State of the Urban Forest is Tacoma Tree Foundation’s annual report to the community about our accomplishments and the challenges ahead. We invite guest speakers and partners to inform the public about policy efforts, and share data and ways to get involved. We call on new and ongoing supporters to take action, and we raise funds so we can continue to grow community stewardship of the urban forest across Greater Tacoma.

The Tacoma in our name means Everyone! In our eighth year as a non-profit, we are extending our roots further into Pierce County with new partnerships in Federal Way, South Hill, and Lakewood, all while we continue our work in Tacoma, Midland, Parkland, and Spanaway. 

Serving Greater Tacoma’s north, south, east and west corners brings into view a complex landscape: 

While the City of Tacoma celebrates its first historical increase in tree canopy, Pierce County as a whole is experiencing tree canopy loss. 

At the same time, no matter where we live in Pierce County, we all are grappling with the challenges of urbanization and environmental and social health disparities, from the urban heat island effect to water pollution. 

To explain how Pierce County is centering trees as a vital means to address the challenges of climate change and population growth, we're excited to welcome Executive Ryan Mello, who will share:

• Highlights from the Pierce County Land Conservation Plan and urban growth strategies

• Intentions and goals behind the new Community Tree Program between Pierce County and Tacoma Tree Foundation. 

• Pierce County’s role as an environmental leader in our State