In mid-September I had the opportunity to speak to the annual potluck of the docents for the Point No Point Lighthouse. This is a vibrant group of men and women from throughout the county who have volunteered their time to preserve and improve the lighthouse. The group conducts tours and helps raise funds to improve the historical displays and surroundings at the lighthouse.

Many of the docents formed the Friends of Point No Point Lighthouse a couple of years ago to assist the county in maintaining the lighthouse and also to help ensure a successful future bid by the county to obtain the lighthouse property in a transfer from the U. S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse is an important historic attraction for the county and the park in which it sits provides some of the most unique saltwater access in the region.

In addition to thanking this group for efforts to preserve and showcase the lighthouse, we talked about the importance of their role in contributing to the quality of life in Kitsap County. I pointed out that even if the county had unlimited dollars and staff, we could not provide the same kind of care and sense of ownership and stewardship that is provided by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Since the county does not have unlimited resources and staffing, it is a critical part of the county’s approach to partner with local stewardship groups for help with maintenance and enhancement of county facilities and natural areas. In fact, the county Parks Department has a stewardship coordinator whose job is to create and improve relationships with local stewardship groups.

It’s interesting to me that some folks criticize reliance on local stewardship groups as some form of evidence that the county lacks either resources or commitment to maintain these areas and facilities. On the contrary, stewardship groups are increasingly common across the United States as local governments are strapped for funds. In addition, I believe that stewardship groups build community and a sense of ownership from neighbors or those with special interests in a particular activity or location. I actually think it is better to partner with such groups than to spend tax dollars to replace these volunteers and their talents.

The Point No Point docents are but one example of the many individuals and organizations located in the North End of Kitsap County that are volunteering their time every day to make the county a more special place to live and play, not only for today but also for the long-term.

Visiting with them was a great reminder to me of how much we owe them and the countless other individuals and organizations that volunteer every day to build “community” and a quality of life for everyone living here.