Community Tree Planting Program

Pierce County is seeking a Contractor to establish a Community Tree Planting Program that supports the County’s long-term sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental justice objectives. This program will emphasize planting, caring for, and building stewardship for trees focused on historically underrepresented and overburdened communities in urban unincorporated areas of the county (Parkland, Spanaway, Midland, South Hill).

Pierce County recognizes trees as essential infrastructure. The Pierce County Sustainability 2030 Plan highlights tree loss as accounting for 27% of all carbon emissions, emphasizing that preventing forest loss and enhancing the canopy is one of the largest opportunities for emissions reduction. However, many communities within the County—particularly in unincorporated areas and historically underserved neighborhoods—have limited tree canopy cover compared to regional averages.

Program success should align with the Pierce County Sustainability 2030 goals, including:

• Identify priority urban forestry sites and implement a tree planting project to reduce stormwater runoff and urban heat.
• Include students and community members as leaders.
• Provide and support programming that reconnects community members of all ages to nature.
• Develop a community tree planting program