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 pays for preservation projects on the hundreds of historic buildings within the reserve.

Though a tally is still underway, organizers expect to raise about $15,000, said Kyle Waterman, executive director of the Friends of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, which organized the picnic.

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

People attending the picnic enjoyed music, heard an educational program and toured the Ferry House, which is normally not open to the public.

Others toured projects funded by Ebey’s Forever, Waterman said.

The Friends of Ebey’s group recently formed and members are trying to raise $75,000 by the end of the year.

The group must raise that amount to match a donation from an anonymous donor, Waterman said.

Waterman said the Friends are more than half way to goal.

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

This year, Ebey’s Forever Fund provided $100,000 for a dozen projects. Recipients included the Comstock Barn, Van Dam house, Crockett Farm motor shed and the old county courthouse along Madrona Way.

Waterman said the friends group will continue its fundraising efforts. One event is a potluck that is currently scheduled for Nov. 2.