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Parks Natural Lands Volunteer
Introduction
Looking to volunteer to improve natural areas or your own backyard? We have several programs for you! Volunteers can join us on a Saturday morning each month through Pitch In For Parks to pull some weeds and plant some trees or become a full Volunteer Steward to take on larger habitat improvement projects. Not only do we want to improve habitat in our parks, but we want wildlife to enjoy your backyard as well. So check out our Free Tree program for resources and we’ll give away a few trees to start your backyard.
Get involved and give back
One-time and ongoing opportunities:
Pitch In For Parks - Pre-registration Only
Additional safety protocols are now in place for Pitch In For Parks including pre-registration to reserve your spot and the limit of 15 volunteers. If you are registering for your household please note that you will need to complete a registration for each member of your household.
Pitch in for Parks is a volunteer-based program offered through the partnership of Pierce County Parks and McLendon Hardware. Pitch in for Parks is a great opportunity for all ages and abilities (ages 15 and under with a guardian) to pitch in and help your community. Join us rain or shine!
Pre-Registration:
Pitch in for Parks will have limited registration and is not open to drop-in volunteers at this time. Volunteers are welcome to Pitch In for an hour or two or the entire time and must pre-register to reserve your spot, spaces are limited:
- Pre-register by selecting the Saturday Date or time frame of interest from the Activity List below
- When registering for a household, complete an individual registration for each household member
- Registration closes by 12:00 p.m. (noon) the Fridays before the listed Saturday events
Pitch in for Parks Activities
| Saturday Date | Location & Activity |
|---|---|
| October 22 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Old Settlers Cemetery - 8201 Washington Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 (map) |
| November 12 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Parkland Prairie - Tule Lake Road S. at Yakima Ave. S, Tacoma, 98444 (map) It's November so it's time to work the prairie. We’ll be pulling Scotch broom and planting native prairie wildflowers. |
| December 10 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Meridian Habitat Park - 14422 Meridian E. Puyallup, WA 98375 (map) Tree planting with Santa! Come join Santa Claus in planting trees and native plants at Meridian Habitat Park. We’ll be giving away one-gallon potted trees that make a lovely live Christmas tree and to plant in your yard. Three-time slots are available for registration. |
| January 14, 2023 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Frontier Park - 21714 Meridian E. Graham, WA 98338 (map) Come check out the new trail at Frontier Park and help us plant native plants to improve the surrounding habitat. |
| February 11, 2023 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Bresemann Forest - Military Road & Bresemann Blvd, Spanaway, WA 98444 (map) It's ivy time! Time to rip out English ivy and improve the understory at Bresemann Forest. |
| March 11, 2023 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Spanaway Park - 14905 Bresemann Blvd. South, Spanaway, WA 98387 (map) We’ll be working near the playground to remove blackberry and English ivy from around the trees. |
Volunteer Stewardship
Volunteer stewards are an integral part of the management and protection of the County’s parklands. Pierce County Parks believes that community Volunteer Stewardship help to enrich programs, promote a positive environment, and improve community relations. The role of the Volunteer Stewardship Program is to enhance the objectives of Pierce County Parks and to promote a partnership between the County Parks Department and the community it serves.
How to get started:
Volunteer Stewards may include an individual, family, company, or organization. Volunteer Stewards must apply through the program and meet the required 24 hours of volunteer service per year. Only one designated site steward per park site. Natural Lands will provide volunteer coordination and support.
Available Locations & Opportunities:
| West Region | Central Region |
|---|---|
Seeley Lake Park
Old Settlers Cemetery
| Bresemann Forest
Lidford Ballfield
Spanaway Park
Parkland Prairie Nature Preserve
|
| South Region | North Region |
|---|---|
Naches Trail Nature Preserve
Cross Park
Meridian Habitat Park
| Foothills Trail – East Puyallup Trailhead to McMillin Trailhead
Foothills Trail – Orting Trailhead to South Prairie
Foothills Trail – South Prairie Trailhead to Buckley
|
Thank you Pierce County for planting trees! Free Tree Giveaways events occur each year from October through April at a variety of park sites.Types of TreesThe types of tree species and sizes given away are based on availability. They are generally one-gallon sized trees (about 1”-3” feet in height) and may include Douglas-fir, western white pine, Oregon white oak, shore pine, quaking aspen, and a rotating mix of ornamentals. |
Events
- Trick-Or-Tree! Trees make the best treats, come get yours.
- Pick up a free tree!
- November 12 at Parkland Prairie Nature Preserve (map) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Pick up a free tree, you can also sign up through Pitch In For Parks to help us restore the native prairie.
- November 12 at Parkland Prairie Nature Preserve (map) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Pick up a free tree, you can also sign up through Pitch In For Parks to help us restore the native prairie.
- Free trees from Santa!
- December 10 at Meridian Habitat Park (map) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You can also sign up through Pitch in For Parks to join Santa in planting native trees and plants in the park.
Tree planting and backyard habitat resources:
- Go Native Plant Guide
- Tree Planting guide (for small stock and bare-root trees)
- Home tree placement
- Direct support is also available at the Pierce County Conservation District.
Want more free or reduced-cost trees?
Check out these partnering programs:
- City of Tacoma Tree Coupon Program: $30 off trees from participating nurseries for Pierce County Residents.
- Pierce County Conservation District: Trees are available through their Urban Tree Sale and their offer native trees and shrubs.
- Earth Day South Sound
Program Contact:
Natural Lands Volunteer Coordinator
253-677-0304 | email