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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 s 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 Activity Number 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, August 12 at Spanaway Park - 14905 Bresemann Blvd. South, Spanaway, WA 98387 (map)
Back at Spanaway Park to continue our invasive removal by the playground.- Volunteer shift: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Register - #18444
- Saturday, October 14 at Spanaway Park - 14905 Bresemann Blvd. South, Spanaway, WA 98387 (map)
Join us at Spanaway Park by the playground to get down and dirty pulling English ivy, removing blackberries, and maybe even taking time out to go down the slides and enjoy a day in the park. We’ll be giving away FREE one-gallon trees and shrubs for you to take home!- Volunteer shift: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Register - #18769
- CANCELLED: Saturday, November 11 at Parkland Prairie
Back at Spanaway Park to continue our invasive removal by the playground.
- Volunteer shift: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Register - #18444
Join us at Spanaway Park by the playground to get down and dirty pulling English ivy, removing blackberries, and maybe even taking time out to go down the slides and enjoy a day in the park. We’ll be giving away FREE one-gallon trees and shrubs for you to take home!
- Volunteer shift: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Register - #18769
- Saturday, December 9 at Meridian Habitat Park - 14422 Meridian Avenue E, Puyallup, WA 98375 (map)
Tree planting with Santa! Come join Santa in this fun family volunteer event to plant trees and flowering plants at Meridian Habitat Park. Anyone is welcome to stop by for a free small potted (1-2 foot) live trees that make a lovely live Christmas tree and can be planted in your yard.- Volunteer shifts: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
- Register - #18992
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:
Free Trees is back for the planting season! Drop in at any Pitch In For Parks event for a free one-gallon tree or shrub:
- Branch Out happening Saturday, Nov. 4 at Stafford Elementary School Playground from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Stafford Elementary Playground, 1615 S 92nd St, Tacoma, WA 98444
- We'll be giving away free trees at the Branch Out event, hosted by the Tacoma Tree Foundation.
- CANCELLED: Saturday, November 11 at Parkland Prairie
- Tree giveaway with Santa on Saturday, December 9 at Meridian Habitat Park
- Stop by for a free small potted (1-2 foot) live trees that make a lovely live Christmas tree and can be planted in your yard.
- Three timeslots: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
- Meridian Habitat Park - 14422 Meridian E., South Hill Puyallup, WA 98375 (map)
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