Community Connections for Tacoma 

Stormwater in Tacoma 

For more details on the specifics of what happens to stormwater in Tacoma, and the specific watershed it travels through, check out these City of Tacoma websites: 

One major example of stormwater treatment using soils, plants and natural processes is the   Stormwater Treatment Facility at Point Defiance Park

Tacoma’s Watershed Planning website provides more information on their approach to stormwater management

Climate Change in Pierce Co

For a good outline of environmental impacts of climate change in Pierce Co, see: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/5558/Climate-Change-Resilience  

Tacoma Area Education Programs and Resources 

Tacoma EnviroChallengers

Pierce Conservation District 

Orcas Love Raingardens

  • http://orcasloveraingardens.org/ 
  • Participating schools > maintenance, and how’s your rain garden working?   
  • At-home activity packet and virtual field trip 

Salmon in the Schools

Stormwater Solutions Projects in Tacoma 

Cheney Stadium

Cheney Stadium Sustainable Stormwater project – https://www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=68039; includes permeable asphalt, Green Stormwater Infrastructure 

Pervious Surfaces 

Rain Gardens 

Trees

Rainwater collecting 

Greenroof

  • Tacoma Green Living Guide ArcGIS Map
    • Pacific Plaza – 1250 Pacific Ave (downtown)
    • Center for Urban Waters – 326 East D St 
    • Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hospital – 5400 N Pearl St
  • Article about Pacific Plaza’s green roof

Islandwood Programs

School Overnight Program

This program extends classroom learning to the real world, engaging elementary-school students and their teachers in a hands-on exploration of stewardship, environmental learning, and teamwork. For four days and three nights, students use the environment as a catalyst for learning, practicing critical thinking and actions that build awareness for the well being of both people and our planet. The School Overnight Program is aligned with 4th-6th grade learning standards.

To support equitable access, we offer scholarships, have a Gear Library and support teachers’ recruitment efforts with at school orientations for students and parents (based on location; virtual options also available).

Cost: Scholarships are offered based on FRL%.

Brightwater School Programs

IslandWood offers three different School Day Programs in partnership with King County at the Brightwater Education Center in Woodinville. Our programs engage students in hands-on investigations and real-world problem solving related to wastewater, storm water, ecosystem services, and environmental engineering.

Cost: Programs are provided for 3rd – 8th grade classes at no cost to schools and free transportation is available to qualifying schools (25% or greater free and reduced lunch rates).

Other Programs Related To This Unit

Free Federal Lands Passes from Every Kid in a Park

This federal program offers free national lands passes to all 4th graders. Take advantage of this offer to provide free passes your students could use with their families or on a school trip to a national park.  Visit the website for field trip connections and a link to get passes.