Learn about key Pacific Northwest tree species and discover historical stories rooted in our local landscape with the help of Zay Montejano and TTF team members Jean Jensen and Eden Standley.
During the session, transform leaves and botanical specimens into permanent pressed prints. Every participant will leave with their own artwork and the opportunity for a deeper connection to our community urban forests.
This is a free family-friendly event!
This event is possible thanks to Tacoma Creates
Speaker Bios
Isiah Montejano
My first love of nature came from the open skies and lowlands of the Columbia Basin. Standing above the glacial-carved structures, overlooking waves of sagebrush and streams, I looked to the outdoors knowing there was so much beauty in this world. I moved to the Western side of Washington in 2015, and I fell in love with the forests, these giants amongst us.
It was during my service in the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) working on restoration projects that I found my true calling. I’ve never felt more at peace with myself than when my hands are in the dirt.
In moving to Tacoma in 2022, I was enamored by the pride and conviction of Tacoma residents in their city, and their community. I’d made it my home, and I believe that when you make a place your home, you have a duty to make that place better. I’m honored to continue my path of conservation within Tacoma’s urban forestry community, and I do it with joy and a smile. In my spare time I can be found shooting photography or catching a film at The Grand Cinema.
Jean Jensen
I was born and raised in Tacoma and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. I have seen Tacoma change throughout my lifetime in both positive and negative ways. Through the Tacoma Tree Foundation, I hope to play a part in shaping a more equitable, nature focused, and climate resilient future for our home. I currently work in the green stormwater infrastructure field at Corvias Infrastructure Solutions, where I lead community engagement. Previously, I worked at a Tacoma based non-profit called Earth Economics with a mission to value the benefits of nature. My main responsibilities were fundraising and managing partnerships. I am passionate about working with communities to build equitable climate resilience. In my free time, I enjoy being creative, walking around my neighborhood, or going for adventures on the coast or in the mountains.
Eden Standley
Eden (they/them) is a lifelong Tacoman who is passionate about uplifting and empowering the City’s diverse community, which they hope to do through their writing. They are majoring in Gender Race and Sexuality, Creative Writing, and Psychology at Pacific Lutheran University. They love Ice Cream Social, the Red Elm Café, and thinking critically (usually about Queer theory) while walking around downtown.