Woods of Memory
A project of Biodiversa Foundation
Carmelita Escarcega, Anti-Trafficking Advocate, Puyallup Tribe; Photo Credit: Ike & Tash Photo
It started, as many great things do, with a walk in the woods. Maria Teresa Gamez and I (Julie Dugan) traversed the lush, wooded trails of Swan Creek while lamenting the inadequate tree canopy on the south and east sides of the Tacoma. We recognized that newly planted trees often died with a lack of commitment to watering and care. We wondered if individuals would commit to care for a tree if they could name it after a loved one. Later, Maria Teresa learned Washington is the second most dangerous state in the nation for indigenous women, where they have ten times the likelihood of suffering violence, murder or going missing than any other population. Simultaneously, headlines teaming with fear-fueled hate, were resulting in similar fates for women of immigrant and trans communities. The idea sparked – we would plant feminine trees in honor of missing women and tell their stories in the voices of their loved ones. Partnering community members would commit to care for these trees. Focusing planting in east and south Tacoma, we would increase critical tree canopy and while uniting those who have lost with those that care. While the statistics get attention, each number represents a cherished soul, someone who is remembered, someone whose life will be honored for decades to come, under the shade of a tree.
Fahren Johnson, CEO Amara
Funded by a grant from Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, we are well into our pilot phase. After a period of collective planning, volunteers from Amara, Tacoma Tree Foundation,Woods of Memory and the Puyallup Tribe’s MMIW Task Force gathered on a fine spring day to plant 13 trees at the entry of Amara Family Resource Center. City of Tacoma Urban Forestry and Tacoma Tree Foundation provided tools, training and trees. Now, a thriving grove of young trees await their 2027 May dedication where we will honor the stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women of the Puyallup Tribe. These stories will be told in her native language and translated into English and Spanish, with more translations to come.
Woods of Memory is already providing healing; through collaboration we are forging loving bonds with the acknowledgement that we are all one. The rawness of the grief of loved ones, plants like a seed in the soul. We recognize the pain of not knowing, the empty hope that lingers after decades waiting for a mother or grandmother to return. We share collective rage and fear for sisters and daughters that fuels us to act. We unite to raise awareness and build a community network to look out for our women and girls.
More plantings are planned with Eastside community leaders, Tahoma Indian Center, and Rainbow Center. Interest is growing; we hope to announce a partnership with a large public agency where project will gain greater exposure. Each tree unites us to grow in love and overshadow hate.
Woods of Memory is a community collaboration. It relies on the partnership of Tacoma Tree Foundation and City of Tacoma’s Urban Forestry. We are equally reliant on collaborators who commit to care for the trees, ensuring trees thrive for years to come. We envision the leadership of Woods of Memory transferring to the next generation, so they can make it their own.
Information about Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, missing women from immigrant and trans communities, see: MMIP Pierce County, Washington State Attorney General Task Force MMIP , Human Rights Council Washington, Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network.
Biodiversa Foundation -Woods of Memory – contact us if you would like to commit to care for trees for Woods of Memory.