Tacoma, March 17, 2007 — Goats ate their way into the spotlight as invasive species removers last August in Blueberry Park. This weekend, human volunteers will take over as restoration specialists at the first formal hands-on training organized by the Green Tacoma Partnership. Appropriately the green event will take place on St. Patrick’s Day morning. Dozens of Tacoma residents will join together in the first of a series of free workshops focused on restoration techniques and managing work parties.

The Green Tacoma Partnership was launched in 2005 out of concern for the declining health of Tacoma’s parks and open spaces. The partnership is a collaboration of the City of Tacoma, the Cascade Land Conservancy, Metro Parks Tacoma, Tahoma Audubon Society, the Pierce Conservation District, plus other leaders from educational, environmental, civic and business communities. Natural areas in Tacoma face the threat of losing native species as they struggle to compete with invasive species such as English ivy, Scott’s broom, Himalayan blackberry and holly. With the risk of losing significant forested canopy and biodiversity within the next 20 years, the Green Tacoma Partnership will provide more resources to groups already doing restoration while encouraging more citizens to join in the efforts.

This first workshop will begin with a tour of Blueberry Park led by Charlotte Valbert, the coordinator of Blueberry Park Volunteers. Participants will learn about the history of the park, including the use 280 goats brought in last summer to clear areas overrun by invasive species. Participants will also receive training on the safe use and care of a variety of tools including loppers, shovels and the Weed WrenchTM. Additional workshops throughout the year will include the topics of working and planting on steep slopes, invasive removal techniques for specific species and managing large work parties. Each workshop will take place at a different park or natural area that has been adopted by a dedicated group of volunteers.

Event sponsored by: Blueberry Park Volunteers, MetroParks Tacoma, Tahoma Audubon, Cascade Land Conservancy, and City of Tacoma