Join us for a painting unveiling and hike at Lone Pine State Park on Sunday, January 22, from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, hosted by Flathead Land Trust and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Come celebrate the donation of a beautiful pastel painting by the Van Riper family of the view of the Flathead Valley from Lone Pine State Park in winter in the 1950s. Sandy and Charles Van Riper placed a conservation easement held by Flathead Land Trust on their 40-acre property and added the 40 acres to Lone Pine State Park in 2007. The painting was done by Sandy’s grandmother and Sandy is donating it to the Park for display and dedication to her grandmother and parents.
The 40 acres that became part of Lone Pine State Park was an integral part of the Van Riper family for over 50 years. Sandy Van Riper’s grandparents were among the earliest pioneers in the Flathead, with their roots in Demersville and then Kalispell. Her parents were prominent business people helping Kalispell and the entire Flathead Valley grow.
The painting unveiling will be at the Visitor Center followed by a hike on trails on the conservation easement portion of Lone Pine State Park. Come learn more about the conservation easement portion of Lone Pine State Park and experiences of the Van Riper family on the property. The trek will be a family-friendly one-hour, moderately difficult hike, a portion of which is uphill in the snow. Rangers recommend hikers bring weather-appropriate clothes, walking sticks, and foot traction depending on trail conditions. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Lone Pine State Park is located five miles southwest of Kalispell at 300 Lone Pine Rd. This is a free event!
