Editor,

I recently became a board member of the Friends of Ebey’s and, as the newest member of the board, I would like to clarify The Friends of Ebey’s mission.‘Friends’ is the nonprofit fundraising arm of the Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve.

We are a board of volunteers working together to raise funds to promote and facilitate preservation, as well as education and outreach projects as requested by the Trust Board.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the community and local businesses for their support of the Friends of Ebey’s — enabling the Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing to implement interpretive programs and award preservation grants. It’s easy to look at the pretty views in reverence, but to gain an understanding of what goes into maintaining this extraordinary landscape shows a reflection of our thoughtful community.

Central Whidbey has sustained much of its cultural and historical integrity because the local community has continually partnered with the Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing and given in many ways: volunteering time, donating money and experience, attending fundraising events — the list really is endless. It would be impossible to count the hours the Lions Clubs have dedicated to most every project that has been asked of them. The Jacob Ebey House has literally come back to life, leaving visitors from all over the world in awe of its surrounding environment. This year, through the efforts of the Friends of Ebey’s and the generous donations of hundreds of contributors from around Puget Sound and beyond, nine projects involving historically significant structures will be funded.

Since the Ebey’s Forever Grant Program started in 2011, more than 30 Ebey’s Forever preservation projects have been completed. Besides protecting the cultural landscape, these projects have created jobs, promoted agriculture and tourism and have circulated more than $500,000 through the economy. Donations to Friends of Ebey’s have made this all possible.

Where else does this happen? The next time you find yourself stunned to silence by the view, there’s a pretty good chance you did something to help sustain it. Thank you for being a “Friend of Ebey’s,” embracing our rich and multi-faceted history as we move into the future.

Alix Roos

Board Member

Friends of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve