The Whitefish Trail project is getting another financial shot in the arm with a $200,000 donation to be presented Wednesday by Joe and Cindy Gregory.

The donation is earmarked for a conservation and recreation easement in the Beaver Lakes area.

The Gregorys split their time between Tennesee and Whitefish, and established a gated vacation compound called Krummholz Lodge on Whitefish Lake after coming to the Flathead Valley more than a decade ago, according to their website for Krummholz Lodge.

The philanthropic couple have invested in several local charities and ministries such as ALERT and Potter’s Field Ministries, and have a donor-advised fund with the Whitefish Community Foundation.

Whitefish Legacy Partners, in partnership with the city of Whitefish and the Montana Department of Resources and Conservation, has secured an easement on more than 1,500 acres for public recreation and conservation in the Beaver Lakes area west of Whitefish. This project provides permanent public access and the retirement of development rights while protecting clean water, thriving forests and prime wildlife habitat on open lands in the urban interface of Whitefish, according to Whitefish Trail spokeswoman Lisa Jones.

Completion of the project will support efforts to permanently protect lands for the Whitefish community and future generations.

 Sandwich board “thermometer” signs have been placed around Whitefish tracking the funds raised to complete the Beaver Lakes easement purchase.

Whitefish Legacy Partners is responsible for raising $2 million from the community to make the final easement payment. With the generous donation from the Gregorys, the fundraising goal is now 85 percent complete, with $290,000 to be raised prior by Dec. 31.