This summer: build community while mapping trees in Tacoma
Many areas of Tacoma need more trees. With the lowest tree canopy in the Puget Sound region, Tacoma communities have a lot of work to do to meet the goal of 30% tree canopy in Tacoma by 2030 (see City of Tacoma Climate Action Plan). It’s an ambitious goal, but when it comes to Grit City, our community can work together to accomplish great things.
In 2024, the City of Tacoma identified a need for a more complete tree inventory as a priority. Tree inventories provide critical information for mapping and identifying areas in need of more trees or tree care. They also provide important data for advocating for resources and equitable planning, better dedicating resources to areas underserved in the past. Together, our community can help equitably grow a more robust urban forest in Tacoma by mapping trees and areas for planting more trees.
Working together to build a more complete tree inventory will help us understand the health and opportunities for more trees in Tacoma, especially in neighborhoods historically underserved (Figure 1A). Tree inventories can tell us a story about how the trees in our community are doing and aid decisions on policy and infrastructure (Figure 1B). Identifying, mapping, and assessing the trees in our community provides essential information for managing hazards, informing policy, and prioritizing areas for protection or planting. By helping inventory trees, community members can be a powerful force for change (Figure 1C).
The WSU Urban Forest Health Lab was awarded a Washington Department of Natural Resources Community Forestry Grant to coordinate urban tree inventory events over the next two summers. The goals are to aid in addressing inequities in Tacoma’s forest canopy while providing a space where community members can work toward a common goal, meet neighbors, and strengthen bonds.
Get involved this summer! Join neighbors and program coordinators for a training or inventory event throughout the summer. Participate by attending any of the training or group inventory events (Figure 2). Sign up at https://treehealth.wsu.edu/tacoma to stay connected and receive updates.
Four trainings are planned in libraries and parks this summer. Attending the trainings is not required to participate, but they will provide skills for assessing tree health and collecting meaningful data.
Six group tree inventory events are planned this summer. Participants will meet at a local park or community space, then divide into groups to walk pre-defined routes in areas without existing tree inventory data (Figure 3).
Compensation available! $100 gift cards are available for students and community members with demonstratable need to participate in any (or multiple) of the events this summer. Learn more at https://treehealth.wsu.edu/tacoma
