Manifest Destiny
Manifest DestinySprawling subdivisions are not the Flathead Valley's inevitable future. FEATUREBY KEEGAN SIEBENALERWhen Tianna Thomas moved back to the Flathead Valley as a crisis counselor for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline in...
A Hard Row to Hoe
A Hard Row to HoeAs houses replace hayfields, farming the Flathead’s remaining agricultural land becomes increasingly difficult. FEATURESTORY BY KATIE CANTRELLChris Fritz pulls his maroon pickup onto the rutted path next to the old barn....
Does Art Matter
does artmatter? What is art?Just kidding, we’re not going to start there. That’s a never-ending art school debate. The question for our valley is perhaps not what is art, but is art important? And why? Let’s discuss. FEATUREMAGGIE...
Editor’s Note: Stories Have Power
Editor's NoteStories Have PowerKatie Cantrell is our one- woman powerhouse of an editor. Without her, this magazine couldn’t happen.KATIE CANTRELL W“hen I was a kid and I’d start complaining — probably about how my life was so unfair...
Editor’s Note: This Land Was Made for You AND Me
Editor's NoteThis Land Was Made for You AND MeKATIE CANTRELL I“grew up on a dirt road in eastern Washington, Ritchey Road to be specific, named for my great-great-great-uncle, Isaac Ritchey. I don’t know anything about the land before he...
Editor’s Note: Living Here Will Make You Crazy
Editor's NoteLiving Here Will Make You Crazy KATIE CANTRELL I“don’t think this is an unfamiliar pattern for many of us who have moved to the valley somewhere along our way: the outdoor adventures we used to think were for extreme crazy...
Bright Side? What Genius Thought This Was Good News?
SATIREBright Side? What Genius Thought This Was Good News? Even on the bluest bluebird day, there’s always a troll looking for a stormcloud. Some people just aren’t happy unless they’re unhappy. Illustrated by Ben OblasBen...
Restoring Flathead lake
Restoring Flathead LakeThe Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ efforts to allow native fish populations to rebound in Flathead Lake. HeadwatersPhotos by Aaron Augosto | Introduction by Katie CantrellIntroduction by Katie Cantrell...
Local Art Looks Like this
LOCAL ART LOOKS LIKE THIS.ACCK SHOWCASE The natural splendor that surrounds us here in Northwest Montana has inspired artists for generations. While that inspiration can take many forms, here are five local artists whose work pushes the...
Land Acknowledgment
Love LetterWe are on stolen land. Ever felt invisible? Overlooked, discounted, like your story doesn’t matter and no one wants to hear it? We’re willing to wager that everyone has, in some setting or phase of life. And it just plain...
Conservation Easements
HeadwatersConservation easements: Preserving Montana’s land, water, and way of life.STORY BY FLATHEAD LAND TRUSTOur Family's Story Ron de Yong "M y dad grew up on a piece of land right next to what would become our family farm, about a...
Love Letter
Love LetterFinding the Bright Side isn't always easy...but we think it’s worth it. We get it, the last couple of years have been a whirlwind of the unexpected, and it can feel really good to pick out a scapegoat. But we all get to choose...
Love Letter from the Editor
Love Letter"Don’t you just love this magazine? I know I do." -Katie Cantrell, editorBY KATIE CANTRELLAs the editor, I might have the privilege of shepherding the words along, but make no mistake: the fine folks of Highline Design are the...
Class Acts
Class Acts:The Teacher Feature.Let’s take a moment and reflect on how lucky we are to have all our schools filled with outstanding, dedicated educators. FEATUREBY KATIE CANTRELLAs Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Nothing is certain...
Storage units!
SATIREStorage units! Finally, a development proposal everyone can agree on. Conveniently located adjacent to the top of the Hellroaring Chairlift, these units are perfect for keeping your options open for Big Mountain’s—ahem—variable...
An illustrated guide to the First Annual Flathead Winter Arts and Culture Festival
SATIREIllustrated travel guide to the First Annual Flathead Winter Arts and Culture Festival You might think the Flathead’s art scene is chasing the naturally occurring gobsmacking beauty that surrounds us, or that our culture is deeply...
River Wild?
RIVER WILD? The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act has protected the North, Middle, and South Forks for almost half a century. As our population grows and more people look to these rivers for fun, questions arise about how best to preserve their...
Preserving a Sense of Place
HeadwatersPreserving a Sense of Place How native plants help build community. Forestoration collaborated with the city of Whitefish to design and install a native landscape within the median located on Central Avenue in downtown...
Citizens Toolkit
HeadwatersCitizens' toolkitWe need to get more involved with local development and growth. But first, let’s understand the landscape. How does private property get developed, and how can we make sure it happens in the best way...
Helping Hands
helping handsLand to Hand’s Gretchen Boyer works tirelessly to make healthy food available to everyone.FEATUREBY COLLEEN O'BRIENAfew days before spring break, veils of virga rim the valley. Intermittently, clouds open and ice pellets pour...