Come walk with local botanist Romey Haberle for an exploration of spring flowers and other botanical wonders of a lovely, forested wetland. Hidden away by dense vegetation along busy Pearl and N 19th st, the SE corner of Tacoma Community college is a series of wetlands connected by gentle trails. TCC’s Natural Area and Living Lab is a community open space to enjoy and learn about nature.
Wetlands are important habitats for birds, pollinators, and plants that have adapted to having their roots wet. These habitats have provided a wealth of food and materials to humans since their arrival in our area some 12,000 years ago. On our walk, we’ll see many examples of these useful native plants. This area is also an example of how nature will heal itself, if given a chance, as native trees and shrubs have reestablished themselves in what was chiefly agricultural land from settlement until the mid 1940s. More recently, development plans have been set aside as TCC has committed to protecting and stewarding this unique corner of campus.
On our walk, we will see many native wetland-loving plants, including aspen, alder, cottonwood, and willow trees, and spot some native fruit-bearing trees like native crabapples and hawthorn. Under the shade of these trees, we’ll see moisture-loving shrubs and wildflowers along the trails. And of course, we’ll spot nonnative plants that displace our native plant diversity with monocultures of blackberry and English hawthorn. In April, there will be plenty of flowers and the wetland will be full of life. Join us!
Meeting point:
Building 20, parking lot L (enter from S 12th)
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Please dress comfortably and according to the weather forecast. Consider bringing rain gear, warm layers, and waterproof shoes. Our walks happen rain or shine.
This location is accessible by Pierce Transit bus on Route 16th Ave - Pacific Ave and Route 16 North End at the S Mildred st stops; Route 28 S 12th St at the 12th st and Mildrest st stops; and Route 2 S 19th St - Bridgeport at the 19th st stops
Speaker Bio
Dr. Romey Haberle holds a PhD in Botany from UT Austin She taught at PLU from 2009-2025, and has been the curator of the Irene Creso Herbarium and the Quigg Greenhouse at Pacific Lutheran University. Her interests are focused on the cultural uses of plants, invasive species, rare plants, and how plant communities change over time. She volunteers with Parks Tacoma, drawing on her botanical passions, and is a member of the MPT Nature and Environment Advisory Council.
This event is possible thanks to Tacoma Creates