KALISPELL — In this week’s Unsung Hero, we are highlighting Maddie Porter, who has volunteered for the community to maintain and grow the Rails to Trails system in Kalispell, keeping people outside and moving.
“I see all these people who get use, fun, and enjoyment out of these trails like I do, and I want to extend that to as many people as I possibly can,” said Porter.
Maddie Porter serves as a Rails to Trails board member in Kalispell, working with other board members to enhance the Rails to Trails system for the community’s enjoyment.
“That’s mainly what we look for is to connect Kalispell and the greater Flathead area on two wheels and try to get as many multi-use pedestrian paths put in so everyone has access to the great outdoors that we have here,” said Porter.
Porter’s passion for the outdoors and trail usage is the driving force behind her involvement in Rails to Trails. She is leading an initiative to connect the existing trails to the one in Hungry Horse, with the goal of establishing a multi-use pedestrian trail from Flathead Lake to Lake McDonald.
“I have found a home in Kalispell, and I just want to have an active part and feel a part of the community that’s centered around getting people together and enjoying the things that I like to enjoy, and have that sense of community and camaraderie with everybody who lives here,” said Porter.
Porter was nominated by her fiancé, who also collaborates with her at the Kalispell Downtown Association. Together, they organize events to draw people into downtown Kalispell to support local businesses.
“I’m really proud of her, really proud to see her engaged and giving back to the community. We’ve been here for a little over two years, and really felt welcomed. It’s awesome to see her getting involved and jumping in,” said Julian Nizzoli, the nominator.
Porter, the youngest member on the Rails to Trails Board by about 40 years, remains committed to the program and aims to recruit more young individuals to the board to sustain interest in Rails to Trails.
“I just really wanted to move up here and get involved in the community. It seemed like a great place to start to get introduced to the wonderful outdoors that we have out here, as well as the wonderful people, and feel like I’m making a positive impact,” said Porter.
