Fall Planting at Tahoma Salt Marsh: Tacoma

ABOUT THIS EVENT:
Join us as we work in this wetland along the Ruston Way shoreline! Completed in 2004, this project through the City of Tacoma helped establish a salt marsh and mudflat to provide nesting, refuge and feeding opportunities for a variety of fish and birds. Almost 2 acres were excavated and a channel was dug in order to let water move more naturally, making it a unique site to visit.
 
THE BASICS:
EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water, light refreshments and volunteer education. We will provide everything you need to know about tool use and safety, forest health, information on the park, and the importance of the work you’ll be doing. No prior experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new!
 
FOR YOUR SAFETY AND COMFORT, PLEASE BRING:

• Clothing that can get dirty (because it will!)
• Long pants and a long sleeve shirt (helps protect against prickly plants)
• Sturdy shoes that can handle some mud (closed toed shoes are required: work boots, hiking boots, or running shoes are all fine)
• Sack lunch and snacks
• Full water bottle

 
EarthCorps runs our events rain or shine! Remember to check the weather and bring appropriate layers and raingear/sun wear if needed.
 
WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?
While the exact tasks at hand vary, our projects focus on improving the forests and parks in our local cities. Healthy and thriving forests are vital to our community because they absorb and naturally filter rain water, absorb toxins in the air, produce clean oxygen, provide living spaces for wildlife, and they create a place for people to connect with the outdoors.
 
In order to help create healthy forests, we focus on removing aggressive weeds (like English Ivy or Himalayan Blackberry), maintaining areas where these weeds have been removed, and planting trees and shrubs during the rainy season.
 
GROUPS:
If you are coming as a group, the group leaders are expected to have an active and integral role in our events. Leaders, please make yourself known to EarthCorps staff and arrive early in order to meet your group members.
 
YOUTH:
All unaccompanied volunteers between the ages of 12 and 17 must bring a filled out Youth Waiver the day of the event. Youth under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. (Note: minimum age for unaccompanied youth at Kirkland events is 14.)
 
Youth and school groups of all ages are welcomed to attend; leaders should contact the Volunteer Team to complete a group waiver. 

ADDRESS: 1741 N. Schuster Parkway, Tacoma. 
Located adjacent to City of Tacoma’s Chinese Reconciliation Park

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

• From I5 south take exit 133 towards City Center
• Merge onto I-705 N
• Exit to the left onto Shuster Parkway
• Cross over the RR tracks and merge onto Ruston Way
• As you come down off the overpass, take the first left into what looks like a parking lot
• Drive south (left) through the parking lot and continue onto the road beyond the lot
• Pass under the overpass and the site will be on your left just past the Chinese Reconciliation Park
• Park on the gravel strip alongside the property

BY BUS: Check route options on Pierce Transit Trip Planner: http://www.piercetransit.org/