Tacoma Habitat at Home

Timeline

Phase 1: July 1, 2026

Phase 1
Launch: July 1, 2026

The program will begin by reaching out to neighbors who live closest to Wapato Hills and Trafton Slope, generally within a few blocks of these open spaces, as well as homes located between them. 

This approach helps strengthen habitat connections between the two sites and builds upon ongoing restoration work already happening in these areas. Residents may hear about the program through mail, community spaces, local events, or in-person outreach. 

Phase 2: July 20, 2026

Phase 2
Start: July 20, 2026

Starting in mid-July, outreach will gradually expand to a larger area, up to about 10 blocks from the sites, primarily to the west. Every couple of weeks, the program will reach a few more blocks, continuing outward through the end of September 2026. 

This larger area includes nearby schools, the South Tacoma Library, and parts of the local business district. Outreach will continue through simple, community-based methods like flyers, school partnerships, and local spaces. 

Outreach

During the pilot phase, site visits and hands-on support will be focused within the South Tacoma neighborhood in the identified boundaries. If you live outside the area, you are still encouraged to express interest: participants will be added to a waitlist for future program expansion. 

The program will also be promoted more broadly across Tacoma through community events and online outreach, helping build awareness as it grows. 

Puget Lowland Riparian & Estuary

This eco region includes the Puyallup River Valley and the tidal waters of Commencement Bay. These areas are defined by the influence of water on our landscapes. The rivers, streams, aquifers, and floodplains in this area convey and store water while providing critical habitat for the creatures that call this area home.   

Eastern Upland Forest

This eco-region contains higher elevation forests, steep slopes, bluffs, and several intermittent streams that flow into Commencement Bay.  Improving habitat conditions will center around protecting NE Tacoma soils from erosion and preventing these same soils from becoming sediment pollution. Upland forests provide habitat for terrestrial animals and support the health and well-being of marine creatures as well (two for one!)   

Western Upland Forests

This eco-region contains higher elevation forests, the dramatic topographies of our iconic western gulches, and incredible near-shore habitat.  Upland forests provide habitat for terrestrial animals and support the health and well-being of marine creatures as well (two for one!) These forests are larger and more connected than other urban forests in Tacoma and therefore provide much-needed range requirements for larger wildlife species.   

Mixed Forests

This ecoregion is a product of the settlement of people throughout Tacoma. What was once covered with coniferous forests has been logged and/or burned during the last 160 years and replaced by second growth confers (usually Douglas Fir). Within this ecoregion, there are high points with upland forests and lower areas that include wetlands, lakes, and creeks 

Puget Prairies

Historically, Western prairies dominated the landscape- these rolling hills were punctuated with epic oak trees and the flowers, grasses, and animals that have co-evolved alongside them. Now only 3% of the original prairies remain. Your efforts to improve habitat in your backyard can support prairie ecosystems in Tacoma.