A Whitefish couple has pledged $250,000 over five years toward Whitefish Legacy Partners’ free outdoor education programs and to kick start construction of the Whitefish Trail at Smith Lake.

Paul and Wendy Faganel will make the donation allowing for WLP to grow its education programs, construct new trails and a trailhead, and leverage critical grant dollars in upcoming years.

“The Whitefish Trail brings immense value to our community by inspiring future conservation leaders and providing permanent outdoor recreation opportunities for families of the Flathead Valley,” the Faganels said in a release. “We are excited to invest in the future of a project that offers so many benefits, to our personal lives and to the community as a whole.”

The WLP education program last year included 2,144 children and adults learning outdoors through guided learning hikes, school field trips and summer children’s programs. The participation last year grew by 30 percent over the previous year, according to WLP, and the gift will expand free outdoor opportunities for the community.

“Skyrocketing program participation and increased trail use demonstrate a valley-wide hunger for expanded outdoor education and more front-country trails,” said Alan Myers-Davis, WLP director of development. “Paul and Wendy’s gift has invigorated our work and raises the ceiling of our community impact. We are so thankful for their long-term investment in the project and are especially grateful for their strong belief in the community’s vision.”

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation recently released a positive review for Legacy Partners’ plan for future trails and a conservation easement around Smith Lake. The Faganel’s donation is the first major donation for WLP Close the Loop capital project.

Over the next five years, WLP hopes to protect the lands around Smith Lake and complete the loop of the Whitefish Trail around Whitefish Lake. The Faganel’s long-term pledge in support of trail construction provides valuable seed money to support matching grant applications and additional donations for the project, according to Legacy Partners.

To date, Whitefish Legacy Partners and City of Whitefish have established over 42 miles of a recreational trail system accessed by 12 trailheads. The Whitefish Trail continues to pioneer conservation, education and recreation initiatives with strategic partners, volunteers, and financial support from the community.

For more information about the WT education programs or the Close the Loop project, visit www.whitefishlegacy.org or call 406-862-3880 or email [email protected].