Oak Tree Park

Natural Heritage

Positioned in South Tacoma, Washington, Oak Tree Park spans 25 acres of precious natural landscape. Established in 1996, it's one of the last remnants of Garry oak habitat that once flourished throughout this part of the city. Take a stroll through this ecological area and you'll encounter diverse native plants and wildlife throughout the preserve.

The Garry oak trees (also called Oregon white oaks) form the backbone of this unique ecosystem. These magnificent oaks took root in the gravelly soil left behind by glaciers some 15,000 years ago. Interestingly, Native Americans historically maintained these woodlands to protect valuable food sources like camas bulbs.

By 2013, these Garry oak habitats had dwindled by nearly 90 percent across their range from southern British Columbia to northern California. That makes Oak Tree Park even more precious - it houses one of the most significant concentrations of these oaks in the region outside of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Conservation Efforts

Oak Tree Park is a pilot project for the Green Tacoma Partnership, a collaborative initiative working to inventory, assess, and develop plans to protect and restore Tacoma's green spaces. This important work is coordinated by Tahoma Audubon and Forterra, with a focus on preserving this critical habitat for generations to come.

Trails and Wildlife

You can explore the park via three trails that link together to form a longer loop if you're up for more walking. The park offers both paved bike trails and more natural walking paths, providing routes for observing nature and spotting wildlife.

Keep your eyes peeled for gray squirrels, various birds, and deer that make their home here. They're often busy foraging for acorns and other food sources. Some visitors have also spotted ravens and numerous ducks across the park.

These trails provide a peaceful retreat with scenic views - a good spot for quiet walks in nature.

Recreational Facilities

If you're bringing kids along, the park has a small playground with equipment in good condition suitable for various ages. Though compact, it includes a slide and is surrounded by green space where children can run around freely.

There's a picnic table conveniently located near the playground, excellent for a family lunch while keeping an eye on the little ones. The open areas also provide plenty of space for impromptu games and activities.

Educational Value

Beyond recreation, Oak Tree Park is a natural classroom for local schools. Students from nearby Arlington Elementary School take part in the Wildlife Champions program, an inspiring partnership between Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Tacoma Public Schools.

This program gives children hands-on learning experiences, such as planting indigenous camas plants and participating in nature-based activities that connect them to this special ecosystem.

Washington State has declared Garry oak woodlands a Priority Habitat due to the numerous plant and wildlife species that depend on this ecosystem for survival.