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The prairies, with their rich soil, were the first areas of the Reserve to be settled. The early pioneers cleared the higher ground and tried to farm it, too, but found the soils poor and allowed the forests to return. The result is the distinctive landscape of open cropland surrounded by wooded ridges that you see around you. Also evident from the overlook is the pattern of roads on the prairie. You will notice that Ebey and Cook roads run at an angle to the others. Isaac Ebey staked his claim before the General Land Office (later USGS) had reached Whidbey Island. Once the island had been surveyed, claim boundaries were expected to run north-south and east-west. Cook Road and Ebey Road reflect the non-conforming orientation of Isaac Ebey's claim. Most of the land you see from the Prairie Overlook is protected from development by scenic easements. This means that the owners have sold their rights to develop the land, so that its visual character will stay the same. Scenic easements are one method the Ebey's Landing Trust Board and the National Park Service use to preserve this scenic resource.
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