Looking out at Crockett Lake, you can see birds float peacefully across the surface, uninterrupted by anything or anyone. This beautiful haven has been close to being developed many times, but it has managed to stay intact and untouched. This is made possible by the efforts of the Whidbey Camano Land Trust.

Since 1984, the organization has been dedicated to preserving both Whidbey and Camano islands, with numerous protected properties all across the islands. Crockett Lake is one of these properties, and the organization was able to keep it from being developed by gradually purchasing more and more land around the lake.

According to their website, “With 423 acres of wetlands, mudflats, shrub scrub, forests and lake protected, our focus shifted to restoration. In 2005, more than 100 acres around the lake were covered by a noxious weed, hairy willow-herb, an infestation ten times larger than any other recorded in Washington State.” 

The organization removed the infestation and instead replaced it with shrubs native to the region, which restored the land to a more natural state.

The trust has done the same for many other properties, such as a portion of Admiralty Inlet known as the Admiralty Inlet Natural Area preserve. With a trail, old-growth forest, and beach, this public-access area is a snapshot of wilderness that everyone can enjoy.

“Purchased from Seattle Pacific University in 2005 and 2013, Admiralty Inlet Natural Area Preserve is permanently protected and will remain forever wild,” the website states. 

As of January 1, 2018, the trust has protected 9041 acres of land on both islands. This has been made possible with the help of donors, volunteers, and members, all of who work together to make sure that this landscape is always there for the benefit of both the people who visit and the wildlife who live there.

[note: this story is incomplete as I was unable to get the necessary quotes. I will be updating it as I am able]