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Conservatory
In 1908, W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory at Wright parks opened through a generous from William W. Seymour. Today, it stands a beloved icon from Tacoma's past and a brilliant venue for exotic plant displays.
An Historical Icon
The mission of the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory is to promote the connection between people and the natural world.
Metro Parks Greenhouse
The Metro Parks Tacoma Greenhouses is the place where we grow plants for the WW Seymour Conservatory displays, plants and baskets that are planted in parks around Tacoma.
We rely on volunteers to help keep the plants happy and growing. We have a variety of horticulture related opportunities such as watering, planting, grooming, pruning and weeding.
Some volunteer duties will require periods of standing on concrete floors, bending, stretching. We can work with you on finding an opportunity that meets your accessibility needs.
Park Volunteers
Our parks need you
Parks Tacoma manages over 2,812 acres of parks and green space, historic landmarks, community centers, beautiful gardens, and special attractions that give us all a chance to get out and play more.
We're asking you to chip in by investing your time and talents to help us improve parks and green spaces, protect neighborhood buildings, and promote a healthier environment while also helping to build a stronger community.
Our roots
Park Volunteers, formerly known as "CHIP-in!" originated in 2003 when Parks Tacoma faced a lack of funds for maintaining all of the city's parks. Rather than take drastic measures - simply closing parks and walking away - a proactive approach was taken to develop a partnership between the park district and the community to help keep parks open and operating.
Alderwood Park
Join Habitat Steward, Scott Murdock, in maintaining the restoration site at Alderwood Park!
Volunteer opportunities are available during weekdays and weekends. Please email chloe.nelson@tacomaparks.com for more information on volunteering at Alderwood Park.
Dahlia Trial Garden
Delong Park
YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER AT DELONG PARK?
FILL OUT APPLICATION OR LOG-IN TO YOUR ACCOUNT TO SEE SCHEDULED EVENTS.
Dune Peninsula Park
Thanks to approval of the 2014 Parks and Zoo Bond by Tacoma voters, the ASARCO Superfund site has been transformed into a major waterfront attraction.
Enjoy sweeping views on the 11-acre Dune Peninsula park, or walk, run and bicycle across the 605-foot-long, 50-foot-tall Wilson Way bridge which links Point Defiance Park to Ruston Way.
It is a unique location with an unparalleled perspective on both the bay and the sky above.
Garden Clubs
Garfield Gulch
Join Habitat Steward, Robert Girvin, in restoring the Garfield Gulch!
For questions please email chloe.nelson@tacomaparks.com.
Japanese Garden
Azaleas, rhododendrons, Japanese cherry trees, crabapples and large and small pines flourish in the Japanese garden. An oriental footbridge, waterfall, Japanese lanterns and a small "tea house" further enhance the grounds. The garden provides a peaceful area to enjoy a bit of solitude and is especially enchanting in early spring. The Capital District of Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs helped to establish the garden in 1965 and continues to provide support. Through a special partnership with Tacoma's Sister City, Kitakyushu, this garden will receive an updated design plan reflective of Japanese landscaping traditions and steeped in cultural heritage. The planning and fundraising for this project began in 2012. It will be at least two years before construction begins.
Peck Greenspace
For more information on volunteering at the Peck Greenspace, please contact chloe.nelson@tacomaparks.com
Pierce County Iris Society
Established in cooperation with the Pierce County Iris Society, the Iris Garden contains 101 tall bearded iris, 80 Pacific Coast iris hybrids and 26 iris tectorum, all in assorted colors. During construction in 1992, cobblestones from old Tacoma streets were used for the walls. The garden site is comprised of five sections - one bed is dedicated to tall bearded iris, two beds to various median irises, one bed to beardless iris (Siberian and Pacific Coast iris), and there is a Louisiana section
Point Defiance Park
Puget Creek Park
Join us in restoring the Puget Gulch! We are actively looking for a volunteer Habitat Steward for Puget Park.
Email chloe.nelson@tacomaparks.com for information on volunteer opportunities and stewardship.
Senator Rosa Franklin Park
Join Habitat Steward, Nori Kimura, in restoring the natural area at Senator Rosa Franklin Park!
Monthly work parties occur on the second Saturday of each month. For questions please email chloe.nelson@tacomaparks.com.
Swan Creek Park
The Tacoma Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society
Designed as a natural display of rhododendrons in the wild, this garden is nestled in a stand of old growth forest. Trails wind through the forest and intersect the garden. The nearly five-acre site was established in 1968 in cooperation with the Tacoma Chapter fo the American Rhododendron Society, which continues to provide support. The garden contains more than 500 plants, including 198 cultivated varieties and 75 species of rhododendrons.
The Tacoma Garden Club
Established by the Tacoma Garden Club, this garden displays and celebrates the native flora of the Pacific Northwest. Paths winding through the one-and-one-half-acre garden pass a lovely waterfall, pond and striking wooden gazebo that Thomas Church helped design and place. The Tacoma Garden Club is instrumental in the maintenance and development of this Northwest treasure. As part of the Garden Club's ongoing stewardship, they are currently raising funds for a Revitalization Plan for the future of the garden focused on education, improving the visitor experience and ongoing maintenance.
The Tacoma Rose Society
From June through September more than 1,500 rose bushes provide a rainbow of colors including many variegated combinations. The garden is accredited by the American Rose Society as an All-American Rose selection display garden.
Titlow Park
Titlow Park is a diverse park with activities including Restoration Work Parties, Park Watch, and Special Events! Please email chloe.nelson@tacomaparks.com for questions about volunteer opportunities.
Wapato Hills Park
Wapato Hills Walking Path and Trails is approximately one-quarter mile around this park on the sidewalk. Longer trails can be found in the natural area surrounding the park. View trail map for details.
Interested in learning how to keep the park safe and clean of litter and healthy ecologically? You came to the right place. Fill out an application to the right. Then log in and click on Opportunities tab to see a list of events.
