City of Tacoma’s Community Tree Program

Tacoma’s Community Tree Program fosters community engagement, education, and training to support the long-term growth and stewardship of Tacoma’s urban forest. This program prioritizes underserved and overburdened neighborhoods throughout Tacoma by reducing barriers and expanding services, ensuring everyone has access to the benefits of a thriving urban forest.

The Community Tree Program (CTP) is a partnership between the City’s Urban Forestry program and Tacoma Tree Foundation. 

CTP is committed to delivering impactful tree planting opportunities and related educational programs driven by a foundation of equitable community engagement. This ensures consistent service delivery to Tacoma residents who face inter-woven challenges of low tree canopy, vulnerability to high-heat events, and thus disproportionate health impacts.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

  • Green Tacoma Day is a celebration of the Green Tacoma Partnership’s work to restore urban green spaces. CTP hosts an event in a high priority neighborhood. Join us at Green Tacoma Day.

  • Our free Tree Stewards program aims to grow a web of local tree champions through a one-day training program. Become a Tree Steward.

  • Lead tree planting teams during large events! Our 1 to 2 hour training- covers proper tree placement and planting, how to engage with residents and create a welcoming environment for everyone. Stay tuned for more soon.

  • Proper tree care is just as important as planting and distributing trees. Attend a free half day workshop or webinar to learn more about how to care for trees. Stay tuned for more soon.

  • Our neighborhood based program that provides community engagement, canvassing, free trees but also tree delivery, volunteer training, residential planting assistance, and watering tools. Learn more.

  • Branch Out is an annual free tree giveaway event that seeks to uplift and call out the intersection of trees, human health, equity, and community building. Learn More.

  • Join us for gatherings that recognize and celebrate YOU, our community and volunteers! Celebrate program successes, share stories, build community connections, and opportunities to stay involved. Stay tuned for more soon.

HISTORY AND IMPACT

Launched in 2023, the Community Tree Program was created to advance tree equity in Tacoma by making trees and educational opportunities more accessible. In our first year, we distributed 515 trees to 204 households, with 86% going to priority neighborhoods, and trained 42 community members in technical tree care. In 2024, we continued to grow our impact distributing 747 trees to 292 households and trained an additional 51 community members.

The Community Tree Program plays a vital role in expanding Tacoma’s tree canopy while fostering a network of engaged residents. Through strategic partnerships and community-driven efforts, the CTP continues to break down barriers, ensuring a greener, healthier, and more connected Tacoma for generations to come.

Annual Reports

The Importance of Partnership

Urban forestry initiatives thrive when government organizations and community-based groups work collaboratively. Through partnership, each can leverage resources, unique skill sets, and expertise to tailor projects, programs, and/or strategies to specific needs of the community. Together we can enhance outreach efforts, build trust within the community, and ensure the long-term sustainability of urban green spaces enhanced by public participation and ultimately contribute to a healthier and more vibrant Tacoma

Key Roles

  • City of Tacoma Urban Forestry: provides policy alignment, funding, capacity, technical support and training.

  • Tacoma Tree Foundation: leads community engagement, volunteer training, and outreach.

See How Our Partnerships Make an Impact

The Urbanist

August 2024

By Kevin Le

Looking Ahead: Growing Tacoma’s Urban Forest Together

As the Community Tree Program continues to evolve, we are building on lessons learned to enhance accessibility and streamline processes. In the coming years, we aim to deepen our impact by scaling up tree distribution efforts, refining volunteer trainings, and strengthening support for long-term tree care.

Lessons Learned & Program Improvements

Each year, we reflect on key takeaways to improve our approaches. The following insights from past program years will guide our efforts moving forward:

  • Growing demand for resources: Many residents request more trees than initially anticipated, highlighting the need for expanded tree distribution and planting support.

  • Increasing capacity: Additional staffing and equipment investments have streamlined tree deliveries, site assessments, and event coordination.

  • Relationship building: Every tree planted represents a new relationship. We hope to improve post-event engagement, appreciation efforts, and participant follow-ups to foster long-term community involvement.

  • Volunteers drive program success: Continued investment in training and education will help grow our dedicated volunteer network.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Help shape the future of the Community Tree Program