Projects

UPCG thrives because of its remarkable partnerships. Since 2010 these relationships have allowed the steering committee and its members to complete many projects enhancing the garden and benefitting the community as a whole. They include:

  • expand the number of raised and easy access beds (WSU Pierce County Master Gardener Foundation), 
  • maintain a shed, so essential for all season storage, enjoy a shade structure and access tools in free standing tool boxes (Boy Scout Troop 248 – Eagle Scout Projects),
  • utilize composting bins (Tacoma Narrows Rotary), 
  • enjoy native plantings (Washington Native Plant Society) and 
  • purchase other plantings that benefit the garden (Tacoma Garden Club).

Everything literally “in and on” the ground including soil building is due to our partnerships. Harvest Pierce County (HPC) and agreements with The City of Tacoma TAGRO give us free potting and top soil, compost, mulch and wood chips.  HPC provides much needed advocacy, consultation and education opportunities.  University Place School District our host site provides access in a prime locale. Boy Scout Troop 248 as noted above has been an energetic partner executing multiple Eagle Scout projects. Several schools within the UP district namely: Narrows View Intermediate School, Curtis Jr High Builders Club and Evergreen Primary School/PTA have developed projects, planting, weeding, mulch and harvesting.  Tacoma Narrows Rotary founded the garden.  Beginning planning and site location, design and laying of water lines allowed for bed rentals in 2011. Most recently in 2018 they refurbished 14 beds with new cedar for strength and durability.  Highlighting again our close consultation with WSU PC Extension, PC Master Gardener Foundation and our shared work with Families Unlimited Network Food Bank here in University Place make for a homegrown atmosphere.  Meetings are held at the United Church in University Place. Both steering committee and general membership meetings involve discussions and education sessions. A series of Pierce County Master Gardener Interns have supported projects on composting, food bank harvesting, teaching beds and native plant walk signage of the past 4 years.