Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program

Launched in 2025, the Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program is a collaborative partnership between the City’s Open Space Program and the Pierce Conservation District. The program strives to engage community members in the care of Tacoma’s open spaces—undeveloped urban natural areas that provide essential benefits like cleaner air and water, stormwater management, wildlife habitat, climate resiliency, and improved community health and access to green space. These unique natural areas are a vital part of a healthier, more resilient Tacoma. Whether you’re a seasoned environmental volunteer or brand new to this kind of work, we welcome your passion and commitment to making a lasting impact in our community.

Benefits of Open Spaces

Open spaces play a vital role in enhancing environmental health by preserving natural habitats, improving air and water quality, managing stormwater, and increasing tree health and canopy cover. They contribute to community well-being by offering stress relief, reducing urban heat through shade, and providing opportunities for social connection through events and shared outdoor experiences.

These spaces also support education and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning and volunteer efforts. Additionally, they offer low-impact recreational opportunities like walking and wildlife observation, promote healthier lifestyles, and add aesthetic and economic value by improving neighborhood appeal and boosting property values. Altogether, integrating natural areas into the urban landscape strengthens sustainability and improves quality of life for residents.

Contact

Lizzy Matteri

(253) 325-1393

lmatteri@tacoma.gov

Get Involved

How can I participate?

There are two different ways to participate:

As a volunteer at one of our work parties. Our work parties are open to all (with the exception of closed events). No experience is necessary! Our staff and trained Habitat Stewards will provide instruction and support, tools, gloves, and water and snacks.
As a Habitat Steward. This is for folks who are interested in taking a more active role in the stewardship of a site. Habitat Stewards must complete a training course and will be willing to lead work parties at their site. Habitat Stewards are asked to commit to participating at their site for 1 year.

What can I expect to do at a work party?

Typical work party activities include:

Removing overabundant weeds
Planting native and climate adaptive species
Spreading mulch to retain moisture around plantings or to maintain restoration pathways
Picking up small amounts of litter

Restoration work tends to be seasonal. During the spring and summer seasons, work parties will typically focus on overabundant weed removal, maintenance of existing plantings, and mulching. In the fall and winter, work parties will include more planting opportunities.

What should I bring to a work party?

We recommend long pants and require sturdy, close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Work parties take place rain or shine (unless inclement or extreme weather is expected), so dress accordingly. In the fall and winter we recommend dressing in warm layers, bringing a rain jacket, and a warm hat. In the spring and summer, we recommend bringing a hat, wearing sunglasses, sunscreen, or light/breathable long sleeves.

While we do provide water at work parties, we always encourage folks to bring their own reusable water bottles.

What is the Program’s Youth Policy?

The Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program encourages volunteers of all ages to participate in restoring and maintaining Tacoma’s open spaces. Volunteering with the program is a great opportunity to get outside, learn about the environment, and have fun while serving the community. It’s also a great way to earn service hours. Each Tacoma Habitat Stewardship Program work party is supervised by trained staff and/or a trained volunteer lead.

ALL minors, must have a parent or guardian fill out, sign, and bring in a Youth Waiver. Minors under 16 must attend the event with a parent or guardian.

Interested in volunteering as group or having a private volunteer event?

We have options:

Attend one of our regularly scheduled public events on our volunteer calendar. These are often able to accommodate large groups. Please make sure to reach out to the event contact and fill out the online registration form with the number of people who will participate.
Contact Lizzy Matteri at lmatteri@tacoma.gov. We will follow up to schedule an event that fits your needs. We do require 4 weeks of notice in order to coordinate a private group activity.

Interested in a site tour, nature walk, or educational experience?

If you have a group that’s interested in doing more than just restoration work, or want to tie in an educational experience with the restoration work please reach out to Lizzy Matteri at lmatteri@tacoma.gov. We have some sites that can only be accessed through tours and we are able to tailor private events to meet your needs.