Harpers Ferry Center National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan Photo Credit: Amos Morgan Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan September 2009

Prepared by:

Department of the Interior National Park Service

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve

Pacifi c West Region

Harpers Ferry Center Interpretive Planning Table of Contents

Message from the Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve 1 Comprehensive Interpretive Planning 3

Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning 4 Enabling Legislation and Reserve Purpose 5 Reserve Signifi cance 6 NPS Mission and Reserve Mission 7 Accessibility 7 Interpretive Themes 8 Desired Visitor Experience 10 Reserve Visitors 11 Issues and Challenges Affecting Interpretation 12 Existing Conditions 13

Part Two: Actions/Recommendations 23 The Planning Process 24 Action Plan over the Next 7-10 Years 28 Research and Evaluation Needs 32 Staffi ng and Training Needs 33 Implementation Plan 33 Planning Team 34

Appendix A: Landscape Character Areas 37 Appendix B: Interpretive Services by Landscape Character Area Matrix 40 “The precious living landscape of Ebey’s Landing Historical Reserve is now more secure than ever. Its rich history and the collaboration of all partners have provided the foundation upon which to build a bright future through the implementation of this long-range interpretive plan.”

Helen Price Johnson Island County Commissioner, District 1 Message from the Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve

As the first historical reserve in the United States, Ebey’s Reserve protects an important part of America’s rural character – a cultural landscape of 17,572 acres that includes 17 working farms, more than 400 historic structures, native prairies, three state parks, miles of shoreline, a network of hiking and biking trails, and the second oldest town in Washington.

Ebey’s Reserve is a national model for sustainable development in rural Trust Board Members communities. It is the only remaining area in the Puget Sound region where a Jan Pickard, Chair broad spectrum of Northwest history is clearly visible on the land, and protected within a landscape that is lived in and actively farmed. It is a place that is sustained Fran Einterz, Vice using contemporary conservation strategies, local stewardship, and by leaving the Chair land in primarily private ownership, while preserving its historic, cultural, and Al Sherman, Treasurer rural character.

Marilyn Clay, The Long-Range Interpretive Plan is a document that sharpens our focus and Secretary pulls together all of the education and interpretation efforts within Ebey’s

Molly Hughes Landing National Historical Reserve. Part One defines the Reserve themes, identifies the desired visitor experience, lists issues and challenges, and describes Hank Florence the existing condition of the Reserve’s interpretive services. Part Two lists the specific actions the Reserve and its partners will take to meet our vision for the Lisa Meserole future of interpretation over the next seven to ten years. Jon Roberts Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve is supported through partnerships Jim Neill with many local, regional, and national organizations. The Reserve staff engaged all of the Trust Board members, partners, local community members, and many Mark Preiss, Reserve Manager others throughout the planning process. This collaborative effort produced a more comprehensive and inclusive look at how we will interpret Ebey’s Reserve to visitors in the future.

On behalf of the Trust Board, we hope you will take time to review this important plan and join us as we continue to move forward in our efforts to preserve and Trust Board Partners protect the values and resources of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve.

National Park Service Sincerely,

Washington State Parks Jan Pickard Island County Trust Board Chair Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Town of Coupeville

Mark Preiss Post Office Box 774 Coupeville, WA 98239 Reserve Manager Phone (360) 678-6084 Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Fax (360) 678-7490

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 1 To Oak Harbor To 20 and Deception Pass A E F C G 20 O Van Dam Road A d Ebey’s Landing National U a

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Admiralty Head Lighthouse Park

Office e ton eys K To Clinton Fort Casey State Park and ferry to Seattle A Fort Casey State Park Underwater Marine Park Keystone D Harbor M Admiralty Head ADMIRALTY IR P A L BAY U T Y G Point Wilson E T tone Ferry IN r ferry) L Fort Worden E State Park T (car and passenge Port Townsend–Keys

S O PORT U TOWNSEND N D

Fort Flagler State Park

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve

2 I National Park Service Comprehensive Interpretive Planning

The National Park Service (NPS) and long-term (7-10 years) reproduced in the Annual has a unifi ed planning approach interpretive goals of the park. Implementation Plan (AIP), for interpretation and education. The process that develops the the second component of This approach combines LRIP defi nes realistic strategies the CIP. Creating a series of planning for interpretive media, and actions that work toward these AIPs that implement the personal services, and education achievement of the interpretive recommendations outlined in the programs. The Comprehensive goals. LRIP simplifi es the park’s annual Interpretive Planning (CIP) planning. The third component process is the basic planning The Annual Implementation of the CIP is the Interpretive document for interpretation Plan and Interpretive Database Database, an ongoing and was incorporated into NPS The completed LRIP is a compilation of information, guidelines in 1995. Responsibility critical part of the CIP, but it reports, bibliographies, plans, for accomplishing the CIP does not stand alone. Actions and inventories that document process lies with the Trust Board in the LRIP are divided into the LRIP’s ongoing progress. and the Reserve Manager. annual, achievable steps and

What is a Comprehensive Interpretive Plan? The CIP process helps the Reserve make choices, and this planning document is written to provide guidance to Reserve staff . It helps them decide what their objectives are, who their visitors are, and what mix of media and personal series to use. Although the CIP as defi ned in Director’s Order 6 is composed of specifi c elements, good planning is customized to meet an individual unit’s need and situations. The CIP is not a recipe; rather it is a guide to eff ective, goal-driven planning. While it considers past interpretive programming, it is primarily a forward-looking document that concentrates on actions needed to create or sustain a vigorous and eff ective interpretive program for the future. All CIPs have these three components: the Long-Range Interpretive Plan (LRIP), a series of Annual Implementation Plans and an Interpretive Database.

What is a Long-Range Interpretive Plan? The heart of the CIP is the Long- Photo Credit: Amos Morgan Range Interpretive Plan. The The Long-Range Interpretive Plan will help guide Trust Board decisions that will LRIP defi nes the overall vision affect the next generation of Ebey’s Reserve visitors and residents.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 3 Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

My dear brother— I scarcely know how I shall write or what I shall write . . . the great desire of heart is to get my own and father’s family to this country. I think it would be a great move. I have always thought so . . . To the north down along Admiralty Inlet . . . the cultivating land is generally found confi ned to the valleys of streams with the exception of Whidbey’s Island . . . which is almost a paradise of nature. Good land for cultivation is abundant on this island. I have taken a claim on it and am now living on the same in order to avail myself of the provisions of the Donation Law. If Rebecca, the children, and you all were here, I think I could live and die here content.

Colonel Isaac Ebey letter to his brother, W.S. Ebey, April 25, 1851

The Reserve strives to engage all visitors and residents; to share and enrich their lives; and to inspire them to help preserve our natural heritage for seven generations into the future. As wildlife habitat and farmland is lost throughout the Pacifi c Northwest and on Whidbey Island, Ebey’s Reserve serves as a unique and exciting resource for visitors and residents. The experience of discovery, beauty, natural landscape, and coastline enriches young and old with a unique national model of a living landscape, where premeditated preservation and community management reconnect us to the soil, wind, sea, and heighten our attention to the empowering experience of Mother Nature!

Lisa Meserole Trust Board Member, Education & Outreach Committee Chair

4 I National Park Service Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Enabling Legislation and Reserve Purpose

Enabling Legislation reserve in the National Park The purpose of Ebey’s Landing System – its boundaries National Historical Reserve is to: Each unit of the National surround mostly private land Park System is created by (approximately 85%). The • Preserve and protect the Congress and the President movement to protect central cultural landscape and to of the United States. Whidbey Island began more commemorate the history than thirty years ago with of a rural community, which The following pieces of local citizens’ initiative to provides a continuous legislation created Ebey’s protect Ebey’s Prairie from record of exploration and Landing National Historical development. Establishing a American settlement in Puget Reserve. national historical reserve would Sound from the nineteenth provide immediate protection century to the present. This Section 508 of the Parks and of critical lands threatened by includes the fi rst thorough Recreation Act of 1978 (Public development The Reserve now exploration of Puget Sound Law 95-625) established Ebey’s preserves open space with a by Captain Vancouver in Landing National Historical minimum disturbance to private 1792; settlement of Whidbey Reserve. Its boundaries are the landowners, and provides Island by Colonel Ebey; same as those of the Central federal technical support without settlement during the years Whidbey Island Historic threatening local autonomy. of the Donation Land Law District established in 1973. beginning in the 1850s; and The Reserve comprises an area As part of the legislation, the growth of the town of of approximately 17,572 acres: management of the Reserve Coupeville. 13, 617 acres of land and 3,955 is through a unit of local surface acres of water (Penn government, and not solely with • Preservation of natural Cove). Approximately 2,023 acres the NPS. Though most national and cultural resources in are protected with NPS-held park units are managed by a the reserve happens in the conservation easements and 684 superintendent, the Reserve context of a living, working, acres are NPS-owned in fee. is managed by a nine-member and changing community. Trust Board comprised of The language of the law cited representatives from four units the unbroken historical record of government - the town of of the central Whidbey Island Coupeville, Island County, community “from nineteenth Washington State Parks, and the century exploration and National Park Service. On July settlement in Puget Sound to the 23, 1988, an Interlocal Agreement present time” and emphasized for the Administration of the four historic eras: Vancouver’s Reserve established this joint exploration of the Puget Sound interagency administrative board in 1792; the fi rst permanent for management of the Reserve. settlement on Whidbey Island, led by Isaac Ebey; the Donation Reserve Purpose Land Claim settlements and subsequent settlements; and the A purpose statement development of Coupeville. summarizes the reasons a unit is included in the In more ways than one, the Reserve is not a typical national National Park System. It is park. It is a new model in its derived from the legislation that created both the approach to park management Photo Credit: Chris Smith and land protection. Ebey’s National Park Service and a Penn Cove is a perfect place to kayak Reserve is the fi rst historical specifi c site. and canoe

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 5 Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Reserve Signifi cance

Statements of signifi cance • Within the fast growing • Within the Reserve, the describe a National Park Puget Sound region, the visitor can experience a System unit’s distinctive Reserve has quickly become variety of diverse physical natural, cultural, and the only remaining area and visual landscapes within recreational resources and where a broad spectrum of a small geographic area. values that are the factual Northwest history is still clearly visible within a large- • Because the Reserve is a short rationale for national scale (and partially protected) drive from major Northwest recognition of the site. landscape. population centers, it is a popular destination for According to the 2006 Secondary Signifi cance various forms of recreational General Management Plan/ • Ebey’s Landing National and educational activities. Environmental Impact Historical Reserve consists Statement, Ebey’s Landing of excellent undisturbed • Penn Cove within the Reserve National Historical Reserve is examples of post-glacial has an internationally nationally signifi cant because: geological features such as signifi cant shellfi sh (mussels) kettle ponds; steep gravel industry dependent upon Primary Signifi cance bluff s; remnant prairies high water quality. • Ebey’s Landing National formed by glacial lakes; Historical Reserve is the and sweeping shoreline • Due to the sheltered harbor, nation’s fi rst national topography left by the Penn Cove has been a focus historical reserve; a new receding glaciers. of human activities from kind of national park area prehistoric times to the cooperatively managed by • The unique climates, rain present day. a trust board representing shadow, soils, maritime local, state, and federal infl uence, and geologic interests. features result in an unusual diversity of plant and animal • The Reserve provides the species, communities, and nation a vivid and continuous habitats. historical record of Pacifi c Northwest history, including early exploration and American settlement of the Puget Sound region.

• Early settlement at Ebey’s Reserve, precipitated by the Donation Land Claim Act Photo Credit: Amos Morgan of 1850, helped establish American territorial claims in the Pacifi c Northwest, resulting in the 1859 Border Resolution.

• The historical landscape of the Reserve appears much as it did a century ago. Historic homes, pastoral farmsteads, and commercial buildings are still within their original farm, forest, and marine settings. Penn Cove is a great habitat for the internationally signifi cant mussel industry

6 I National Park Service Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

NPS Mission and perpetuity, the historic, Accessibility Reserve Mission natural, cultural, scenic, recreational, and community Every attempt will be made to resources which are vital to provide full access to interpretive A mission statement is a Ebey's Landing National media and programs to ensure vision for the future and Historical Reserve; people with physical and mental articulates, in broad terms, disabilities have access to the the ideas that the NPS and • Foster appreciation, same information necessary the Trust Board strives to understanding, and for safe and meaningful visits achieve. enjoyment of Ebey’s Landing to national parks. This is in National Historical Reserve compliance with the National through education and Park Service policy: National Park Service interpretation; Mission Statement “ …To provide the highest level The National Park Service • Further the purposes of of accessibility possible and preserves unimpaired natural Ebey’s Landing National feasible for persons with visual, and cultural resources and values Historical Reserve by hearing, mobility, and mental of the national park system for establishing and maintaining impairments, consistent with the enjoyment, education and productive partnerships the obligation to conserve park inspiration of this and future between federal, state, and resources and preserve the generations. The Park Service local governments, public qualities of the park experience cooperates with partners to and private organizations and for everyone.” extend the benefi ts of natural and individuals; NPS Special Directive 83- cultural resource conservation 3, Accessibility for Disabled and outdoor recreation • Administer and manage Persons throughout this country and the Ebey’s Landing National world. Historical Reserve as a unit All interpretation will follow of the National Park system, general standards for accessibility Ebey’s Landing National consistent with the mandate as described in the Harpers Historical Reserve Mission of Congress (PL 95-625) and Ferry Center Programmatic Statement the Interlocal Agreement Accessibility Guidelines for of July 26, 1988 between Interpretive Media http://www. The Mission of the Trust Board the National Park Service, nps.gov/hfc/pdf/accessibility/ of Ebey’s Landing National Washington State Parks and access-guide-aug2009.pdf Historical Reserve is to: Recreation Commission, Island County, and the Town • Preserve and protect, in of Coupeville. Photo Credit: Leigh Smith Many special and remote places in Ebey’s Reserve can be experienced by visitors of all abilities.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 7 Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Interpretive Themes

Interpretive themes capture Theme 1 – Change/Cultural Sound from potential enemy the essence of Ebey’s Heritage invaders. Landing National Historical • The landscape that makes Reserve’s signifi cance. They People have long been attracted to Ebey’s Reserve an ideal include the most important the Ebey’s Reserve area, making agricultural reserve now stories and represent core it their home for similar reasons provides a wide range of recreational opportunities. messages that every visitor yet bringing new motivations and uses. should have the opportunity Theme 2 – Living Landscape to experience. • Native Americans resided in this area, cultivating the Even after thousands of years While interpretation of any prairies and Penn Cove. most early patterns of land use site could touch upon many • Hubbard squash, alfalfa, are still visible at Ebey’s Reserve stories, focused themes increase barley, wheat, potatoes, and and reveal a continuous history eff ectiveness. When well conceived, corn are among the scale of human interaction with the themes explore the meanings crops and – due to the micro- environment. behind the facts. They open minds climate and island isolation to new ideas and perhaps to – seed crops of beet, cabbage, • To d a y, the vistas, woodlands, multiple points of view. When and spinach that are currently and fertile prairies of the linked to commonly held emotions cultivated. Small farmers in Reserve are much the same as or universal human experiences, the Reserve also grow a wide they were in the late 1800’s. themes encourage visitors to see variety of fruits, vegetables, • The soils of Ebey’s and themselves in the Reserve’s story fl owers, and meats for local Crocket Prairie are among the and discover personal relevance. market and Community most fertile in Island County. Supported Agriculture. Local roads bear the names A team of Reserve staff , local • Ebey’s Reserve was one of of historic farm families. citizens, and partners worked the fi rst areas settled in the Some of these families have together to develop these themes Puget Sound due to fertile lived in the Reserve for more and associated stories during soils, access to water, and than fi ve generations and workshops held in 2005 and location. are still farming today. Yet 2009. They are based on the two • Military history refl ects how the Reserve is far more than themes identifi ed in the 2006 Fort Casey and Fort Ebey a snapshot in time; it is a General Management Plan. protected the mouth of Puget living, working and changing community. Within its 17,572 acres, the Reserve contains more than 300 historic structures and 18 working farms. • Cultivation tactics of American Indians included controlled burning to encourage desirable, edible plants that were dug with wooden tools. • Hedgerows.

Theme 3 – Environment

Unique combinations of climate, Photo Credit: Mitch Richards The unique micro-climate and rich brown soil of Central Whidbey provide the maritime infl uences, and perfect conditions for growing seed crops such as cabbage. geologic features have shaped the

8 I National Park Service Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning landscape, resulting in an unusual • Ebey’s Reserve is represents local volunteers diversity of habitats and species. homegrown. The impetus and four governmental to protect this cultural partners including the Examples of these unique landscape came from local National Park Service, features include: citizens’ initiative to halt Washington State Parks and • Geology a housing development Recreation Commission, • Glaciers slated for Ebey’s Prairie. Island County and the Town • Prairie The concept of a national of Coupeville. • Forest historical reserve was viewed • The Trust Board sees a • Wetlands as a way to preserve the future where Ebey’s Landing • Sea life working landscape and National Historical Reserve • Wildlife natural life with a minimum is a model for sustainable • Flora disturbance to landowners, development that respects • Climate and provide federal support a community’s need to • Night sky without threatening local adapt to new challenges • Natural quiet autonomy. while protecting a nationally • Soil • Ebey’s is the fi rst reserve in signifi cant historical resource. the United States to integrate • The partnership model of Theme 4 – Historical Reserve historic farms, a seaside town, cooperative management native and pioneer land use of cultural and natural The partners of the Reserve traditions, and ecologically resources develops a sense of work together to create a model signifi cant areas through stewardship that exists within of sustainable development that creative conservation tactics the local community and respects a community’s need to and contemporary, planned among partners that assures adapt to new challenges while development. the health of the Reserve into protecting natural and cultural • The Reserve is administered the future. resources. The Reserve is a model and managed by a joint for preservation of a cultural interagency Trust Board. landscape. The 9-member Trust Board Photo Credit: Leigh Smith The impetus to protect the cultural landscape that became Ebey’s Reserve came from local citizens’ initiative to halt a housing development slated for Ebey’s Prairie.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 9 Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Desired Visitor Experience

Desired visitor experiences • Safely enjoy a variety of • Experience what it was like describe what physical, accessible, sustainable, to be a pioneer on the prairie intellectual, and emotional recreational experiences. – eat the food they would experiences should be have eaten. available for visitors to • Enjoy solitude, dark night • Ebey’s Landing National skies, prairie landscapes, and Enjoy the beautiful scenery ocean vistas. including prairies, mountains Historical Reserve. These and water. experiences will be available • Hike and bike across to visitors of all abilities, the entire Reserve on an • Feel the continuity and including those with visual, integrated trails system. stability of the place. auditory, mobility, or cognitive impairments. • Go to an Ebey’s Reserve • Experience a day on a farm visitor center to receive an in the Reserve - meet a Visitors to Ebey’s Landing orientation to the Reserve farmer and plow a fi eld with a National Historical Reserve will and to get maps and basic tractor. have opportunities to: history of the area. • Discover the history and • Have advance access to maps • Purchase Ebey’s Reserve stories of the people who and orientation information branded fresh local produce have lived here for thousands through a variety of media, and products. of years. in a variety of locations, including websites, exhibits • Participate in hands-on • Explore the diff erent at the ferry terminals, and educational experiences landscapes and discover how published guides that will and weekend demonstration they were formed. assist them in planning a trip of historic events to better to Whidbey Island and the understand the natural • Enjoy a self-guided tour of Reserve, thereby maximizing and human history of the the Reserve. their time, enjoyment, Reserve. and understanding of the • See and explore the historic resources. buildings, structures, and farms found throughout the Reserve.

10 I National Park Service Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Reserve Visitors

This is a broad description to the NPS Public Use Statistics of Coupeville, followed by Fort of Reserve visitors and their Offi ce. Casey State Park, Coupeville needs – including current Wharf, Fort Ebey State Park, and potential visitors as well Peak visitation is during May the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, as local residents. “Visitor” through September. High and Camp Casey. The least describes anyone who visitation periods also occur visited places are Crockett Lake, during the Thanksgiving and Sunnyside Cemetery, Prairie uses a site’s interpretation Christmas holidays. Visitation Wayside, Driftwood Park, and and educational services data from the 1995 University the Bluff Trail. Most visitors whether in person or of Washington Visitor Survey arrived by private vehicle (88%) “virtually” through digital and the 2007 NPS Visitor Survey with almost half (44%) coming technologies. Project study suggests most via the Deception Pass bridge via visitors drive to the Reserve and State Route 20 from the north. Approximately one million 93% come from within the state. About one-third arrived by visitors come to Ebey’s Landing ferry from Mukilteo. Only one- National Historical Reserve According to the 2006 General quarter sought information about annually. This fi gure is based on a Management Plan visitors’ the Reserve after they arrived fi ve-year (2003-2008) average of reasons for visiting the Reserve in the Reserve. Most visitors data collected by the Washington varied, but included the scenery, spent two hours in the Reserve, State Parks and Recreation state parks, family, Coupeville while 30% spent three to four Commission. Washington Arts Festival, nature, history, hours. Twenty-two percent were State Parks (Fort Ebey, Ebey’s and to look at real estate. The overnight visitors. The most Landing, and Fort Casey), is vast majority of visitors are not common method of moving the only agency that currently aware that the area is a national through the Reserve was by car collects visitation statistics within historical reserve. Of those (59%), but also walking, hiking, the Reserve. Ebey’s Landing places visited within the Reserve, bicycling, and boating were National Historical Reserve does the places having the highest mentioned. not report visitor use statistics number of visitors are the town Photo Credit: Mitch Richards Many visitors come to the Reserve to attend special events like the Coupeville Arts Festival.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 11 Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Issues and Challenges Affecting Interpretation

Ebey’s Landing National Funding from and how will they be Historical Reserve has many • Maintaining and acquiring getting to the Reserve? assets upon which to build property and easements. an effective interpretive Volunteers program, including Agritourism/Farm to Table • Challenge to fi nd quality • evocative and compelling Most farmers do not have people to get the job done. time to teach and support • There is a fi nite capacity of stories, outstanding natural visitors coming to the farms. labor on the island. and cultural resources, • Is it practical to provide • Interpretive services ongoing research, and hands-on agritourism? throughout the Reserve dedicated staff and • Is agritourism sustainable? are primarily provided by supporters. It also faces • Is there enough interest volunteers. a number of challenges. within the farming Well-designed programs community to support Partnerships can build on interpretive agritourism? • Partners need to collaborate strengths to help overcome and work together as a whole the challenges. Transportation Reserve community. • Transportation to the island – • Partners need to share and ferry service may be reduced. provide more open access to • Where will people be coming information. Photo Credit: Chris Smith The Ferry House, located on Ebey’s Prairie, was built on Isaac Ebey’s donation land claim.

12 I National Park Service Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Existing Conditions

Landscape Character Areas are wayside exhibits and a of Juan de Fuca draw hundreds trailhead located at the parking of thousands of visitors annually. There are ten landscape area. A coastal artillery post features character areas (see Appendix two historic guns on display. The A) found within Ebey’s Landing Prairie Wayside is located on the park also includes Keystone Spit, National Historical Reserve. opposite side of Ebey’s Prairie a two-mile-plus stretch of land Within this LRIP, one “prairie” from the Overlook. Hedgerows separating Admiralty Inlet and area and one “woodland” area obscure the breathtaking views Crockett Lake. Birding, diving, are recognized, reducing the of the prairie and the wayside and fi shing are popular activities total number of character areas area is continually subjected to along the Spit. to six. Ebey’s Prairie and the vandalism and littering. West Coastal Strip have been The Admiralty Head Lighthouse the focus of interpretive services Sunnyside Cemetery overlooks is located within Fort Casey State and programming. The three Ebey’s Prairie and is the burial Park. Visitors can stamp their Washington State Parks, Scott’s site of many prominent historic NPS Passport and tour the 1861 Bluff on the Nature Conservancy fi gures including Jacob and Isaac lighthouse. property, and the Ebey land Ebey and Captain Coupe. The claims have served as anchors Davis Blockhouse is located Woodlands along the western side of the within the cemetery. Reserve. Coupeville is the center Straddling the west coastal for visitor services, lodging, West Coastal Strip strip and the Kettle and Pratt dining, and shopping. Many of woodlands, Fort Ebey State Park the restaurants and shops feature Scott’s Bluff , an NPS lease from highlights the natural beauty of Ebey’s Reserve produce and the Nature Conservancy, is the the Reserve. Visitors can stamp products. Appendix B identifi es most popular hike in the Reserve. their NPS Passport and enjoy the the interpretive services currently Breathtaking views overlooking many recreational opportunities off ered in the Reserve by Ebey’s Prairie, Perego Lake, and such as camping, bicycling landscape character area. Puget Sound, and bald eagles through the Kettles, picnicking, circling overhead draw many paragliding, and fi shing on the Ebey’s Prairie visitors. beach. There is an amphitheater for evening programs and 28 The Ferry House was built on Ebey’s Landing State Park is miles of trails for hiking and Isaac Ebey’s donation land claim located along the beach on the mountain biking. Horseback and was the site of the fi rst ferry western edge of the Reserve. riding is also allowed on some station. From 1860-1880 the The ferry came ashore here trails. house served as an inn, mail post, during the mid-19th century. ferry stop, and salon. An old Archaeological research has Penn Cove wagon trail still provides access confi rmed there was an American to the beach and Ebey’s Landing Indian village site. A spur trail Monroe’s Landing was an State Park. Closed to the public. provides access to Scott’s Bluff . American Indian village site Due to its size and location the thousands of years ago. Today Jacob Ebey House and park has limited capacity for trail there is a public boat launch into Blockhouse is still on the original use and parking. Penn Cove and beach access donation land claim. The house for swimming and clamming. has been restored to a ca. 1855 Fort Casey State Park forms the Wayside exhibit panels appearance. Closed to the public. southwestern edge of the Reserve describing the Indian village and and was the site of the Kellogg Penn Cove are in good condition, The view from Prairie Overlook donation land claim. Camping, just diffi cult to see from highway. is the iconic image of Ebey’s picnicking, and spectacular views Prairie and the Reserve. There of Admiralty Inlet and the Strait

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 13 Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Coupeville

Visitors can walk around the historic district featuring 19th century homes and store fronts. The Island County Museum is open daily and has an NPS passport station as well as Reserve exhibits and wayside exhibit panels. Visitors can shop or eat at a local restaurant featuring Ebey’s Reserve-grown produce. Exhibits inside the Coupeville Wharf tell “Rosie’s Story” about a gray whale and also Rudy, the dolphin. NPS passport stations are also located

at the Central Whidbey Chamber Photo Credit: Leigh Smith of Commerce and the Town of Inside the Coupeville Wharf, located on Penn Cove, visitors will fi nd natural Coupeville offi ces. history exhibits, shops, and restaurants.

Agritourism/Farm to Table Trails

Ebey’s Landing National individual farm rather than There are 35 miles of trail Historical Reserve protects and having a Reserve-wide focus. The within Ebey’s Landing National preserves farms and agricultural “Ebey’s Forever” farm and barn Historical Reserve off ering values that were established tours and “Meet the Farmer” visitors the opportunity to more than 150 years ago. Sharing panel discussion are examples of explore on foot, bicycle, and these values and providing the Reserve-wide programs. During horseback, yet it is not an opportunity for local citizens and the summer 2008 and 2009 integrated system. Some of the visitors to support the Reserve seasonal park rangers roved the trails are relatively fl at and paved, farms are key elements of an farmers market talking about while others are dirt paths that agritourism or “farm to table” the Reserve. A new self-guided snake along the edge of the bluff . program. Most of the activities tour brochure of Ebey’s farms Using the trails visitors can travel associated with this program will highlight for the fi rst time all through all of the landscape have been special events or of the farms located within the character areas except Penn specifi cally promoted by an Reserve. Cove. Although no water trails are currently located within Penn Cove, Fort Ebey State Park is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail. The existing land trails cross public and private property making it diffi cult for visitors to know where they are within the Reserve, much less that they are actually in the Reserve. Diff erent partners maintain the trails and each agency uses its own trail marking system adding to the visitors’ confusion. During the right weather and tidal conditions visitors can Photo Credit: Chris Smith walk one way along eight miles Farmers markets bring the produce of Ebey’s Reserve to local tables.

14 I National Park Service Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

of beach from Fort Ebey to Fort The Reserve informs the with the Reserve. Rhododendron Casey. They cannot return by public of upcoming events Park, a future trail connector, is walking along the bluff above and special programs through completely sign-free (from the the same beach using a single public service announcements highway), and Ebey’s Landing trail. A Reserve trail concept sent to area newspapers, State Park has no identifying sign. plan was outlined in 2003. The radio stations, and television Island County trail plan and the stations. Most information Entrance Signs Whidbey Island Scenic Route are is distributed through press Ebey’s Reserve has four entrance not mentioned in the plan. releases in the newspapers. signs, on State Road 20 at the Posters are placed throughout north and south entrances to Marketing, Orientation and the Reserve advertising the Reserve and two at Crockett Access to Information and interpretive programs. E-mail Lake. These are the only road Interpretation and the website are also used to guide signs that inform people promote programs. The Reserve they are within the Reserve. Marketing has limited staff and resources to The signs are dated, in poor handle large outreach eff orts. condition, and include the trust Ebey’s Reserve does not have a board logo as the dominant well-known identity or marketing Signs identity. strategy. Because the Reserve is founded on partnerships, the Reserve Identity Directional Signs partners struggle to maintain The Trust Board logo, rather Directional signs, except for a their own identity as well as to than the NPS arrowhead, is few county road markers, are refl ect a single “Reserve” identity. currently used to identify many non-existent within the Reserve Many partners are reluctant sites within the Reserve. The two boundary. There are no signs to to emphasize the connection major recreational destinations direct you to visitor information to the National Park Service. within the Reserve, Fort Casey or to visitor destinations. A small The NPS arrowhead is not seen State Park and Fort Ebey State visitor information sign on Main by most people as a unifying Park, exclude signs that indicate Street, which is visible from symbol. The Trust Board logo is they are part of the Reserve. The State Road 20, is for the Central used periodically on signs and sign for the Town of Coupeville, Whidbey Chamber of Commerce publications. the heart of Ebey’s Reserve at the and visitors may obtain a Reserve corner of Main and State Road brochure from this location. Ebey’s Landing National 20, also excludes any text or Directional signs for the two Historical Reserve is not graphic element that connects it state parks exist, but exclude any acknowledged in the majority of connection to the Reserve. tourist publications produced by local groups, communities, or agencies located within the Reserve including: 2008-2009 Whidbey/Camano Islander, Island County Museum brochure, Whidbey Island Farm Map and Guide, Lavender Wind Farm brochure, and North and Central Whidbey Island Map. The Island County Bicycle Touring Map has the area where the offi ce is located marked as the Reserve. The 2008-2009 Whidbey Island Newcomers and Visitors Guide has two mentions of the Reserve, but only as invitation to attend Photo Credit: NPS the “Ebey’s Forever” conference. One of four entrance signs located within the Reserve.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 15 Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Ferry Terminals Website Interpretive Media No directional or entrance signs are apparent at either The Reserve offi cial NPS website There is interpretive media of the Whidbey Island ferry (www.nps.gov/ebla) is a very located within the Reserve, landings. The Clinton-Mukilteo popular way for visitors to access including: and Port Townsend-Keystone information. Virtual visitors can Ferries have limited quality, learn about Reserve history, interpretive information inside planning projects, and to fi nd Publications the ferry terminals and on directions to the Reserve. The the ferries. Also limited is the Reserve staff has been working The current Ebey’s Landing quantity of information available to upgrade and improve the NPS National Historical Reserve at the various ferry landings. website; however, the content brochure was locally designed, There has been no signifi cant is primarily information that produced and distributed. eff ort to educate ferry goers does not need to be changed Harpers Ferry Center is working or pedestrians near the ferry very often. Interpretive activities with Reserve staff to create an landings or within the ferry and programs are not posted offi cial NPS Map and Guide. The terminals themselves. Each ferry on the website. There is an new brochure will be available off ers minimal interpretation orientation video on the website in September 2009. Once the of Ebey’s Landing National that provides visitors with an brochure is completed, Reserve Historical Reserve. Numerous opportunity to see the diversity staff will be able to easily re-order brochures are off ered for various of the Reserve and learn a little as well as update and revise it. sites throughout Whidbey about the history. Island and the Puget Sound. The A variety of Reserve-produced Central Whidbey Chamber of There is also a locally produced publications that are primarily Commerce continually stocks the “Ebey’s Forever” website informational rather than Reserve unigrid brochures at the (www.ebeysforever.com) interpretive, are available at the Keystone Landing ferry terminal, that is used primarily for the Reserve offi ce, the Coupeville on the Port Townsend ferry, and annual conference. This can be Library, Central Whidbey at the Coupeville Wharf. confusing for visitors if they do Chamber of Commerce, Oak a search and fi nd both websites Harbor Chamber of Commerce, There is a three-sided kiosk listed. the Island County Museum, and outside the Port Townsend- the Coupeville Wharf. These Keystone Ferry Terminal Visitor Center publications include: featuring orientation information • Central Whidbey’s on the reserve concept, map of Ebey’s Landing National Archaeological Heritage the Reserve and an interpretive Historical Reserve does not • Naturalist’s Guide: Fall and panel on the Washington State have its own visitor center. Winter at Ebey’s Landing Ferry System. Instead there are many diff erent National Historical Reserve locations where visitors can get • Naturalist’s Guide: Spring Traveler Information Service information about the Reserve and Summer at Ebey’s including the Admiralty Head Landing National Historical In 2007, the Reserve Traveler Lighthouse, Central Whidbey Reserve Information System (TIS) was Chamber of Commerce, Fort • Traces of the Chinese in the upgraded. The Island County Casey and Fort Ebey State Parks, Reserve Historical Society, through a Coupeville Wharf, Island County • Hedgerows Cooperative Agreement with Museum, and the Coupeville • Ebey’s Landing National the Reserve, is now responsible Library. Because each of these Historical Reserve: Self- for maintaining and updating partner locations also has Guided Walking Tour of the TIS. Segments advertise their own mission to fulfi ll, Historic Coupeville upcoming events and refl ect the Reserve-specifi c orientation and • Ebey’s Landing National cultural heritage (Theme 1) of the information may be limited. Reserve. Historical Reserve: A Driving and Bicycling Tour

16 I National Park Service Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

o The driving and bicycling Wayside Exhibits interpreting the story is not as tour is the only form poor as the earlier series, but of interpretive media Wayside exhibits at Ebey’s because of their condition, they that includes all of the Reserve have been the are becoming eyesores on the Reserve’s landscape predominant form of landscape. The last series (2003), character areas. interpretation since the Reserve of which there is only one exhibit was created in 1978. They in the Reserve, is well-designed Reserve partner-produced serve three diff erent roles: as and closely matches the current publications cover military confi rmation that visitors are NPS wayside exhibit standards. history and coastal ecology: in a national park, as visitor contact stations that provide Exhibits • Washington State Parks and information about the Reserve, Recreation Commission and as visitor orientation that A one hundred-square foot Your Guide to Fort Casey explains where visitors can go orientation exhibit was produced State Park (9/98) and how to get there. All three in 1995 and is located in the entry Coast Artillery Forts: A functions are very important to of the Island County Historical Century of Service (8/99) visitors. However, because of the Museum. The exhibit is rated as Fort Ebey State Park (9/02) limited space on a wayside panel, unacceptable in the NPS Media Whidbey Island’s Admiralty they accomplish these tasks Inventory Database System, Head Lighthouse marginally well. Wayside exhibits because it was never fi nished. A are best at conveying site-specifi c three-minute video was designed; • WSU Island County Extension information and leaving other however, it was never produced. Service and Island County information to other media or Marine Resources Committee other modes of communication. Artifact Collection Beaches and Bluff s: Living on the Edge Island County The general condition of Ebey’s Reserve does not have an Rosie’s Story approximately 36 wayside artifact collections or archives exhibits that exist in the Reserve within the Reserve. The Reserve • Getting to the Water’s Edge on is average to poor. A majority of has no facility to house archives Whidbey & Camano Islands the fi berglass panels exposed or collections. The Reserve is a sales item that makes to the elements (not under requests assistance from the reference to the Reserve on protected kiosk shelters) have Pacifi c West Regional Curator page 42 and page 47. become badly worn and faded. when objects or items are The bases (again, not under received. Junior Ranger Program protected kiosk shelters) are scratched, chipped, and the paint In 2008 an Ebey’s Landing has lost its luster and is beginning National Historical Reserve to chalk on many of the exhibits. Junior Ranger booklet was developed and printed. Badges The Reserve contains three were also purchased. During diff erent eras of waysides. The the summer 2009 seasonal earliest of the series (1988) is the interpreters will update and simple black on khaki. Because fi nalize the program. of their age, the content of the exhibits has become outdated A Puget Sound Junior Ranger and ineff ective. Their site-specifi c booklet has been drafted. The stories could be improved. booklet will feature all parks, The graphic treatment is not including Ebey’s Reserve, that very eff ective, partly due to the are located on the Sound. technology of the time. The second era (1998) of exhibits is Photo Credit: NPS probably the most damaged of In 1988 the fi rst wayside exhibit the three. Their eff ectiveness in panels were installed.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 17 Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

The Island County Historical currently off er curriculum-based Programs Society Museum has a education programs. photographic collection and In summer 2008 interpretive archives that includes Ebey’s During the late 1980s, seventeen programs were presented in the Landing National Historical lesson plans were created Reserve by two NPS Centennial Reserve, Island County, and through a partnership between seasonal employees and one Fort neighboring communities the Trust Board, Coupeville Casey State Park volunteer. located on Whidbey Island. School District and the National These collections are available Society of Colonial Dames. The NPS seasonals were as negatives, prints, and exhibit The lesson plans were directed stationed primarily in Coupeville or microfi che format. The toward middle and high school and on Ebey’s Prairie. They Reserve offi ce has a collection students and focus on the off ered three one-hour guided of photographs that are 35mm cultural heritage (Theme 1), walks per day: Bluff Trail and slides, negatives and prints. living landscape (Theme 2), Jacob Ebey House, Ebey’s and historical reserve concept Landing State Park and Ferry Personal Services (Theme 4). Associated activities House, and Historic Coupeville. were developed targeted to The programs were not well Ebey’s Landing National kindergarten, third-grade, advertised and consequently Historical Reserve does not and fi fth-grade students. not well attended. When submit interpretive program Supplemental materials, the Historic Coupeville tour statistics to the NPS Servicewide including stories, maps and was cancelled due to lack of Interpretive Report. timelines, were also created. visitors, a demonstration of These lesson plans and activities how to make blockhouse roof Curriculum-based Education are not being used in the shakes was presented. Many Program classroom or in the Reserve. visitors appreciated seeing They would need to be revised, how the shakes were made and Ebey’s Landing National updated, and formatted before understanding more about Historical Reserve does not being off ered to schools. the history of the Alexander Blockhouse. Evening programs Photo Credit: Chris Smith At Fort Casey State Park visitors can go on fort walks, beach programs, and more.

18 I National Park Service Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

were presented at Fort Ebey State Partnerships workshops for owners of historic Park amphitheater on Friday and properties located within the Saturday nights during July and Partnerships provide the Reserve Reserve. August. Approximately 30-40 with opportunities to reach people attended each program. and educate the public about Island County: Is one of four Most visitor contacts were made the history and signifi cance of representative agencies that when the seasonals roved the the Reserve. Though few of the form the Trust Board. Island Bluff Trail, Perego Lake, and the partners’ interpretive programs County appoints four members Keystone Ferry terminal. target the Reserve specifi cally, to the Trust Board and provides many programs overlap with the fi nancial supports to the Reserve A variety of programs were Reserve’s primary themes. per the Interlocal Agreement. presented at Fort Casey including Island County works closely fort walks, lighthouse history Washington State Parks: Is one with the Trust Board on design talks, beach programs, nature of four representative agencies review issues, and is partnering walks and an evening slide that form the Trust Board. Fort with the Reserve and the Town program. Sixty-six programs Casey State Park, Ebey’s Landing of Coupeville to develop a new were presented to a total of 1,274 State Park, and Fort Ebey State Reserve-wide design review people. Park are located within the process. Public works and other Reserve. The Trust Board and departments coordinate their The Island County Historical State Park staff s collaborate on a Reserve activities and projects Society presents regular historical wide variety of projects including with Reserve staff on a select programming for all ages. A weed control, Golden Paintbrush basis. Island County is an “Ebey’s new public program, where restoration activities, and Forever” conference partner. oral histories are recorded in an wayside exhibit panels. During informal and open atmosphere the summer NPS interpreters Island County Historical has been especially popular, provide evening programs at the Society (ICHS): The Historical routinely drawing crowds of 60 Fort Ebey amphitheater. Society provides free and low- or more per event. cost programs and special Town of Coupeville: Is one of events, many of which feature Staffi ng four representative agencies the Reserve. ICHS oversees that form the Trust Board. The management and operations The staff at the Reserve consists town appoints three members of the Reserve’s Traveler of the Reserve Manager, an offi ce to the Trust Board, provides Information System, informing assistant, and a three-quarter- fi nancial supports to the Reserve visitors about current Reserve time education and outreach per the Interlocal Agreement, events and history; and is also coordinator. These positions and is an “Ebey’s Forever” an “Ebey’s Forever” conference report to and are funded by the conference partner. The Trust partner. Trust Board. An NPS Operations Board provides technical Manager is detailed to the support to the town’s design The Nature Conservancy Reserve and reports to the Pacifi c review process. The town (TNC): Works to restore golden West Deputy Regional Director. participates in quarterly Trust paintbrush and other prairie plant The Operations Manager Board partner discussions, and species in the Ebey’s Reserve area. provides technical support to the bi-monthly meetings between the TNC is also focused on removal Reserve staff . Reserve manager, town planner, of non-native species such as and Island County planning gorse, Scotch broom and English Two NPS Centennial seasonal department director. The Town ivy. Conservancy volunteers serve employees provided interpretive of Coupeville works closely with as docents along the popular bluff programs July through October the Trust Board on design review trail, informing visitors about the 2008. Centennial seasonal issues, and is partnering with area, and monitoring the preserve employees will again be hired in the Reserve and Island County for appropriate use. TNC is 2009. The seasonal employees to develop a new Reserve-wide partnering with Ebey’s Reserve are the only staff in the Reserve design review process. The town for volunteer restoration events. wearing the NPS uniform. has hosted historic preservation

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 19 Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Central Whidbey Chamber of works to improve, maintain, a member of Reserve Sustainable Commerce: Hosts and staff s and protect the thriving Puget Agriculture Committee, a Visitor Information Center Sound ecosystem through coordinates easement language, in Coupeville. They provide education, community sets land protection priorities, visitor information, distribute outreach, stewardship, and leverages resources, and shares Reserve brochures including research. In addition, Beach information. The Trust also the unigrid, Ebey’s Landing Watchers developed and monitors easements, serves as the Driving Tour, Historic Coupeville manages the marine exhibits lead in select prairie restoration Walking Tour, Farms of Ebey’s, at the Coupeville Wharf. activities within the Reserve and conference materials, help and other land conservation publicize Reserve programs and • Master Gardeners: Staff programs, and is an “Ebey’s events, and serve as an “Ebey’s a booth at the Coupeville Forever” conference partner. Forever” conference partner. Farmer’s Market and a call line to educate home Island County Tourism: Island Transit: Off ers free bus gardeners about sustainable Promotes Whidbey Island to rides to everyone on main methods to maintain a visitors through brochures, roadways throughout the beautiful, functioning press releases, and an interactive Reserve and provide bike landscape. They also website, which includes lodging, racks for cyclists. Island Transit provide educational classes activities, history, beaches, provides access to Reserve sites throughout the year. restaurants, and Reserve including the Port Townsend- information. Keystone Ferry, Fort Casey, • Marine Resources Coupeville Schools, and the Committee: Established the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Town of Coupeville. Shore Stewards program Association (CHWA): Has a to help shoreline property virtual walking tour of Historic WSU Island County Extension owners become ecologically Coupeville available on their Service: Provides funding and sensitive and protect website, based on the Reserve’s support to programs in the shoreline health. Historic Coupeville Walking Reserve including the Admiralty Tour brochure, and is an “Ebey’s Head Lighthouse, Beach Coupeville School District: Forever” conference partner. Watchers, Master Gardeners, Provides venue for events. The The association is a community Marine Resource Committee. Trust Board has worked closely of businesses, buildings, and Also serves as a member of the with teachers and students on homeowners focusing on putting Whidbey Island Sustainable Reserve-based curriculum and Coupeville’s unique location Agriculture Committee. other special projects including and architecture to work as a History Day and the Building and catalyst for economic growth • Admiralty Head Lighthouse: Landscape Inventory DVD; now and community pride. CHWA Docents provide visitor available to all Reserve residents participates as a partner in access to the lighthouse and visitors. sponsoring several Coupeville and promote knowledge, festivals including the Mussel appreciation, and Au Sable Institute: Provides a Festival, Wharf Fest, and Penn understanding through tours, venue for events, participates Cove Water Festival. exhibits, events, research, and in prairie restoration projects, lighthouse restoration. donates plants for revegetation Coupeville Farmer’s Market: work, and is an “Ebey’s Forever” Provides access to fresh • Beach Watchers: Collect data conference partner. Reserve-grown foods. Reserve on marine plants and animals, interpretation staff hosts an measure shore topography, Whidbey-Camano Land Trust: informational table each Saturday evaluating water quality, talk Works in collaboration with during market hours, free of with the public, conduct the Trust Board to acquire charge. The Market participates tours and classes, and remove conservation easements in the in the Reserve agritourism invasive weeds from fragile Reserve and throughout Island working group, and is an “Ebey’s estuaries. Beach Watchers County. The Trust participates as Forever” conference partner.

20 I National Park Service Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Port of Coupeville: Manages the Reserve upon request, and degree of integrity. Camp Casey’s the moorage marina and the provides transportation for expanded campus will include Coupeville Wharf which hosts special events around Puget a wide-range of educational several marine exhibits provided Sound. programming and partnering by the WSU Island County opportunities with Reserve. Extension Beach Watchers, Pacifi c Northwest Art School: Initial programming discussions and is the location where whale Hosts the annual Plein Air with the Reserve are underway. watching tours depart. The Painters’ US Open art event marine exhibits include an which features the Reserve, and Seventeen Farms of Ebey’s underwater camera, various curates annual art contest and Reserve: Install “Ebey’s Grown” interpretive displays and two life- exhibit in conjunction with the logo at farmers’ markets and size, marine mammal skeletons. “Ebey’s Forever” conference. are interested in developing Provides art school courses in and promoting agritourism SNO-ISLE Libraries – Coupeville all mediums throughout the in the Reserve. The Reserve Branch: Distribute Reserve year; facility is located within the promotes the farmers by hosting brochures, is a program partner, Reserve. educational programs such as and is an “Ebey’s Forever” “Meet the Farmers” during the conference supporter. The Whidbey Sustainable Agriculture “Ebey’s Forever” conference, library Friends group hosts an Committee (WSAC): Is an and publishing a Farms of the educational series of programs informal agriculture advisory Reserve brochure. throughout the year, and is a committee that was formed potential future partner for to address infrastructure B&B Lodging Association: summer children’s programs. issues impacting agriculture Encourages visitors to participate on Whidbey Island. Their in Reserve activities. Washington State Ferries: mission is to provide leadership Provide visitor access to Reserve, for agricultural profi tability, Coupeville Lions Club: provide rack space for Reserve sustainability, and land Maintains Prairie Wayside; brochures, and support a Reserve stewardship through the provides volunteers, technical kiosk at the Port Townsend- integration of agricultural support, and project Keystone Ferry terminal. producers and the island coordination for the Reserve’s community. Reserve staff restoration fi eld school; and is Coupeville Festival Association: members participate in monthly an “Ebey’s Forever” conference Coordinates various events in meetings of the executive partner. Coupeville that bring many committee at Trust Board offi ces. visitors to the Reserve. The goal WSAC hosts an annual Family Central Whidbey Lions Club: of the Association is to enhance Farms Forum community event Provides volunteer support on and promote local arts and and provides advisory support select Reserve projects. crafts, and to help preserve the to the Island County Board of unique historic qualities of the Commissioners. Town of Coupeville. Proceeds from the festivals go back into Camp Casey – Seattle Pacifi c the community through a grants University: Works with the program. Reserve’s design review team on their campus facilities National Audubon Society, expansion planning including Whidbey Chapter: Hosts design, engineering, siting, and coordinates a variety of green building, and other issues. educational events in the Reserve The facility is located in the such as walks, talks, and tours West Coastal Strip Landscape relating to local birds and nature. Character Area. The campus

is an excellent example of Photo Credit: NPS Whidbey Sea-Tac Shuttle: cluster arrangement of military Willowood is one of seventeen farms Off ers special group tours of installation that retains a high located within Ebey’s Reserve.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 21 Part One: The Foundation for Interpretive Planning

Coupeville Garden Club: Volunteers weed control, and the “Ebey’s Promotes wildlife-friendly Forever” conference. Volunteer gardening and maintains historic The FY2008 NPS Volunteer- work teams meet monthly Coupeville’s fl oral baskets. in-Parks report documented and focus on design review, over 120 volunteers donating sustainable agriculture, education Skagit Valley College: more than 3,500 hours at Ebey’s and outreach, and capacity Coordinates Elderhostel visit to Landing National Historical building. For the summer 2008 the Reserve. Reserve. Most of that time season, a volunteer manual was was donated by the volunteer created for Fort Casey State Washington Department of Trust Board members. Partner Park. All of the 2008 interpretive Archaeology and Historic groups also provide support programs at Fort Casey were Preservation: Provides to the Reserve including presented by volunteers. technical assistance on historic the Nature Conservancy, preservation and archaeology Coupeville Lions Club, Island Most of the interpretive issues as requested, participates County Museum, and the programs and services off ered in Reserve historic preservation Central Whidbey Chamber of within the Reserve are provided workshops and the “Ebey’s Commerce. Washington State by docents and volunteers. The Forever” conference, and is a Parks volunteers as well as WSU Nature Conservancy docents consulting agency for Reserve Island County Extension Beach rove the bluff , beaches, and Section 106 projects. Watchers and Admiralty Head Perego Lake. Central Whidbey Lighthouse docents are not Chamber of Commerce Whidbey Island Conservation currently included in the NPS volunteers staff the Chamber District: Is a member of the report. $3000 is provided by the Visitor Information Station. WSU Whidbey Sustainable Agriculture NPS annually to support the Island County Extension Beach Committee, provides technical volunteer program. Watchers provide education support to Reserve farmers, programs and rove Coupeville participates as lead agency Volunteers worked on many Wharf, Penn Cove beachfront, on low impact development projects during FY2008: and the coastal beaches. select projects in Reserve with Community Restoration Field Admiralty Head Lighthouse is town and county partners and School, Alexander Blockhouse staff ed by WSU Island County developers, and is an “Ebey’s restoration, Protecting Rural Extension docents. Docents staff Forever” conference partner. Character Community workshop, the Island County Museum. prairie restoration, maintenance, Northwest Agricultural Business Center: Provides technical assistance to farms in the Reserve through a variety of programs including the development of “Whidbey Island Grown” brand.

Boys & Girls Club: Request that Reserve seasonal staff present summer programs.

Native Plant Society volunteers participate in an Ebey’s Prairie

revegetation project. Photo Credit: Leigh Smith

22 I National Park Service Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

The “abruptness of the forests that surround (the prairies) give them the appearance of lands, which have been cleared and cultivated for hundreds of years.”

Governor Governor Isaac Stevens, 1855 Describing the prairies of Whidbey Island

When I till, dig a hole, plant a seed, I’m doing the same things my great-grandfather did 100+ years ago on the same land. Now my children are continuing that tradition. To see and experience this connection to our agricultural past is something that many communities have lost. The reserve not only reminds us of our past, but creates hope for our remaining working rural landscapes.

Georgie Smith, 4th generation Ebey’s Prairie Farmer Willowood Farm of Ebey’s Prairie

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 23 Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

The Planning Process

In developing this Long- An update on the planning and grouped the task into short- Range Interpretive Plan process was presented at term, mid-term, and long-term (LRIP) as part of the the November 2008 “Ebey’s goals. The participants at all three Comprehensive Interpretive Forever” conference. More of the 2009 workshops included Planning process, a than 20 people, including Trust Board members, Reserve series of workshops was Reserve residents, participated staff , NPS staff , park partners, in the one-hour session. Two farmers, Reserve residents, the conducted with Reserve workshops were held in February Town of Coupeville and Island staff, NPS staff, local 2009. During the fi rst workshop County offi cials, and interested constituents, and partners. nineteen participants updated local citizens. the LRIP Foundation section. The Project Agreement was This meeting was also the Once the initial draft LRIP was signed in 2004. A Foundations fi rst opportunity to brief the completed in May 2009, it was workshop was held in March current Trust Board members used by the Trust Board to create 2005 and a Recommendations on the planning process. The annual implementation plans workshop was held in second workshop focused on during their strategic planning December 2005. Reserve staff , identifying the existing condition workshop. The draft was made partners, Pacifi c West Region of interpretive services within available for review by workshop NPS staff , and two media the Reserve as well as developing participants, Reserve staff , and specialists from Harpers Ferry recommendations for the next Pacifi c West Region NPS staff . Center participated in the 2005 seven to ten years. Using the fi ve The goal is to have the plan workshops. Due to changes Reserve landscape character completed by the November in Reserve management and areas as a framework for the 2009 “Ebey’s Forever” the Trust Board, the project discussion, the twenty-fi ve conference. This collaborative was put on hold in late 2007. participants all worked together interpretive planning eff ort, The original planner accepted to propose realistic interpretive and the thorough reviews, has another position, and a new services. In April 2009 the produced a more comprehensive planner was assigned to the implementation workshop document to guide the Reserve’s project in August 2008. was held. Twenty participants interpretive program into the reviewed the recommendations, future. identifi ed the top fi ve priorities,

Future interpretive services will include opportunities to discover and experience all of the different character areas of the Reserve including the uplands where cattle

are raised. Photo Credit: Amos Morgan

24 I National Park Service Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

Goals for Interpretive Implement the Plan Use of Landscape Character Programming Areas Interpretive partnerships After reviewing the will play a key role in the The six primary landscape contents of this LRIP’s Part implementation of the LRIP and character areas (prairies, One, Reserve staff identifi ed also provide opportunities for woodlands, uplands, coastal enhanced interpretive products the following areas of strip, Penn Cove and Coupeville) and services. A Reserve-wide identifi ed in the 2006 General focus that have not been LRIP team will be established Management Plan (see Appendix adequately addressed. to coordinate implementation; A) will be used along with the In order to enhance the conduct an annual review; and primary Reserve themes to effectiveness of the overall update and revise the plan. identify future interpretive interpretive services in Washington State Parks and programs and services. While the Reserve, the following Recreation Commission is a an emphasis will be placed on goals and issues must be primary partner within Ebey’s Ebey’s Prairie, visitors will have addressed over the next 7 to Landing National Historical a wide range of opportunities to 10 years: Reserve. To ensure that Reserve discover and experience each interpretive services are unique character area. integrated and coordinated; the Ebey’s Landing National Expand Agritourism/Farm to Historical Reserve LRIP has been Table Opportunities vetted with the Fort Casey State Park Interpretive Plan. Farms and agriculture are part An integrated trail system will allow visitors to become immersed in all of the life blood of Ebey’s areas of the Reserve. Landing National Historical Reserve. Agritourism and the locally coined phrase “Farm to Table” opportunities are in their infancy within the Reserve. Throughout the next 7 to 10 years expanding the number and type of opportunities will be one of the Reserve’s most important goals. Creating “Ebey’s Reserve” branded products and produce; highlighting Ebey’s farms through on-site tours and web- based programs; and expanding relationships between farms, markets, restaurants, and accommodations will provide visitors with a variety of sensory experiences and emphasize the importance of the living landscape (Theme 2).

Create an Integrated Trail System

A variety of walking, biking, horseback, and hiking trails are located throughout the

Photo Credit: Chris Smith Reserve. Most of the trails

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 25 Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations are not linked nor are they community about activities Upgrade and Improve identifi ed as being within the and events is an opportunity Interpretive Media Reserve. During the next 7 to to create goodwill with local 10 years a Trust Board Advisory residents. It is also important that Wayside Exhibits Committee will be established Reserve identity be addressed to complete a trail concept plan comprehensively when working Wayside exhibits tell the and create an integrated trail with the community to address Reserve story on location. system within Ebey’s Landing the actual and thematic They “caption the landscape” National Historical Reserve. relationship between the Reserve and help visitors make direct Acquiring easements, creating and local landowners (Theme 4). connections with resources an infrastructure, connecting and their meanings. Wayside existing trails, and actually An ever-increasing percentage exhibits provide round-the-clock improving and building trails of Reserve visitors are web information and interpretation, will be a high priority. Providing users who visit Ebey’s Landing and with appealing high quality visitors with access to become National Historical Reserve design, writing, and graphics, immersed in the natural resource (www.nps.gov/ebla) seeking they can serve to instill and will aid in understanding why information. Many of these reinforce respect for important Ebey’s Reserve was established “virtual visitors” never actually resources. In association with and provide opportunities come to the Reserve, but have good graphics, waysides can for connections to all Reserve their needs met solely though show what a site looked like themes. the website. The website should at diff erent points in time. In highlight the opportunities and addition, temporary waysides Improve Marketing, experiences that are available can be developed inexpensively Orientation and Access to both on-site visitors and to interpret construction and to Information and virtual visitors. A Reserve “web restoration/preservation projects. Interpretation team” will establish a single A Reserve-wide wayside exhibit comprehensive website that proposal is recommended to An important goal for providing connects all of the partners. ensure the development of a interpretive services over the complete, high-quality, and next 7 to 10 years is to improve Within the next 7 to 10 years, unifi ed system of waysides with orientation and access to basic Ebey’s Landing National an Ebey’s Reserve identity. Reserve information. No unifi ed Historical Reserve will determine The proposal will provide an sign system exists to clearly a location for a Reserve-wide in-depth assessment of all identify Reserve farms, landscape visitor center. The function of a potential wayside exhibit sites. character areas, structures, visitor center is to orient visitors It includes both informational and historic sites, or provide to the Reserve and its resources, and interpretive exhibits. The information and clear directions services, and attractions. Another document also can set priorities to Reserve sites. A Master Sign purpose of a visitor center is to to guide wayside development Plan needs to be created to unify interpret the Reserve’s stories in phases as funding allows. the many farms, landscape areas, and provide opportunities for The proposal will describe the partners, and agencies within the personal connections to resource purpose of each wayside exhibit, Reserve. meanings and signifi cance as identify graphics available for described by interpretive themes. use, show thumbnail design Establishing a Reserve-wide Visitor centers emphasize those concept drawings, and determine marketing team and developing story elements that are best told exact exhibit sizes, base styles, an “Ebey’s Reserve” campaign by indoor interpretive media. and locations. A detailed budget will promote a strong connection Visitor centers provide a human estimate would also be part of between the Reserve and the point of contact as well as the document. local community. Informing special and visual identity for the the Ebey’s Landing National Reserve. Historical Reserve area

26 I National Park Service Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

Publications These services will allow be increased covering a wider visitors to access more Reserve range of landscape character Visitors typically use publications resources and meanings at their areas and thematic connections in two ways: for information and convenience. will be established. orientation during their visit, and for in-depth interpretation In response to former NPS The diversity of the Reserve’s following their visit. The Director Mary Bomar’s memo resources and themes presents Reserve’s size, access issues, of October 20, 2006 on the almost limitless opportunities and number of stories to tell “Audiovisual Accessibility for both standard and innovative make publications an eff ective Initiative for Visitors with interpretive activities. As staffi ng method of interpretive delivery. Disabilities,” staff should levels permit, and in keeping Publications are a means for initiate steps to assure that within the parameters of the getting information to diverse the Reserve’s current and interpretive themes and visitor audiences through a variety future audiovisual programs experience goals, docents, of formats. All brochures, site are meeting accessibility volunteers, and interpreters bulletins, maps, rack cards, and requirements. For more throughout the Reserve should other publications should meet information, see the website be given a high degree of the Ebey’s Reserve graphic for Programmatic Accessibility creative freedom to explore and identity standards determined Guidelines for National Park experiment with new programs. by the marketing team. It is Service Interpretive Media at This will help to maintain a important that Reserve identity www.nps.gov/hfc/accessibility/ creative edge and attract new be addressed comprehensively to index.htm#. Audio provides and returning audiences. NPS address the unique nature of an intellectual access to visually Centennial-funded seasonal historical reserve (Theme 4). impaired visitors and can be employees should allow the more eff ective for reaching Reserve to increase the numbers Audiovisual visitors whose preferred learning of programs off ered as well as style is auditory rather than diversify the programming. Audiovisual media are well visual. Audio descriptions could suited to the presentation of also be used to narrate the text There is great potential chronological and sequential of a wayside exhibit and describe to experiment with the material. They can capture the graphics seen on the panels as development of programs related realism, provide emotional well as describe the surrounding to agriculture, the landscape impact, and create a mood view that prompted the need to character areas, Ebey’s Landing or atmosphere. Also they can tell the story. National Historical Reserve reach the many visitors who history, military history, and are now using computers, cell Provide Personal Services the stories of the people who phones, GPS units, IPods, have lived, and continue to live MP3 players, and a variety of Interpreters are the best in the Reserve. Since personal other technological systems for interactive tool in enabling services interpretive programs entertainment, information, visitors to experience, are relatively easy to change, the orientation, and interpretation. understand, appreciate, and activities should be evaluated In response to the growing make personal connections with on a regular basis to discontinue demand for these services, the the resource. Seasonal roving those that are not eff ective, Reserve needs to off er portable docents and interpreters along modify or improve those that “individualized” audio and/or the Bluff , the Wharf, and in require it, and validate those that audiovisual opportunities. Using other Reserve areas will increase are successful. new technology will possibly opportunities to help visitors create opportunities for a more make personal connections diverse audience to experience with the resources. Education park resources than ever before. programs and special events will

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 27 Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

Action Plan over the Next 7-10 Years

During the 2009 • Interpret historic barns and Actions to Create an Recommendations workshop, explain how they were built. Integrated Trail System the participants agreed to • Explain the color of the soil Leads: Ebey’s Reserve Trust divide the actions necessary to and why it is so fertile. Board with Advisory Committee, implement the recommendations • Explain the importance of NPS, Washington State Parks into short-term (1-3 years), farming to the natural area. mid-term (3-5 years), and long- • Conduct a Reserve-specifi c Short-term: term (5-10 years) goals. Some farm tour. • Complete trail concept plan. actions will be undertaken • Label booths at farmers immediately and others will markets so people will On-going: be on-going. Lead agencies recognize Reserve farms. Trail Implementation were defi ned to implement the • Staff interpretation booth at • Prioritize phases and identify recommendations. farmer’s market. missing links. • Improve crop signs and • Acquire property and/or Actions to Implement the include within the Master easements. Long-Range Interpretive Sign Plan. • Include all of the existing Plan • Connect Reserve farms with trails/walks – historic • Form an LRIP team to schools and hospitals to Coupeville, Broadway, coordinate implementation, educate public about how AuSable, Rhododendron conduct annual review, and the food goes from farm to Park, county trails, and Naas update and revise plan as cafeteria. Preserve. needed. • Link to Fort Casey State Park Mid-term: Trail Infrastructure Interpretive Plan. • Host “Experiencing Ebey’s • Facilities Farms” - a seasonally • Standards Actions to Expand scheduled series of guided • Policies Agritourism/Farm to Table sensory farm walks. • Signs • Host First Saturday events Opportunities • Maps that highlight one farm each Leads: Farmers, Ebey’s Reserve month. – Agriculture Committee, Build trails • Establish a tasting room. • Whidbey Sustainable Agriculture Provide multi-use trails – • Establish a tasting garden. Committee, Northwest walking, bicycling, horseback Agriculture Business Center, riding, and hiking. Long-term: • Washington State Department of Create new trailheads at • Present farming Agriculture Island Transit Park and Ride, demonstrations so visitors and Prairie Wayside. can watch a fi eld being • Short-term: Improve Kettles trailhead. plowed, mowed, and • • Connect local chefs with Create bluff trail from Fort threshed. farmers and lodging to host Ebey to Fort Casey. • Present a living history • “farm dinners”, slow food Create a water trail. program using farm dinners, and “Taste of the machinery. Prairie” interpretive dinners. • Set up Reserve webcam and • Sell “Ebey’s Reserve” show time lapse photography branded products and of crops and animals produce. growing. • Produce, interpret, and sell • Develop short audio- and heirloom crops including video-casts using current sugar squash and Rockwell technologies to highlight beans. Reserve agriculture programs • Integrate stories with and products. produce.

28 I National Park Service Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

Actions to Improve of Ebey’s Reserve” and and homemade crafts, Marketing, Orientation and “Ask me about Ebey’s where can you taste our Access to Information and Reserve.” local food, where can Interpretation you visit with a farmer, Long-term: what is going on in the Signs o Update and revise signs winter, canning, what • Create a sign element and publications. are heirlooms, what’s throughout the Reserve o Conduct local and going on in the barns, and that indicates the landscape regional outreach. more. character area one is traveling o Update online map and through. On-going basic information to • Develop a Master Sign o Use the ferry terminals capture the essence of the Plan for the Reserve to convey interpretive Reserve. including a sign assessment, history and stories about sign condition plan, Ebey’s Landing National Mid-term: determination of needs, sign Historical Reserve. o Create a virtual “walk” location, and sign drawings o Use the Traveler’s through the six landscape that would be used by all Information System (TIS) character areas. partners. to communicate stories o Create a 360° virtual o Identity signs including and information. tour of the Ferry House entrance signs. o Hold annual conference. interior. o Motorist guidance o Identify and establish signs including Reserve Website links to further themes in boundaries. Leads: Ebey’s Reserve Trust the Reserve. Board and NPS Marketing Long-term: Leads: Ebey’s Reserve Short-term: o Set up a Reserve webcam Trust Board, Partners, NPS, o Establish a Reserve and show time lapse Washington State Ferries, Island “webteam” that will photography of crops and County Historical Society, assess and determine animals growing. Central Whidbey Chamber of content and layout. o Create a “terra server” Commerce o Identify web manager for including a 3-dimensional the Reserve NPS website view of the Reserve that Short-term: (www.nps.gov/ebla). has interactive features o Establish a Reserve o Determine how many visitors can “click” on for marketing team. websites are currently detail about Reserve sites o Develop a marketing connected to the Reserve and features. strategy including a and decide which one will o Create a scale map of the Reserve identity and be the primary one. Reserve with distances, graphic design standards. o Link to all partner sites. elevation, terrain, and o Develop a comprehensive orientation. Mid-term: website that visitors can o Develop a “Located in use to plan their trip prior Visitor Center Ebey’s Reserve” logo and to visiting the Reserve. Leads: Ebey’s Reserve Trust brand that can be used o Establish business Board, NPS and Washington throughout the Reserve. partners, internships, and State Parks o Develop a local resident volunteer opportunities. and business owner o Create an “Ebey’s Short-term: awareness and education Seasons” section that o Finalize and secure visitor program that may include includes what’s growing center site. bumper stickers and and why, heritage recipe o Identify partners. buttons featuring slogans of the week, where can o Well trained, friendly, such as “Proud resident you buy our produce knowledgeable staff .

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 29 Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

o Record and maintain oral Actions to Upgrade and • Create a brochure detailing histories including videos Improve Interpretive Media pre-1850 and 1850-2008 and interviews. agriculture practices o Develop temporary Wayside Exhibits: emphasizing the crops, soils, exhibits. • Update the 1990 Wayside and seasonal detail during o Develop a Visitor Center Exhibit Plan. each time period. Once Media Concept Plan for • Develop exterior completed, print and publish building and grounds. The interpretation at Ferry on website. Concept Plan will provide House that includes wayside detailed recommendations exhibits. Audiovisual for determining how • Develop wayside exhibit • Develop an audio tour of the people will experience panels for each of the six Reserve. the site and learn landscape character areas and • Develop an audiovisual of its signifi cance, include appropriate stories program about the Reserve. events, and context. associated with each area: • Create a “Birding by Ear” Recommendations for ships, Brooklyn and Chicago, forest audio tour. interpretive media will native plants, Fort Casey, • Create a “Hearing Ebey’s include interior and Admiralty Head Lighthouse, Reserve” audio tour that exterior exhibits, wayside Fort Ebey, and prairie would include all landscape exhibits, and digital media. restoration. areas. • Develop a wayside exhibit Mid-term: at Grasser’s Hill describing Exhibits o Develop “Welcome and showing what had been • Create a visitor contact to Ebey’s Reserve” in this area, and why we have station at Jacob Ebey House interpretive fi lm. protective easements across including interior exhibits. o Provide sense of place the hillside. with 3-dimensional map • Develop a wayside exhibit Actions to Improve Personal and interactive exhibits. describing the Mussel Farm Services o Facility operations: on Penn Cove. identity as a visitor center; • Develop a roadside pullout Programs focal point of Reserve; that describes the history of • Use living history docents and consistent hours of the San de Fuca area. to portray historical town operation. • Develop a series of wayside residents, tell their stories, o Preservation and exhibit panels for Coupeville and interact with each other continued use of including the Krueger Farm, and visitors. historically appropriate Front Street, Prairie Center, • Conduct mountain biking garden plantings and and Main Street. tours and rides through all native plants. • Continue to include panels six landscape character areas o Interpret Native American that provide information on annual basis including agriculture practices about the signifi cance of the various levels of diffi culty and including land use of Reserve. distance. the prairie (burning and • Maintain existing wayside • Conduct Fort Ebey, Fort harvest). exhibit panels. Casey, and Admiralty Head o Maintain a well lit and Lighthouse guided walking clean building. Publications: tours. • Develop, print, and distribute • Interpret sheep farm stories Long-term: a Ferry House publication. including herding dog o Provide retail sales of • Develop, print and distribute demonstrations. Reserve products. the “Farms of Ebey’s” self- • Conduct a native plant van o Act as a model guided tour including a tour of Keystone Spit in the highlighting sustainable section on donation land spring. eff orts within the Reserve. claims.

30 I National Park Service Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

Education Wharf. “bones” tournament, and • Create a teacher’s packet • Coordinate education basket weaving. about the Reserve. programs between agencies: • Establish “Rural • Establish a Teacher-Ranger- WSU Island County Recollections” - an ongoing Teacher program. Extension Beach Watchers, oral history event open to • Identify what agencies are Island County Historical public in Coupeville. providing curriculum-based Society, Au Sable, and Ebey’s • Organize a Founder’s Day education programs within Reserve. Festival. the Reserve and evaluate the • Present living history re- eff ectiveness of the programs. Special Events enactments or programs and • Develop and provide • Develop portable temporary tours using local History Day curriculum-based education interpretive panels for use students (similar to what programs. during Reserve special Roger Sherman does at the • Develop and post online events. museum on Memorial Day). curriculum. • Determine the role that the • Host artist days on the • Continue to provide and Reserve will play at special prairies, at the lighthouse and perhaps expand water quality events and how to tell at Fort Casey. issues education programs. Reserve stories. • Host murder mysteries at the Programs are currently • Host Native Peoples lighthouse that are tied to the provided by WSU Island Gathering as a part of Penn history. County Extension Beach Cove Water Fest. Provide Watchers at the Coupeville storytelling, canoeing, Photo Credit: Mitch Richards

In the future living history docents may portray historical residents and share the stories of the residents’ experiences within Ebey’s Reserve.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 31 Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

Research and Evaluation Needs

In order to fully accomplish do not keep Reserve-specifi c In order to fully accomplish the actions included in this visitor statistics. They use the actions included in this plan, the Reserve needs data from Washington plan, the Reserve needs to research on the following State Parks and Recreation evaluate several interpretive topics: Commission, Washington services and products State Ferries and other including the following: sources. The current data • Conduct cultural traditions collected in the Washington resource assessment with • Conduct front end evaluation State Park units does not Washington State Arts to determine use of Jacob represent the Reserve as a Commission, Northwest Ebey House. Get input from whole, only three individual Folklife, and/or other the Trust Board fi rst and then sections located on the appropriate partners. have focus groups during the western side of the Reserve. • Determine best methodology conference. Consider using Once a Reserve visitor center to collect and record broad themes at the visitor is established, then visitor Reserve visitation data. The center and more specifi c data collection methodology Central Whidbey Chamber themes at the Ebey House. should be developed in of Commerce and the cooperation with the NPS Island County Economic Offi ce of Public Use Statistics. Development Commission Photo Credit: NPS

Determining appropriate themes and uses for the Jacob Ebey House and Blockhouse will provide increased opportunities for visitors to better understand the historical landscape which appears much as it did more than 100 years ago.

32 I National Park Service Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

Staffi ng and Training Implementation Plan 2011 Needs • Install permanent exhibit at Actions items will be reviewed Jacob Ebey House. and integrated into annual work • Develop Reserve Master Sign Permanent Staff plans. During the May 2009 Plan. • Based upon a 2006 Trust Board Strategic Planning • Expand number of General Management Plan Workshop, these items were agritourism programs off ered. recommendation, an NPS identifi ed as short-term (1-3 • Develop reserve brand/label. OFS Request (#25764) year) priorities. • Implement Trails program has been submitted to hire focusing on high priority a permanent, full-time 2009 trails. Interpretation Specialist. • Publish the Long-Range • Acquire Visitor Center This position may be hired in Interpretive Plan. property based on 2010 2010. • Establish working group assessment process. to develop agritourism Volunteers: programs. 2012 • Establish a Reserve volunteer • Publish Farms of Ebey’s • Implement sign plan program. Reserve interpretive guide. including fabrication and • Determine how this program • Conduct annual community installation. will be diff erent and/or gain restoration fi eld school. • Develop Visitor Center support from other local • Continue to off er summer Media Concept Plan for volunteer organizations. interpretive hikes. building and grounds. • Expand Reserve-wide pool of • Continue to present evening interpretive volunteers. interpretive talks at Fort Ongoing • Provide beach volunteers at Casey and Fort Ebey State • Host “Ebey’s Forever” Fort Ebey. Parks. conference. • Provide annual interpretive Training 2010 training for partners and staff . • Need to establish a training • Off er agritourism programs • Update website. framework and conduct a such as “The Seasons of • Off er Junior Ranger training needs assessment. Ebey’s Reserve”. programs. • Provide interpretive training. • Establish Reserve trails team. • Increase number of • Provide resource-specifi c • Complete Integrated Trails participants and projects training. Plan. in the Volunteer-in-Parks • Provide visitor services • Establish “Friends of program. training. Ebey’s Reserve” to support • Seek funding annually for • Create a resource list. historic preservation and LRIP recommendations. • Create Reserve-specifi c interpretation programs. training opportunities. • Develop exhibit concept plan • Training should be open to including interpretive themes all – paid staff and volunteers/ and fabricate exhibits for docents. Jacob Ebey House.

Partnerships • Establish a “Friends of Ebey’s Reserve” group.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 33 Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

Planning Team

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Mark Preiss, Reserve Manager Emi Morgan, Education and Outreach Coordinator Karen Hossfeld, Administrative Assistant Craig Holmquist, NPS Operations Manager Leigh Smith, NPS Operations Manager (retired) Gretchen Luxenberg, NPS Superintendent (transferred) Rob Harbour, former Reserve Manager Rachael Protas, 2008 NPS seasonal employee Chris Smith, 2008 NPS seasonal employee

Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Jan Pickard, Chair, Town of Coupeville Representative Hank Florence, NPS Representative Jon Roberts, Town of Coupeville Representative Molly Hughes, Town of Coupeville Representative Marilyn Clay, Secretary, Island County Representative Al Sherman, Treasurer / Auditing Offi cer, Island County Representative Lisa Meserole, Island County Representative Fran Einterz, Vice Chair, Island County Representative Jim Neill, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Representative John Krambrink, former Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Representative

Pacifi c West Region Lynne Nakata, Interpretive Specialist

Harpers Ferry Center Toni Duffi cy, Interpretive Planner (Team Captain) Chad Beale, Graphic Designer David T. Gilbert, Web Manager (transferred) Katherine Brock, Interpretive Planner (transferred)

Partners and Friends Steve Ellis, President, Whidbey Island Chapter of the National Audubon Society Lindy Kortus, Marketing Coordinator, Island County Tourism Lynda Eccles, Executive Director, Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce Kimberly Martin, Public Aff airs Offi cer, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Nancy Conard, Mayor, Town of Coupeville Rick Castellano, Executive Director, Island County Historical Society Helen Price-Johnson, Commissioner, Island County Graham Johnson, Beach Watchers, WSU Island County Extension Pat Powell, Executive Director, Whidbey Camano Land Trust Aaron Terada, Park Manager, Fort Ebey State Park Sally Straathof, Volunteer Interpreter, Fort Casey State Park Ken Hageman, Park Manager, Fort Casey State Park Adam Lorio, Interpretive Specialist, Deception Pass State Park Sarah Martin, Beach Watchers Program Coordinator, WSU Island County Extension Judy Feldman, Interim Director, WSU Island County Extension Gloria Wahlin, Admiralty Head Lighthouse Docents Program Coordinator, WSU Island County Extension Alan and Elizabeth Hancock, Reserve Farmers, Hancock Farm

34 I National Park Service Part Two: Actions/ Recommendations

Dan Germano, Owner, Island Productions James Johnson, General Manager, Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle Christie Sears, High School Counselor, Coupeville High School Mary Beth Budzynski, Volunteer, Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce Karen Bishop, Reserve Farmer and Manager, Whidbey Island Conservation District Linda Bartlett, Rosehip Farm and Garden Marshall Bronson, Owner, Compass Rose Georgie Smith, Reserve Farmer, Willowood Farm Lynda and Mitch Richards, Owners, Lovejoy Inn Sarah Richards, Owner, Lavender Wind Farm George Lloyd Anne Harvey, Board President, Community Foundation for CPS Susan Berta, Orca Network George Haglund Joann Roomes Leslie Franzen, Librarian, Coupeville Library Photo Credit: NPS The interpretive planning team represented a cross-section of Ebey’s Reserve partners, friends, and residents.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 35 Appendices:

Appendix A: Landscape Character Areas Appendix B: Interpretive Services by Landscape Character Area Matrix

36 I National Park Service Appendices

Appendix A: Landscape Character Areas

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 37 Appendices

Coupeville This nineteenth century seaport town, set on the southern edge of Penn Cove, has the greatest concentration of historic buildings in the state and is the second oldest town in Washington State. It is also the commercial center of the Reserve. Within the town limits, one can experience dramatic views of Penn Cove, Mt. Hood, the Cascades Mountains, and prairies.

Signifi cant areas within Coupeville are the Coupeville Wharf, Town Park, Captain Coupe Park, Summit Loop Park, historic Front and Main Streets, and Prairie Center. Coupeville’s historic resources include historic buildings, structures, platted neighborhoods, and remnant orchards. Signifi cant corridors are Main Street, Front Street, Broadway, Madrona Way, Coveland Street, Ninth Street, and Parker Road.

Crockett Prairie Crockett Prairie is a natural, open prairie adjacent to Crockett Lake, Keystone Spit, and Admiralty Bay. Crockett Lake is a salt marsh, and is an important migratory bird habitat and nesting area. From Keystone Spit, the view of Crockett Prairie is complemented by the open water of Crockett Lake and the tree covered ridges beyond.

Other signifi cant areas include the inter-prairie Ridge between Ebey’s and Crockett prairies, and the Washington State Ferry Terminal. Historic remnants in this area refl ect the building of Fort Casey, including ponds, wharf, and dock remains.

Ebey’s Prairie Ebey’s Prairie is located in the central portion of the Reserve and is the largest natural prairie on Whidbey Island. It contains its most productive agricultural land, which refl ects its agricultural character. It is characterized by its historic farm clusters, fi elds, fences and hedgerows, upland ridges, and forest edges. It has a long history of agricultural use by Skagit Indians, dating back 8,000 years, and by European settlers since the 1850s.

Signifi cant areas and locations within this Character Area are Ebey’s Landing, the Ferry House and ravine, Sunnyside Cemetery and the (Davis) Blockhouse, Jacob Ebey House and Blockhouse, Sherman-Bishop Farm, Smith Farm, Engle Farm, Jenne Farm, Hancock Farm and the inter-prairie ridge between Ebey and Crockett prairies.

Smith Prairie Smith Prairie is a 600-acre natural prairie surrounded by Douglas fi r forest. The prairie is open, characterized by agricultural features refl ecting its cultural history.

Signifi cant areas are Au Sable Institute (the former site of the Washington State Game Farm), Naval Air Station-Whidbey’s Outlying Landing Field, and two commercial tree farms growing seed stock. The Au Sable Institute property is the site of the largest remaining remnant of a native prairie plant community on Whidbey Island.

Fort Casey Uplands The Fort Casey Uplands is characterized by undulating and gently rolling hills of forest, fi elds, and residential areas. Natural areas include remnant prairie communities, a Washington State Natural Heritage Forest, and golden paintbrush populations.

Cultural areas include the historic buildings of Fort Casey State Park and Camp Casey.

San de Fuca Uplands The San de Fuca Uplands are characterized by undulating and gently rolling hills that begin at the shoreline of Penn Cove and rise in elevation. The slope levels onto agricultural land, divided by woodlots and residential subdivisions. The visual continuity of open fi elds and Penn Cove is relatively unimpaired.

38 I National Park Service Appendices

Signifi cant natural features include saltwater wetland areas, Garry oak plant communities, and remnant prairie plant communities.

Signifi cant areas include Grasser’s Hill and Lagoon, San de Fuca’s commercial and residential building clusters, Arnold Farm, Monroe’s Landing, Muzzall Farm, Vandewerfhorst Farm, and Blower’s Bluff .

Kettle and Pratt Woodlands The Kettle and Pratt Woodlands area is characterized by dense forests including Douglas fi r, western red cedar, and alder, with salal, Oregon grape, and rhododendron understory. The interior portions of these woodlands are remote and isolated. The area contains kettles and trails that connect to Fort Ebey State Park. After owner Robert Pratt died, TNC purchased 400 acres of woodlands, eventually selling an easement to NPS. The kettles are large depressions up to 200 feet deep, which are signifi cant geological features, formed by retreating glaciers. Kettle holes are formed when huge blocks of ice melt. These melted ice blocks formed deep ponds and wetland areas. Most of the kettles found in the Reserve occur in forested areas. Lake Pondilla is the only kettle large enough to be classifi ed as a pond. The remaining kettle holes are scattered and relatively small in size.

Other signifi cant sites are historic Coveland and the Captain Whidbey Inn. Signifi cant corridors are Libbey Road, State Highway 20, Madrona Way, and the Kettles Trail.

Parker and Patmore Woodlands The Parker and Patmore Woodlands are a natural resource area characterized by densely wooded second and third-growth Douglas fi r forest with western red cedar, alder, salal, and rhododendron undergrowth. It is located along a ridge on the eastern portion of the Reserve.

Penn Cove The Penn Cove character area is characterized by low beaches and uplifted banks. It consists of 3,955 acres of open water with nearshore and shoreline habitats of mudfl at tidelands, high sandy bluff s, beaches, and eelgrass beds. The Penn Cove shoreline has more than thirty archaeological sites along the shoreline, including three permanent Salish villages.

Signifi cant areas include Blower’s Bluff , Monroe’s Landing, Grasser’s Lagoon, Kennedy’s Lagoon, Long Point, and Snakelum Point.

West Coastal Strip The west shore of the Reserve along Admiralty Inlet is an eight-mile strip of narrow sand and stone beaches that give way to dramatic bluff s and ravines. Elevations range from sea level to just over 200 feet. Bluff instability, combined with steep slopes and well-drained sandy soil, prevents development of forest and shrub vegetation and helps maintain conditions allowing development of low-growing herbaceous plants. Nearshore areas include eelgrass and bull kelp beds. Remnant prairie populations and populations of a federally threatened and state endangered plant, golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta), are found at several locations along the bluff s.

Signifi cant areas include Point Partridge, Fort Ebey State Park, Ebey’s Landing Bluff Trail, Perego’s Lagoon, Ebey’s Landing State Park, Camp Casey, and Fort Casey State Park. Signifi cant corridors are Hill Road, trails through Fort Ebey and Fort Casey state parks, Ebey’s Landing Bluff Trail, and the coastal bluff and beach trail.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 39 Appendices

Appendix B: Interpretive Services by Landscape Character Area Matrix

Prairies West Coastal Strip Exhibits: Exhibit at Island County MuseumExhibits: *Exhibits at Visitor Center *Exhibits at Visitor Center *Exhibits at Jacob Ebey House *Exhibits at Jacob Ebey HouseA-V: *Hearing Ebey’s Reserve A-V: *Hearing Ebey’s Reserve *Ebey’s Reserve Audio Tour *Ebey’s Reserve Audio Tour *Ebey’s Reserve Film *Ebey’s Reserve Film *Webcam *Webcam *Ebey’s Reserve Virtual Walk *360° tour of Ferry HouseHistoric Site: Ebey’s Landing *Ebey’s Reserve Virtual Walk Fort Casey *Ebey’s Seasons Admiralty Head Lighthouse Historic Site: Ferry House (EP)Trail: Scott’s Bluff Jacob Ebey House (EP) Coastal Trail Blockhouse (EP)Personal Fort Casey Guided Walk Sunnyside Cemetery (EP)Services: Lighthouse History Trail: Wagon Trail (EP) Beach programs Prairie Overlook (EP) *Bike Tour Personal Bluff Trail/Ebey House Guided Walk Ebey Landing/Ferry House Guided Services: (EP) Walk Ebey Landing/Ferry House Guided Publications: Beaches and Bluffs: Living on the Walk (EP) Edge Island County *FFarmarm TourTour GettGettinging to tthehe WWaterater’s EEdgedge Coast Artillery Forts: A Century of *Experience Ebey’s Farms Service *Farm Demonstrations/Living Whidbey Island’s Admiralty Head History Lighthouse *Bike Tour Driving and Bicycling Tour Publications: Traces of the Chinese in the Waysides: Busy Shipping Lanes Reserve Hedgerows Getting to the Water’s Edge Guns at Fort Casey Driving and Bicycling Tour Building a Fort *Farms of Ebey’s Tour *Ferry House Battery 248 (EP) Waysides: Isaac Ebey (EP) Plans Change Chinese (EP) Historic Waters Prime Land (EP) Beach is Moving Prosperous Farm (EP) Special Events: *Artists Days Bounty of Rain Shadow (EP) Crockett Blockhouse (CP) *Ferry House (EP) *Prairie Restoration Special Events: *Artists Days *FoundersDayFestival

40 I National Park Service Appendices

Penn Cove Uplands Exhibits: Rosie’s Story Exhibits: *Exhibits at Visitor Center Rudy the DolphinA-V: *Hearing Ebey’s Reserve *Exhibits at Visitor Center *Ebey’s Reserve Audio Tour A-V: *Hearing Ebey’s Reserve *Ebey’s Reserve Film *Ebey’s Reserve Audio Tour *Webcam *Ebey’s Reserve Film *Ebey’s Reserve Virtual Walk *Webcam *Ebey’s Seasons *Ebey’s Reserve Virtual Walk Historic Site: Fort Casey (FCU ) Trail: Penn Cove Water TrailPersonal Nature walks (FCU) Historic Site: Monroe’s Landing Services: Farm Tour Personal Low Tide Walks at Wharf *Experience Ebey’s Farms Services: *Bike Tour *Bike Tour Publications: *Farm Demonstrations/Living Driving and Bicycling Tour History Getting to the Water’s Edge Publications: Getting to the Water’s Edge Rosie’s Story Driving and Bicycling Tour Waysides: Stately Skagit *Farms of Ebey’s Tour *Mussel Farm Waysides: *SandeFuca Special Events: *Native Peoples Gathering *Grasser’sHill

CoCoupev peill illee WoodlandsWoodlands Exhibits: *Exhibits at Visitor Center Exhibits: *Exhibits at Visitor Center A-V: *Hearing Ebey’s ReserveA-V: *Hearing Ebey’s Reserve *Ebey’s Reserve Audio Tour *Ebey’s Reserve Audio Tour *Ebey’s Reserve Film *Birding By Ear *Webcam *Ebey’s Reserve Film Personal Historic Coupeville *Webcam Services: Shake Making Demo *Ebey’s Reserve Virtual Walk *Living History Trail: Kettleholes (KPW) *Bike Tour Perego Lake Publications: Self-Guided Walking Tour of Personal Bluff Trail/Ebey House Guided Walk Historic Coupeville Services: (KPW) Getting to the Water’s Edge *Bike Tour Driving and Bicycling TourPublications: Getting to the Water’s Edge Waysides: Coupeville Driving and Bicycling Tour Of Water and People *Krueger Farm Landscape Character Areas

*Front Street C = Coupeville *Prairie Center CP = Crockett Prairie *Main Street EP = Ebey’s Prairie FCU = Fort Casey Uplands Special Events: *Rural Recollections KPW = Kettle and Pratt Woodlands PPW = Parker and Patmore Woodlands PC = Penn Cove SFU = San de Fuca Uplands SP = Smith Prairie * = Potential Future Interpretive Service WCS = West Coastal Strip

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 41

Harpers Ferry Center National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve PO Box 774 162 Cemetery Road Coupeville, WA 98239

360-678-6084 www.nps.gov/ebla

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