Around 170 people gathered at the Ferry House over the weekend to help preservation efforts within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve.

They enjoyed a “Picnic on the Prairie” Saturday that raised money for the Ebey’s Forever Fund, which is a pot of money that pays for preservation projects on the hundreds of historic buildings located within the reserve.

Although a tally is still underway, it looks like organizers will raise around $15,000, said Kyle Waterman, executive director of the Friends of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, which organized the picnic.

He was quick to highlight the $5,000 donation Whidbey Island Bank contributed to the fund on top of the money raised during Saturday’s event.

People attending the prairie picnic enjoyed listening to music, hearing an educational program and touring the Ferry House, which is normally not open to the public, Waterman said.

The Friends of Ebey’s group recently formed and members are trying to raise $75,000 by the end of the year. They need to raise that amount to match the amount an anonymous donor has made, Waterman said, adding it’s the second year the donor has offered the same challenge.

Fundraising to meet the goal is moving forward. He said the friends group is more than half way to its goal.

“We’re optimistic we’re going to meet it again this year too,” Waterman said.

The fund this year donated $100,000 for a dozen projects. This year’s recipients included the Comstock Barn, the Van Dam house, the Crockett Farm motor shed and the old county courthouse.

For more information about the Friends of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, contact Waterman at 360-678-6084 or email friends ofebeys@gmail.com

Donations can be sent to Friends of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, P.O. Box 958, Coupeville, WA 98239.