The City of Tacoma is proposing changes to the Critical Areas Ordinance that would weaken protections for wetlands, streams, and wildlife habitat. These rollbacks could cause long-term harm to our water, climate resilience, and public health. CHB is urging the Planning Commission to reject or substantially revise the proposed updates to Tacoma’s Critical Areas Ordinance. WHAT’S AT RISK: More […]
The City of Tacoma is proposing changes to the Critical Areas Ordinance that would weaken protections for wetlands, streams, and wildlife habitat. These rollbacks could cause long-term harm to our water, climate resilience, and public health. CHB is urging the Planning Commission to reject or substantially revise the proposed updates to Tacoma’s Critical Areas Ordinance. WHAT’S AT RISK: More […]
Water is one of the key components of life. In Tacoma, it falls from the sky, flows in our rivers, and calls us to the Puget Sound. Water is a key part of our ecosystems and it is crucial that it stays clean. Trees play an important role in watershed pollution mitigation and are an […]
Scientists have shown for decades that too much nitrogen pollution in Puget Sound causes algae growth that lowers oxygen in the water and harms salmon, orcas, and shellfish. Wastewater treatment plants are the largest human-made source of this nitrogen, especially during the summer when oxygen is already low. In 2021, the Department of Ecology created […]
As fall rains return, every piece of litter has the potential to wash downstream into our waterways. To prepare, we're teaming up with Oscar's Enemies for a hands-on cleanup that'll make a real difference. Join us as we pick up trash, celebrate Oscar's Enemies 5 year anniversary, and collect donations (granola bars, chapstick and socks) […]
Join us for a fun and educational paddle on the water! During this half-day guided tour, youth will learn the basics of kayaking, practice water safety, and build confidence on the water—all while exploring the natural beauty of our local shoreline. Along the way, we’ll spot marine wildlife, learn about the unique ecosystems of the […]
Our new lecture series begins with Conservation in Action, a powerful session that connects Tacoma’s history, global conservation, and personal storytelling. Earl Borgert grew up with Tacoma’s beloved Ivan the Gorilla, whose life touched thousands in our community and beyond. Ivan’s story didn’t end with his passing—his legacy lives on through the I.V.A.N. Foundation, created to […]
Thursday, November 6 | 6–9 PMUniversity of Puget Sound – Wheelock Student Center, Tacoma Join us for Stand for Our Sound 2025, an inspiring evening celebrating the people and partnerships shaping a cleaner, more equitable, and more sustainable South Sound. This annual event honors community leaders, advocates, and changemakers whose work protects our region’s air, […]
Washington’s coastal waters and the Salish Sea are home to an incredible diversity of shark species — from deep-dwelling sevengills to the graceful spiny dogfish that glide through our nearshore waters. These sharks are essential to healthy marine ecosystems, and new research is revealing even more about their lives beneath the surface. Join us this […]
Boating season is just around the corner! As the weather warms up, join CHB for a special Whale Safe Boating presentation before you head out on the water. Learn about orcas in Puget Sound and how to be a “whale wise” boater, so we can all enjoy the Bay while helping protect this important species. […]