Get Involved this Summer with the Green Tacoma Partnership

The Green Tacoma Partnership (GTP) has several ways for you to get involved with stewardship of Tacoma’s green spaces this summer. The GTP is a public-private partnership between the City of Tacoma, Metro Parks, Forterra, citizens, educational organizations, neighborhood groups, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and businesses all working together to sustain a viable, healthy network of natural spaces throughout Tacoma.

This coalition worked closely with the City to develop an Open Space Habitat Plan that maps out a city-wide restoration and management plan for all natural areas within the City of Tacoma – and now they’re working with citizens like you to get involved in implementing the plan.

By pairing with local park restoration groups, the Partnership supports the hands-on restoration of Tacoma’s green spaces. Restoration work parties take place continually throughout the year, and volunteers are an integral part of restoring and caring for Tacoma’s green spaces.

The GTP invites you to join them at special events like National Trails Day, volunteer at a regular monthly work party led by a trained Habitat Steward, or become a Habitat Steward yourself and help take care of your favorite public green space. Interested? Read on…

National Trails Day and REI Family Adventure Kickoff

Saturday, June 2, 9 am – 12 pm

Titlow Park

Celebrate National Trails Day with REI and the Green Tacoma Partnership. Help groom trails and restore the park for half an hour, then go play! REI will have free family geocaching classes, as well as a Kids Adventure Area with cool activities and crafts. Investigate the importance of pH for Titlow’s streams with Stream Team. We’ll also have REI Kids Adventure Journals for all children! Volunteer work is family friendly and accessible. This event is great for all ages and abilities. For more information and to register for this event, please visit: www.cedar.greencitypartnerships.org

National Trails Day Event at Pt. Defiance

Saturday, June 2, 9 am – 12 pm

Pt. Defiance

Celebrate, care for, and enjoy local trails and green spaces on National Trails Day! Volunteers will be performing trail maintenance to increase trail safety and accessibility. For more information and to register for this event, please visit: www.cedar.greencitypartnerships.org

New Habitat Steward Orientation

Saturday, June 16, 10:30 am – 4 pm

Tacoma Nature Center

Are you interested in becoming a Green Tacoma Partnership Habitat Steward? If yes, join us for the New Habitat Steward Orientation. Learn about restoration and maintenance techniques, volunteer engagement and running restoration work parties, Habitat Steward responsibilities, and much more! Training materials provided. For more information and to register for the orientation, please visit: www.cedar.greencitypartnerships.org

If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Chang at 253-383-7245 or jchang@forterra.org.

Recent changes to Tacoma’s Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance mean that the threshold for citizen involvement is lowered, making it easier for community members to undertake some smaller projects without going through a lengthy permitting process. But it’s still important to know what you’re doing, and these events sound like great ways to gain some practical knowledge.