Friends from our Greening Ministry Team enjoyed our first outing together at the Tacoma Nature Center on Saturday May 25, which took place from 1:30-3pm. Loren and CJ, who are naturalists at the Nature Center, led us on a walk with emphasis on native, non-native, and invasive plant species. After our walk we had the opportunity for a question-and-answer session in the auditorium. Native plants are intrinsic to the ecosystem; they nourish and house local pollinators and other animals. The Nature Center has two native plant sales each year so we can use them in our home landscapes.
The Nature Reserve is a hidden gem. If you’re in the mood for a hike near Tacoma, stop by to stretch your legs and enjoy the Nature Center. My big take away was that English Ivy is a very invasive plant. It can regenerate from only a tiny fragment. You need to be very careful when removing it from your yard, and you should put it in your garbage, not your yard waste container. It was wonderful to share this walk-about with our Christ Church Community.
The Tacoma Nature Center, Metro Parks Tacoma
1919 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, WA. 98405
253-404-3930, tnc-@tacomaparks.com
Open Daily 10am – 2pm
~Linda Johnson
Nature Walk Attendees were Fran Blair, Liz Johnson and Dylan Hays, Don Johnson, Linda and Len Johnson, Elizabeth Keathley, Lisa Mason and Ann Welton, John Maxwell, Dee and King Schoenfeld, and Doug Worth.
