Education & Engagement
Building an Informed and Empowered Community
Our work goes beyond advocacy—we empower residents of all ages to become informed, proactive environmental stewards. By providing hands-on learning experiences, fostering public awareness, and building meaningful community partnerships, we ensure that everyone has the knowledge and tools to take action for clean air, safe water, and a healthy future.
Why Community Engagement Matters
Tacoma and the South Sound region face persistent environmental challenges, including water and air pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change impacts. Many of these issues disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color, creating an urgent need for equitable access to environmental education and resources.
CHB’s engagement programs bridge this gap by:
- Raising awareness about environmental justice and public health issues.
- Providing hands-on opportunities to restore and protect local waterways.
- Ensuring that those most affected by pollution have a voice in decision-making.
By centering community participation, we ensure that education leads to action, and that all residents, regardless of background, have the opportunity to shape the future.
Investing in the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
Youth education is a priority because the future of our planet depends on the knowledge and leadership of the next generation. Many young people today are deeply concerned about climate change, environmental justice, and sustainability. However, access to environmental education and outdoor learning opportunities is not always equitable.
Through youth camps, mentorship, and hands-on environmental science programs, CHB provides inclusive, immersive experiences that inspire young people to become advocates, scientists, and changemakers. By fostering early connections to nature and environmental action, we help build a generation that is equipped, empowered, and ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Our Programs & Activities
We offer a variety of education and engagement opportunities to connect people with science, policy, and advocacy in meaningful ways:
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We provide weekend and after-school camps, specialized workshops, and immersive outdoor experiences for youth across the South Sound. These programs introduce participants to environmental science, climate justice, advocacy, and outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and tidepool exploration.
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Participants join CHB staff on South Sound patrols to monitor pollution, collect water samples, and observe the waterways firsthand. These experiences foster a deeper connection to the environment while equipping participants with real-world scientific skills.
Request a South Sound Patrol -
CHB hosts discussions, panels, and guest lectures on environmental justice, climate change, and policy advocacy. Featuring experts, community leaders, and scientists, these events provide opportunities to engage in critical conversations and drive civic action.
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Through beach cleanups, stormwater monitoring initiatives, and habitat restoration projects, CHB provides accessible, hands-on ways for residents to contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
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We work with schools, cultural organizations, and local nonprofits to integrate environmental education into broader community initiatives. Partnerships with groups like Tacoma Urban League, the Puyallup Tribe, and Hilltop Artists ensure that our programming is culturally relevant, impactful, and accessible to all.
Get Involved
Everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment.
Find Ways to Get Involved