Tree Stewards

Tree Stewards are community tree champions who help grow and protect Tacoma’s urban canopy. Through our free training program, stewards learn proper planting techniques, tree care best practices, local regulations, and how to answer tree-related questions.

Tree Stewards help the Foundation implement and maintain neighborhood plantings. By sharing their expertise with neighbors, Stewards also support the Foundation’s mission to educate and empower community members in the Tacoma area and, in the long term, they help preserve the city’s urban forest.

A group of people gathered in a park. Image from one of our previous Tree Stewards training events.

Are you interested in learning all about tree care and looking out for your neighborhood’s tree canopy? Would you like to teach others about how they can care for their trees? Then, you should join our Tree Stewards program!

Upcoming Trainings

June 20th, 2026 | 9am-2pm

Applications open until June 12th

REGISTER

This FREE day-long training will include information on choosing the right tree for the right place, planting around important utilities, and selecting native or climate-resilient species. Practice proper planting, watering, and how to spot and address common tree health issues to ensure a thriving tree canopy. This workshop includes outdoor planting practice and a group exercise diagnosing real-world tree challenges.

Up to 20 tree stewards will receive the skills they need to plant and care for healthy trees in their yard or neighborhood. 

Snacks, light refreshments and lunch will be provided.

August 8th, 2026 | 9am-1pm

Applications open until August 3rd.

REGISTER

This FREE day-long training will include information on how to communicate about trees with their neighbors and how to engage in their Tacoma neighborhood in tree planting and utilize or promote different planting programs.

Up to 20 tree stewards will receive the skills they need to take local actions and engage with their communities about sustainability and stewardship. 

Snacks, light refreshments and lunch will be provided. If the applications exceed 20 we will prioritize applicants from residents from Hilltop and/or Tacoma Frontline Communities*.

  • "I'll feel more empowered to actually talk to folks about trees and related opportunities."

  • “I felt welcomed. Everyone was interested to be there and the intro exercise did wonders for opening up the lines of communication.”

  • “I loved how complete strangers can feel as passionate as I do about taking care of the yard, the earth, each other and how willing they are to give their time to others.”

  • "I am already applying my knowledge to help maintain my garden and trees."

  • “I enjoyed the breaks and activities that provided different approaches to learning content”

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