Live music, refreshments, guided tours and more are in the works as the San Juan Preservation Trust and San Juan County present the kick-off of the “Campaign to Save Mount Grant,”  Saturday, May 30, on the grounds of the 141-acre would-be nature preserve, noon to 4 p.m.

The Land Bank and Preservation Trust hope to raise $4.2 million to finalize the pending purchase of what would be San Juan Island’s newest nature preserve. Plans for the preserve include hiking trails weaving through densely wooded forests en route to the summit, where 360-degree views span the horizon eastward to Mount Baker, north to the Canadian Gulf Islands and across the archipelago of islands as well.

To date, roughly $2 million has been raised.

Also known as Lawson’s Ridge, the 141-acre property, intended at one time as a residential subdivision, features a paved road that leads to the summit (the road will be closed during the campaign kick-off) which allows people of all ages and physical ability to venture to the top of the mountain.

San Juan Island’s own Marimba Kubatana will perform at the event, which will also feature hot dogs, lemonade and other treats, and members of the campaign steering committee, the Trust and the Land Bank will be on hand to answer questions about the property and campaign.

The entrance to the preserve is on Beaverton Valley Road, near Cady Mountain Road; however, parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged. Event-goers can also take a free shuttle van to and from the event, which departs from in front of the county courthouse, at the corner of Court and First streets, every 30 minutes from noon until 3 p.m.

For more about the kick-off event or Mount Grant, visit www.sjpt.org or call the Preservation Trust, 360 378-2461.