As we celebrate the beginning of the PNW planting season and prepare for one of our busiest months, we’re taking a moment to reflect on Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month, which in many ways amounts to reflecting on our organization’s roots. Latine partners have been crucial to the establishment of the Tacoma Tree Foundation. When TTF was just a seed idea, Alejandro Fernández and María Teresa Gamez were core members of the group that led to our foundation, and they have continued to support our growth since 2018. Alongside these founding partners, throughout the past eight years, Chris López-Moreno, Chris Vega, Claudia Linares, Daniel García, and the Mi Centro team, have nourished our work and kept us focused on our mission while helping us see new possibilities. Latine staff and Board members support our daily operations. TTF’s rootedness in these communities is not surprising given the vital role Latines have played in the Pacific Northwest for at least a century. But their contributions to regional forestry and urban forestry often go unnoticed. For instance, Mexican labor, mostly equated with agricultural work in the eastern part of the state, was also critical for mid-to-late twentieth century reforestation in Western Washington and Oregon, where pineros (treeplanters) planted Doug-firs and other beloved PNW trees, sprayed for pests, and dug fire lines for the National Forest Service. We hope next time you rest under the shade of an abeto de Douglas or spot one of our newly planted trees, you share our gratitude for the role of Hispanic and Latine partners and neighbors in keeping our urban forest healthy and thriving.

Climate Leadership Cohort

From September 11-13, we met with eleven wonderful Climate Leaders for the 5th annual Cohort Program designed to bridge the relationship between frontline community members and local government, nonprofits, and other organizations working on climate action and resilience. Members of the 2026 Cohort represent Tacoma’s Eastside, Hilltop, and North End, and Bonney Lake, Key Peninsula, and Parkland-Midland, respectively. They’re now working on their CAPstone projects (Climate Action Plan projects) with the support of a mentoring team composed of TTF, City of Tacoma, and Pierce County staff. We’re excited to see their projects grow! Save December 5th from 1-3:30pm for their public CAPstone Presentations. 

Nature Explorers Programming

We rolled out two new quarterly youth education events this month–interactive nature walks and hands-on workshops for kids ages 0-16–and gave life to a resident (cardboard) tree outside our office (come say hi!). At Titlow, babies, toddlers, and moms engaged with trees, birds, and amphibians! At the Community Hub, kids and parents built tree-lined city blocks, threw some shade, and decorated bark for our tree. This incredible programming is developed in partnership with Amanda Pedrelli and is funded by Tacoma Creates. Kids are the future stewards of our urban forest, and we’re committed to supporting their connection to nature!

SafeTREE Routes Site Assessments

As part of the Community Tree Program and the SafeTREE Routes to School program, TTF staff and volunteers hit the streets in South Tacoma to assess 246 properties that requested new street trees. This service is one of the ways our tree programs remove barriers to trees. We know that calling utility locates and choosing the right tree for the right planting site can be overwhelming, and we’re happy to be able to support neighbors in this process. After assessing sites, we were able to offer over 250 trees for South Tacoma right-of-ways.

Tree Captains Training

On Saturday Sept 19, we trained community members who were excited to level up their volunteering efforts. We learned about how The Community Tree Program fosters community engagement, education, and training to support for the long-term growth and stewardship of Tacoma’s urban forest; we practiced proper tree planting techniques; and, we learned how to create a welcoming environment for volunteers at our planting events. Tree Captains play an integral role in stewarding our Urban Forest. We’re so grateful to have these folks on our team!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The planting season is approaching quickly! Consider joining us to plant trees this fall. Our planting events are family-friendly and open to all abilities and skill levels! Bring your friends, family, neighbors or coworkers and help plant trees for Tacoma residents. If you’re not already on our volunteer list, sign up here!

SATE OF THE URBAN FOREST

It’s that time of year again! Come celebrate the 5th State of the Urban Forest, our annual report to the community about our accomplishments, policy, data, and the challenges ahead. Last year, we celebrated the City of Tacoma’s first historical increase in tree canopy. This year, we’re focusing on Pierce County’s efforts to reverse the county-wide tree canopy loss trend. On November 10, Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello will be addressing this trend while sharing highlights from the Pierce County Land Conservation Plan, intentions and goals behind the new Community Tree Program between Pierce County and Tacoma Tree Foundation, and urban growth strategies. After the presentation, support our fundraising call and toast to a tree-lined Pierce County!

UPCOMING EVENTS

WHAT WE’RE READING

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