Crockett Lake is a shallow brackish lake and complex of salt and freshwater marshes. It provides vital habitat for a variety of resident and migratory birds. Thousands of shorebirds (more than 17 different species) rely on the lake as an important migration staging area. The area provides critical wintering and nesting habitat for more than 13 species of ducks. At least nine species of raptors are regular visitors, including Peregrine Falcons and Merlins. And, more than 238 species of birds have been recorded in the Crockett Lake area.

This 355 acres provides critical feeding grounds for migratory waterbirds, scenic vistas, and wildlife habitat and is located within Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve.

In 2006, Gene and Janet Zema assured protection for 40 wildlife-rich acres of their Crockett Lake property by donating it to the Land Trust. The $510,000 value of this land donation was used to provide the matching contribution for a federal grant secured by the Land Trust from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect additional high value conservation lands and waters at Crockett Lake.

In December 2008, The Zemas again worked with the Land Trust and sold 20 acres of their remaining Crockett Lake property to Washington State Parks, donating another $85,000 of land value to make up a shortfall in grant funding. The Land Trust also contributed $20,000 to the funding shortfall using a contribution from the late Thero North.

Also in, the Land Trust reserved a conservation easement on the 40-acres, reflecting the Zema's desire to protect it for wildlife and compatible low-impact recreation, and transferred it to State Parks. This property is now part of Fort Casey State Parks and boasts a variety of habitats including lake, mudflats, fresh- and saltwater wetlands, upland conifer forest and open fields, all providing critical habitat for more than 238 bird species and low-impact recreational opportunities to park visitors.