Members of the public are invited to learn more about Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve at a community outreach event Thursday, Jan. 19.
The open house will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Coupeville Rec Hall, marking the beginning of an exciting year as the reserve celebrates the 45th anniversary of its inception.
Reserve manager Marie Shimada said Ebey’s staff will be joined by State and National Parks representatives at the open house, and volunteer docents will also be present to teach about the reserve’s history.
Shimada said the event is an opportunity for the public to learn about reserve services, meet the staff and foster a sense of community pride for the “regional and national gem” that is the country’s first and only national historical reserve.
Two workshops will take place during the open house. At 4 p.m., staff from the reserve and the National Park Service will present a workshop on scenic easements — what they are, how they differ from conservation easements and how to request an easement from the National Parks Service.
At 5 p.m., Ebey’s staff will host a design review workshop. This workshop will cover the design review process, design guidelines and codes and how to prepare for a permit or certificate of appropriateness within the reserve. This session is geared toward anyone who is planning to renovate a historic property or build within the reserve, or anyone interested in learning more about the work of the Historic Preservation Commission.
One workshop will take place prior to the open house; at 10:30 a.m., reserve staff will host a session about the Ebey’s Forever Grant program and how to apply. Ebey’s Forever Grants provide assistance to individuals, nonprofits and government entities seeking to repair or restore historic structures within the reserve.
The current Ebey’s Forever Grant cycle opened Friday, Jan. 6. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28. This year is the grant’s 12th annual cycle. The program has awarded over $1.8 million to more than 100 projects to date.
For more information about the community outreach event or the Ebey’s Forever Grant program, contact Shimada at EbeysRM@gmail.com.
