Last Thursday's Montana Open Land Month celebration, held at the Line Ranch in Missoula's South Hills neighborhood was a resounding success. Thank you to the nearly 400 community members who came out to enjoy the Line's picturesque ranch, music by local favorites The Whizpops, cold beer donated by Big Sky Brewing Company and pulled pork sandwiches provided by Charlie B. From kids enjoying the City Life Bouncy Castle to bouncing to the beat on the dance floor, a great time was had by all.
The Line Family, who are Five Valleys Land Trust conservation easement holders, generously donated the use of their pasture and pole barn to host the event. The Line Ranch, located on the western slopes of Mount Dean Stone, offered attendees a chance to visit a working ranch as well as take in breathtaking views of the Missoula Valley.
Our Open Land Month celebration was also a chance to pay homage to the 20th anniversary of the protection of Mount Jumbo. In 1996 the Missoula community passed a Missoula County Open Space Bond which allowed for Five Valleys to facilitate the purchase of private inholdings on Mount Jumbo, now one of the most beloved and well-used public open spaces in Missoula.
Photos by Aaron Teasdale
