Reserved for nature

A group of about 50 people gathered last week at the James Bakke Nature Reserve in a celebration that was as much about enjoying the new natural park as it was about honoring the man who gifted the property to the city.

The late Whitefish artist James Bakke donated the property he called home to the city of Whitefish. The green space on West Seventh Street includes an interpretive trail and picnic tables on the 4-acre property.

Parks and Recreation Director Maria Butts said Bakke wanted to keep the property as open space to benefit the community.

“There is an amazing view here and this is an amazing gift,” she said. “We don’t see a gift like this very often.”

She described the extensive planning that went into creating the reserve to keep with Bakke’s intent that the property remain natural, while also honoring his legacy as an artist.

“He gave us this land and also his art throughout his life,” she said.

Though just a short walk from downtown, the reserve remains a quiet place in a rural part of Whitefish. Deer often spend time on the property, and an occasional black bear has been known to pass through.

“This is a space reserved for nature,” Butts said.

Prior to a ribbon cutting officially opening the reserve, Park Board chairman Ron Brunk recalled at his shop Glacier Cyclery selling a bike to Bakke.

Brunk said while most the time he remembers the bikes he sells, but not always the person who purchases them, Bakke was the exception.

“I had the privilege to know him as a friend,” he said. “He loved Whitefish.”

Looking out to the tall, unmowed grass, Brunk said that Bakke would thought the reserve “too manicured.”

“He’d want us to use it and tatter the edges,” he said. “Color outside the lines like Jim would have wanted and honor Jim by using this property. He gave this to Whitefish, which he loved.”

Bakke died in June 2013 at age 82. He bequeathed his property to the city saying it should be used as a natural park.

He moved to Whitefish with his family in 1947 from a wheat farm near Gilford, Montana. He graduated from Whitefish High School in 1949 and went to work for the railroad, but his real passion was painting. He drew inspiration from Glacier National Park and Whitefish, along with other parts of Montana.

The city removed a number of buildings from the property, including a 1918 farmhouse, then created the walking path and planted trees on the property. The meandering path has interpretive signs in the shape of art easels, which include information about tree identification, a fitness experience and an exploration of Bakke’s life through his artwork.

“It’s about art, nature and exercises,” said Butts. “All the things James loved.”

Also included is a nod to his cats. Bakke at one time had as many as 27 cats at his home and affectionately referred to them as the “aristocats.” In addition, to being a quiet spot for summer strolls, the property also lends itself to winter activity offering the chance for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Rotary Club of Whitefish raised the majority of the funds to turn the property into a park — $23,000 — through the Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Challenge and dedicated many hours of community service.

The project was also made possible due to contributions from the Stumptown Historical Society, Forestoration, Front Desk Design, Inc., Arborvitae and Donna Hopkins, the city notes.

Bakke family friend Donna Hopkins, who wrote a book about his life and artwork, said he would have enjoyed the reserve.

“James would be thrilled,” she said. “This is an extension of his legacy.”