Photo by Metro Parks

Location: Pierce County, Tacoma

Acreage: 14.00 acres

Ownership History: When development was planned for an 18-acre parcel that represented some of the last remaining open space in the heart of Tacoma and adjacent to the east side of the Nature Center, a conflict of interest arose between the developer and the community.  CLC helped create a win-win for all partners involved with a new plan to develop four acres nearest the street and transfer 14 acres to Metro Parks Tacoma to expand the Tacoma Nature Center preserve in 2006.

Property Description: The site borders Snake Lake and the Tacoma Nature Center, which is now a 70-acre preserve of wetlands and forested areas.  The lake is located within a well-developed urban area and the wetlands are susceptible to urban runoff and its associated problems. 

Conservation Values: This property is significant to the health of Snake Lake’s drainage sub-basins.  As a nature preserve, Snake Lake and the surrounding forest and wetlands support a diversity of plants and provide an urban refuge for wildlife; including wood ducks and pileated woodpeckers.  The Nature Center has more than 2 miles of trails throughout the park and offers educational opportunities to the greater community.