Leadership San Juan Islands, the nonprofit organization devoted to building local leadership capacity, hosted a stewardship day on Monday, April 29, supporting The Funhouse Commons and Children’s House. Nineteen volunteers including students, LSJI alumni and community members completed a tour, landscaping and roadwork.

The event was organized by Orcas Island members of LSJI Cohort XV, who were tasked with completing a service project as part of their graduation requirements. Donations from Island Market, Orcas Rental and Saw, and Sea Island Sand and Gravel made it possible to complete the large scale of work in a single day.

The efforts included over 95 hours of volunteer labor across two properties. The group removed over a truckload of dead plants and replenished 12 yards of woodchips in play areas and gardens. Participants resurfaced the shared road and The Funhouse parking lot. Blackberry plants were removed from utility access areas and playgrounds at Children’s House. Volunteers had the opportunity to participate in a Funhouse Commons tour prior to joining in on the work party.

“I’m really impressed with the volume of what we accomplished. It felt like an old-fashioned barn raising,” said Tara Anderson, LSJI project lead. “There were so many businesses, organizations and good-hearted people who rallied to the call. Now there is a much more safe and attractive space for the kids to enjoy.”

LSJI has been offering countywide leadership development for 15 years. Stewardship projects were also conducted on Lopez and San Juan islands.