Water Quality Improvement

Read the latest from the Water Quality Improvement team.

Aug 28

MACROINVERTEBRATE MONITORING & STREAM TEAM

Posted on August 28, 2023 at 11:46 AM by Gracie DeMeo

The Stream Team program is closed and no longer accepting volunteers.

Macro - Hacketts Pictured here are Dave and Cindy Hackett sampling for macroinvertebrates in Huge Creek


 Macroinvertebrate Monitoring


We will be partnering again with Pierce County Surface Water Management to sample creeks for macroinvertebrates. A simple sampling of aquatic macroinvertebrates can tell us a lot about stream health. This is a great opportunity to participate in field research and get outside during the summer!

If you are interested in participating, please contact Belinda at belindap@piercecd.org. COVID protocols will be followed.


Stream Team


Stream Team is a volunteer water quality monitoring program operating in Pierce County since 1994. Monitors measure pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, turbidity, water temperature, flow and record habitat observations on prioritized sites. 

Goals include:

  • Watershed education
  • Involve the public in community science monitoring
  • Increase available water quality data
  • Identify areas of concern


If you would like to be put on a waiting listing for a training, please contact Belinda at belindap@piercecd.org


Aug 28

Get Involved with Stream Monitoring and Sampling!

Posted on August 28, 2023 at 11:45 AM by Gracie DeMeo

WQ Training photo

Looking for an opportunity to engage in your local watershed? What to participate in citizen science? Or simply want to spend time outdoors? Volunteer stream monitoring might be for you!

Continue Reading...

Jan 30

2023 Urban Tree Sale

Posted on January 30, 2023 at 5:15 PM by Camila Matamala-Ost

A man standing in front of young trees in a parking lot.

The 2023 Spring Urban Tree Sale opened last month runs until March 31st. We offer 11 different tree varieties for as low as $10 per tree.

The sale is limited to residents in the cities of Tacoma and Puyallup and Unincorporated Pierce County. Customers can buy up to three trees each time Pierce Conservation District holds a sale, for a total of up to 6 trees per property.

With the purchase of a tree customers also receive a free educational workshop and a slow-release watering bucket.

The Urban Tree Sale is hosted by our Water Quality team as part of our Green Stormwater program in partnership with cities of Tacoma and Puyallup and Pierce County.

Visit the  Urban Tree Sale website to learn more.