of the project, enjoy music by BlueGrass Trio, “Mossy Rock“, local snacks and beverages, and connect with fellow supporters.

📍 When: Friday, May 1, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
📍 Where: Foys Community Center (Herron Park, west of Kalispell)
📍 What: Short project presentation, refreshments, and community mingling.
📍 Cost: FREE!

This project was only possible through the extensive collaboration between Flathead Land Trust, @foystoblacktail Trails, the Griffith Family Foundation, @trustforpublicland, @whitefishcommunityfoundation (and the 11 generous WCF-advised donors who were instrumental in providing the initial funding to secure the land!) and @montanafwp.

Many thanks to @flatheadlakebrewing, @tamarackbrewing, @ceresbakerymt and Mossy Rock for their generous donations!

#FlatheadValleyMontana #flathead #flatheadvalley #montanatrails

"Across the sweeping grasslands of Camas Prairie near Hot Springs lies a landscape that, at first glance, feels quiet and unassuming. But beneath the rolling hills is a story of unimaginable force. One written by water, time, and ice." 🏔️🌊

These "hills" are actually giant ripple marks - some of the largest on Earth - left behind by the catastrophic draining of Glacial Lake Missoula.

If this enticing intro leaves you craving more, explore the fascinating story of the Camas Prairie ripples in our latest Story Map! (Link in our Bio 🔗)

Explore more of our conservation stories through our interactive map 🗺️✨

Just head to the bottom of our home page and click on any Flathead Land Trust easement. If that landscape has a story to tell, you’ll see a "View StoryMap" button pop up. Click it to dive into the history, ecology, and beauty of the land.

Happy exploring! 🌲🐾

#camasprairie #glaciallakemissoula #MontanaGeology #storymaps #landconservation #montanahistory

You are invited! 🎉

Please join us and our project partners Foys To Blacktail Trails, Whitefish Community Foundation, Trust for Public Land, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as we toast the official launch of the Foys to Blacktail Community Forest Project.

📍 Friday, May 1, 5:30 -7:30 p.m.
📍 Foys Community Center (Herron Park - Foys Lake Road, Kalispell)

Enjoy light fare, drinks, and good company as we celebrate this milestone for our local landscape. We’ll share a few brief words about the project, its future and the partnerships making it possible.

@foystoblacktail @whitefishcommunityfoundation @trustforpublicland @montanafwp

#flatheadvalley #FlatheadValleyMontana #flathead #trails

You are invited! 🎉

Please join us and our project partners Foys To Blacktail Trails, Whitefish Community Foundation, Trust for Public Land, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as we toast the official launch of the Foys to Blacktail Community Forest Project.

📍 Friday, May 1, 5:30 -7:30 p.m.
📍 Foys Community Center (Herron Park - Foys Lake Road, Kalispell)

Enjoy light fare, drinks, and good company as we celebrate this milestone for our local landscape. We’ll share a few brief words about the project, its future and the partnerships making it possible.

@foystoblacktail @whitefishcommunityfoundation @trustforpublicland @montanafwp

#flatheadvalley #FlatheadValleyMontana #flathead #trails

🦇 Happy International Bat Appreciation Day! 🦇

Today, April 17, we’re celebrating the "keystone species" that keeps Northwest Montana healthy. At Flathead Land Trust, we’re doing more than just appreciating them, we’re protecting their home!

🔊 Hearing our Hidden Neighbors:

Thanks to a generous donor, we have a new high-tech bat detector! This device picks up ultrasonic echolocation, allowing us to identify species by their unique "signatures." We're excited to use this with our partnered landowners to see which species are patrolling their conserved lands.

🛡️ Why Habitat Matters:

Bats face growing threats from habitat loss. Conserving our open spaces is vital for:

- Pest Control: One bat eats thousands of insects nightly (nature's pesticide!).

- Biodiversity: They are essential for pollination and seed dispersal.

- Safe Roosts: Protecting wetlands, old trees, and snags gives bats the "housing" they need to survive.

🏠 You can help by:

- Reducing outdoor light pollution

- keeping "wild" corners on your property

- planting night-blooming flowers to support moths for food for local populations

Huge thanks to our donor for this amazing tool!

Together, we’re ensuring that Northwest Montana remains a safe haven for these incredible mammals. 🖤

#InternationalBatAppreciationDay #BatConservation #MontanaWildlife #KeystoneSpecies #ConservationMatters

🦇 Happy International Bat Appreciation Day! 🦇

Today, April 17, we’re celebrating the "keystone species" that keeps Northwest Montana healthy. At Flathead Land Trust, we’re doing more than just appreciating them, we’re protecting their home!

🔊 Hearing our Hidden Neighbors:

Thanks to a generous donor, we have a new high-tech bat detector! This device picks up ultrasonic echolocation, allowing us to identify species by their unique "signatures." We're excited to use this with our partnered landowners to see which species are patrolling their conserved lands.

🛡️ Why Habitat Matters:

Bats face growing threats from habitat loss. Conserving our open spaces is vital for:

- Pest Control: One bat eats thousands of insects nightly (nature's pesticide!).

- Biodiversity: They are essential for pollination and seed dispersal.

- Safe Roosts: Protecting wetlands, old trees, and snags gives bats the "housing" they need to survive.

🏠 You can help by:

- Reducing outdoor light pollution

- keeping "wild" corners on your property

- planting night-blooming flowers to support moths for food for local populations

Huge thanks to our donor for this amazing tool!

Together, we’re ensuring that Northwest Montana remains a safe haven for these incredible mammals. 🖤

#InternationalBatAppreciationDay #BatConservation #MontanaWildlife #KeystoneSpecies #ConservationMatters

🦇 Happy International Bat Appreciation Day! 🦇

Today, April 17, we’re celebrating the "keystone species" that keeps Northwest Montana healthy. At Flathead Land Trust, we’re doing more than just appreciating them, we’re protecting their home!

🔊 Hearing our Hidden Neighbors:

Thanks to a generous donor, we have a new high-tech bat detector! This device picks up ultrasonic echolocation, allowing us to identify species by their unique "signatures." We're excited to use this with our partnered landowners to see which species are patrolling their conserved lands.

🛡️ Why Habitat Matters:

Bats face growing threats from habitat loss. Conserving our open spaces is vital for:

- Pest Control: One bat eats thousands of insects nightly (nature's pesticide!).

- Biodiversity: They are essential for pollination and seed dispersal.

- Safe Roosts: Protecting wetlands, old trees, and snags gives bats the "housing" they need to survive.

🏠 You can help by:

- Reducing outdoor light pollution

- keeping "wild" corners on your property

- planting night-blooming flowers to support moths for food for local populations

Huge thanks to our donor for this amazing tool!

Together, we’re ensuring that Northwest Montana remains a safe haven for these incredible mammals. 🖤

#InternationalBatAppreciationDay #BatConservation #MontanaWildlife #KeystoneSpecies #ConservationMatters

🦇 Happy International Bat Appreciation Day! 🦇

Today, April 17, we’re celebrating the "keystone species" that keeps Northwest Montana healthy. At Flathead Land Trust, we’re doing more than just appreciating them, we’re protecting their home!

🔊 Hearing our Hidden Neighbors:

Thanks to a generous donor, we have a new high-tech bat detector! This device picks up ultrasonic echolocation, allowing us to identify species by their unique "signatures." We're excited to use this with our partnered landowners to see which species are patrolling their conserved lands.

🛡️ Why Habitat Matters:

Bats face growing threats from habitat loss. Conserving our open spaces is vital for:

- Pest Control: One bat eats thousands of insects nightly (nature's pesticide!).

- Biodiversity: They are essential for pollination and seed dispersal.

- Safe Roosts: Protecting wetlands, old trees, and snags gives bats the "housing" they need to survive.

🏠 You can help by:

- Reducing outdoor light pollution

- keeping "wild" corners on your property

- planting night-blooming flowers to support moths for food for local populations

Huge thanks to our donor for this amazing tool!

Together, we’re ensuring that Northwest Montana remains a safe haven for these incredible mammals. 🖤

#InternationalBatAppreciationDay #BatConservation #MontanaWildlife #KeystoneSpecies #ConservationMatters

Looking for a fun Saturday in the Flathead?

Join us at the Flathead Valley Earth Day Expo 2026 — a free, family-friendly community event focused on real Montana solutions.

🦅 Live birds of prey
🚗 EV and hybrid vehicle showcase
💡 Workshops on lowering energy costs
🤝 Interactive booths from local businesses and organizations (including Flathead Land Trust - come and see us!)

Saturday, April 18
9 AM – 3 PM
Flathead Valley Community College

Bring the whole family!

#FlatheadValley #KalispellMT #EarthDayExpo #FamilyFriendly

Big news for the Flathead! 🌲 In case you missed it, a partnership between Flathead Land Trust, @foystoblacktail Trails, @trustforpublicland, @montanafwp, and @whitefishcommunityfoundation just officially launched the Foys to Blacktail Community Forest Project!

This is a huge win for local conservation and outdoor access. Check out the full scoop in the @flatheadbeacon at the link in our Bio 🔗

#flathead #flatheadvalley #flatheadmontana #trails