by Gracie DeMeo
Pierce Conservation District is well known for our love of the environment, and this Earth Week showed that Pierce County knows how to show up in a major way too. We are so incredibly humbled to say over 500 people participated in over a dozen Pierce Conservation District Earth Week events. Months of planning, juggling logistics and volunteer recruitment led to a fantastic day for Mother Earth. From pulling invasive species to a biochar demonstration, conversations about wildfire to planting trees, there was a little something for everyone this year.
Invasive Norway Maples didn't stand at chance at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!
At restoration sites spanning five cities, hundreds of invasive plant species were pulled from the ground. Removing invasive plant species makes way for native plant species that are adapted to our local ecosystem.
Tending to plants at Whittier Park.
The early bird(er) gets the worm at South Prairie Creek Preserve!
At South Prairie Creek Preserve we offered a unique opportunity for volunteers to arrive early on a bird walk with our resident expert bird expert and Riparian Program Manager, Glenn Johnson. Geese, robins, yellowthroats and red-breasted sapsuckers all made the list. While not a bird, they also spotted snails!
Nothing is much cooler than posing next to your outreach table!
A forest brought to life in the middle of downtown Tacoma.
Restoration events weren't the only place Pierce Conservation District was spotted either. We had tables at the Merdian Park Earth Day celebration and the South Sound Sustainability Expo. Participants got to learn about wildfire visits, upcoming PCD programming and solutions for their home conservation projects. We also partnered with Tacoma Tree Foundation to create a "pop-up forest" at the Sustainability Expo. Trees used in the display were eventually taken home by participants.
Nothing but smiles at the Peck Property.
Restoration is a group effort.
This surge of support from volunteers in spring gives native plants a better chance at surviving through the harsh summer sun and impacts their long-term survival. Having roots established and cared for is a key factor in determining plant success when competing for water resources. By having more native plants in our environment, we increase habitat for beneficial insects and other important wildlife.
Community members gather to discuss water quality in Tacoma, and admire their work planting dozens of plants at McKinley Overlook Park.
At PCD, we look forward to Earth Week every year. It brings together people from all walks of life to stand together in solidarity for the environment, and warms our heart to see volunteers lead the charge. We thank everyone for their support of the valuable restoration work we do, and encourage you to continue to volunteer throughout the year to keep Pierce County green!