First Creek Watershed

First Creek Action Plan

2011-07-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

Speak up for East Tacoma’s First Creek!

First Creek shapes and defines its neighborhood. It’s history, natural beauty, clean air and water, and space for plants, animals, and people are precious assets. Over the years, the Creek has suffered impacts from development and neglect. This summer, community members are partnering with the City, the Puyallup Tribe and the Tacoma Housing Authority to make an action plan to restore and enhance First Creek! Share your knowledge, hopes and vision for the Creek at one of the upcoming workshops this summer:

Wednesday, July 27th, 7:00pm-8:30, Portland Avenue Community Center (3513 Portland Ave.). First Creek tour prior to meeting (5pm-7pm)—contact staff if you’d like to come along.

Wednesday, August 17th, 7:00pm to 8:30, Salishan Family Investment Center (FIC) (1724 E. 44th Street).

Also on August 17th: First Creek Youth Summit –between 10:00am and 3:00pm, at the Salishan FIC.

Other events will be scheduled soon. For more information or to get on our contact list, visit www.cityoftacoma.org/planning, or contact Elliott Barnett, City of Tacoma at (253) 591-5389, elliott.barnett@cityoftacoma.org.
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First Creek Annual Picnic Pot-Luck

2011-06-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Please Join
First Creek Neighbors

For our annual picnic and pot luck at First Creek
Wednesday, July 6 at 6:30pm

Bring your smile, something to sit on and get to know your neighbors. Don't forget the kids because there is plenty of room to run. If you like, bring your favorite pot-luck dish to share.

The picnic will be held in the meadow below the 32nd Street Bridge. Access the area by walking down from East Wright and East T Streets or follow the road trail from East 29th Street on the West side of the Casino.

Top photo taken at the 2010 Picnic
Bottom photo from the 2009 Picnic.

For more information call Edwina at 474-7083
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4th Annual Community "Clean Sweep” Project

2011-06-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

CLEAN SWEEP 2011
Saturday June 4th, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm.
School and Community Clean-Up.
Where: Various Eastside Schools.

Celebration and Award Ceremony
Awards, Food, Fun and Entertainment
When: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: First Creek Middle School
1801 East 56th Street, Tacoma, WA

Educate our children about the positive impact they can have through community service. Create a fun, positive activity for our businesses, schools, community members, and children to particiipate in and get to know one another. Build partnerships among schools, businesses, and community members to help kepp our community clean.

David Whited from The Puyallup Tribe, Natalie Dam from Tacoma Eastside Action Membership and Helen Wilson from Green Thumb Community Garden

Celebration and Award Ceremony
Awards, Food, Fun and Entertainment

Burns Towing volunteered their business services.
Picking up a lot of the biggest trash and garbage

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For more information please contact Kate Frazier: Kfrazie@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Or at this late day, stop by one of the elememtary schools at 9:00 to help at.

Click here to download PDF Flyer

It's an easy day of picking up trash around the schools and neighborhoods, please join in an help make a difference.

Policeman's Helmet - Non-Native PlantFirst Creek Watershed

2011-05-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Policeman’s Helmet (Impatiens glandulifera). Taken in the First Creek in the Summer of 2010.

Policeman’s Helmet is a Non-native plant. It's an herbaceous annual plant growing from 3-10 feet tall and is shade tolerant. It likes to grow in moist forests and along streams and creeks. It is a Class B Noxious Weed, that is harmful to Pierce County and Washington State.

If you would like to volunteer to help make First Creek a healthier environment, please contact Dan Fear at (253) 304-2808. We will be having ongoing clean-up work parties and events throughout the Spring and Summer.
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New First Creek Signs

2011-04-22T11:35:00.001-07:00

New signs identifying First Creek are now installed along East 34th and East Fairbank. These signs were created to show people driving through the neighborhood where First Creek is located.

A special thank you goes to Theresa Dusek from AHBL, Inc. for getting the signs made. Also to the City of Tacoma for installing them.

Earlier this year on Martin Luther King Day, over a hundred volunteers worked to clean up the areas along 34th and Fairbanks. They removed trash, English Ivy and blackberries. A few days ago volunteers returned to do additional work, today the area is looking really good and the way that it should look.

If you would like volunteer in the effort to make First Creek and community better, please contact Dan Fear at danfear@hotmail.com. Also, every first Wednesday of the month, First Creek Neighbors meet at the Portland Avenue Community Center at 6:30 for their mouthly meeting.
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First Creek VolunteersGlobal Youth Services Day

2011-04-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures from the April 16th event at First Creek Middle School. A total of 144 youth and adults signed in and attended.

The goal of the day was to plant dozens of native trees and smaller native plants, also grub out some blackberries and English Ivy. Plus, to learn about the environment and storm water and have a fun in the process. The day was hugh success and everyone had a good time.

Donna Chang, instructor at First Creek Middle School
Introduces the activities of the day

Students admiring the new sign they helped creat.
It will be placed near the area they've been restoring with Native Plants

Volunteers from Lincoln Hign, UWT, First Creek Middle School
and the community participated

First Creek Middle School students planting Native Plants

Students helping First Creek by planting Native Plants

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Global Youth Services Day is an annual events with youth around the world volunteers in their communities to make a difference. This was also Parks Appreciation Day in Tacoma and many volunteers around the city participated in cleaning up our parks.

UW Tacoma and First Creek Middle School wrote grants to help support this project and the days activities. Also, a special thanks goes to the Puyallup Tribe, Pierce County Stream Team, First Creek Neighbors, and the City of Tacoma for helping.

Join us next year!
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First Creek Youth Services Day April 16thFirst Creek Middle School

2011-03-25T10:32:00.001-07:00

Join First Creek Middle School, UW Tacoma Environment Sciences program, Pierce County Stream Team, Green Tacoma Partnership, students and community members on April 16th to help improve the First Creek Watershed.

We'll be meeting at First Creek Middle School at 56th and Portland Avenue starting at 9:00 and ending around Noon. There will be an educational program and lunch for those that let us know ahead of time.

Check back and we'll have additional information as we get closer.
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Martin Luther King Day - Day of Service

2011-01-25T22:20:00.000-08:00

First Creek Watershed Cleanup, January 17, Tacoma, WA., Martin Luther King Day of Service - Participates: First Creek Middle School, University of Washington Tacoma (Environmental Sciences Dept), University of Puget Sound (Football Team), First Creek Church, Grace Methodist Church, TEAM (Tacoma Eastside Action Membership), First Creek Neighbors, Green Tacoma Partnership and Pierce County Stream Team, and other friends. This is a yearly event, join us next year and help make our environment better.

This was a very successful day, with 126 volunteers signing in. We removed Ivy and Blackberries, a lot of liter and trash and we improved the sidewalks on two sites, East 34th and First Creek and also at Fairbanks and First Creek. Thank you to everyone who participated, good work!

Two albums of additional photos:
To view the albums below, it's best to right click on the link and then open in a new window.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=272293524408%3A804448659&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee Photographs by Dan Fear

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=472293524408%3A2050329176&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee Photographs by Al Harmon

Our next major Cleanup Event will be on April 16th.
Other smaller work parties occur throughout the Spring and Summer. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Dan Fear at (253) 304-2808 or danfear@hotmail.com

Annual MLK Weekend Cleanup EventFirst Creek Watershed

2011-01-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

First Creek - 2nd Annual MLK Weekend Cleanup Event
Monday, January 17th, 2011 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
East Fairbanks St, two blocks east of Portland Ave., Tacoma, 98404

First Creek, named for the fact that it is the first creek you encounter while walking upstream from the mouth of the Puyallup River, is getting a facelift as neighbors, students, and community groups join forces and reclaim the beauty of this little stream. This is a second annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday event where First Creek Middle School and UW-Tacoma are hosting an English ivy and weed pull in preparation for future replanting. The work party will take place 10am to 1pm, on N. Fairbanks St., two blocks east of Portland Ave.
Contact event organizer and Habitat Steward Dan Fear 253-304-2808 for more information.
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Green Tacoma Day 2010 - September 25th

2010-09-18T00:19:00.000-07:00

Discover Tacoma’s Natural Treasures at the 3rd annual Green Tacoma Day to be held on September 25th in conjunction with National Public Lands Day. Help protect and restore your favorite local park, gulch, and shoreline or learn more about your favorite recreation destination from experienced Habitat Stewards. Family friendly activities will be held at the Tacoma Nature Center throughout the day.

First Creek Neighbors will be hosting a cleanup at Fairbanks and First Creek. Location is one long block East of Portland Avenue at Fairbanks. We'll be working on several tasks, including removing some Ivy, general cleanup and trail maintenance. Join us if you can. If you don't want to get dirty, stop by and take a quick tour and learn about First Creek.

Visit http://www.greentacoma.org to learn more and to find an event location near you!
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Storm Drain Marking Event in TacomaAugust 21st First Creek Watershed

2010-07-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Did you know the water that flows down storm drains empties directly into our rivers, lakes and Puget Sound? This water is not treated, allowing any pollutants from the streets to be washed into the waterways where we swim, fish and boat, and where salmon live.

We need your help! The City of Tacoma, Citizens for a Healthy Bay and Stream Team are partnering to permanently place the “No Dumping” message beside storm drains throughout Tacoma and this year it's the First Creek Watershed getting the markers.

What:
Help keep Tacoma’s waterways clean by volunteering to glue curb markers next to storm drains with the message “No Dumping, Drains to Puget Sound”

When:
Saturday, August 21, 2010

Time:
Curb marking will begin at 9:00a.m. and will wrap-up by
12:00 p.m. Lunch to follow for volunteers.

Where:
Meet at First Creek Middle School, 1801 E. 56th St. Tacoma 98404

Why:
Did you know the water that flows down storm drains empties directly into our rivers, lakes and Puget Sound? This water is not treated, allowing any pollutants from the streets to be washed into the waterways where we swim, fish and boat, and where salmon live. The City of Tacoma, Citizens for a Healthy Bay and Stream Team are partnering to permanently place the “No Dumping” message beside storm drains throughout Tacoma.

Please pre-register: Jeanine Riss, jriss@healthybay.org

This project is sponsored by the Pierce Stream Team, City of Tacoma and Citizens for a Healthy Bay. Melissa Buckingham, Pierce Stream Team: (253) 845-2973 Email: melissab@piercecountycd.org Jeanine Riss, Citizens for a Healthy Bay: (253) 383-2429 Email: jriss@healthybay.org
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First Creek Middle School - Stormwater Markings

2010-07-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

Below is part of an article written by Kathleen Merryman of The News Tribune and it's about the wonderful partnership of First Creek Middle School and University of Washington Tacoma. The story was published in January, to read the full story click on the link further down the page.

Middle-schoolers team up with UWT students to help First Creek

First Creek has accomplished a good deal since it ditched its old T-Street Gulch moniker and retrieved its ancient Puyallup name two years ago.

The former salmon stream running parallel to Tacoma’s Portland Avenue has spawned a vibrant crime-and-blight-fighting group: First Creek Neighbors. It has shared its new name with the new First Creek Middle School. Now it’s going scientific: It is becoming a laboratory.

On Jan. 18, 10 members of the middle school’s science club will join University of Washington Tacoma students to start testing the waters and attacking the weeds in the stream-carved forest.

They’re using the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday to initiate a program involving both schools, the city of Tacoma, Washington Civilian Conservation Corps, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and Metro Parks.

Joyce Dinglasan-Panlilio, UWT assistant professor of environmental chemistry, will bring 20 students to teach the young science club members how to gather water, soil and plants. UWT students will analyze them for stormwater, heavy metals and organic contamination.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/01/09/1021885/middle-schoolers-team-up-with.html

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This August, First Creek Middle School students, community members and Citizens for a Healthy Bay will be adding curb markers to Stormwater drains throughout the First Creek Watershed. The event is scheduled for August 21st, from 9 - Noon. To register contact Melissa at (253) 845-2973 or melissab@piercecountycd.org
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First Creek News and Events

2010-07-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

News Stories

Last month, several First Creek Neighbors were interviewed for a "Crime Busters Story" that will air tonight (Thursday July 15) at 9 pm on MYQ2 (channel 10) and at 10 pm on Q13 (channel 13). It should be an interesting and positive story about a community working hard to make their neighborhood safer and a better place to live. If you miss the story tonight, it might be on the Q13 website tomorrow: http://www.q13fox.com/

Future Events

August 3rd
First Creek’s First National Night Out, Location: Green Thumb Community Garden (Wright Avenue and Portland Avenue) Time: 7-10 pm. National Night Out Against Crime is a national event dedicated to increasing crime awareness and strengthening neighborhood spirit. Why not come and meet some old/new neighbors? You and your family are invited to join us at our new community garden site (a work in progress) at Portland/Wright Ave on August 3, 2010 from 7-10pm. This is a potluck event so please bring a dish to share, if you can. You might also bring a garden chair. There will be a BBQ for grilling. The garden should be fully fenced in by that time; neighbors of all ages are invited to come. We are hoping to have police presence, games for kids, and an opportunity to personalize pickets for the community garden. Questions? Please contact Katja at 253-576-6900 or katjarimmele@hotmail.com

August 4th
Join First Creek Neighbors for "A Picnic at the Creek" Wednesday August 4th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Location: In First Creek Meadow near the 32nd St. Bridge. What you should bring? Your favorite picnic pot luck dish, water, or pop to share. A blanket or folding chair to sit on. A big smile. Enter the canyon near 29th St. behind the Emerald Queen Casino and walk a 2 block trail to 32nd St. Bridge or walk in from East Wright Street. at T Street. Provisions will be made for elderly and disabled to drive in. For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

Work Parties

July 17th
First Creek Cleanup, Saturday, July 17th, 2010 from 9:00 am to Noon.
Location: East Fairbanks Street and First Creek. Join the First Creek Neighbors for a morning of trail maintenance with a little trash pickup and invasive plant removal. It will be easy and fun work and there will be an opportunity to do some exploring of the habitat area surrounding First Creek. If you have any questions please contact Dan Fear via phone at (253) 304-2808 or email at danfear@hotmail.com.

July 17th
Green Thumb Community Garden, Saturday, July 17th, from 9:00 - 2:00. Working on the garden on Saturday @ 9 am, by then we will have fence boards, stain, paint and more planks delivered, so bring all the appropriate tools that you think we could use. Perhaps: cordless screw guns, painting clothes, brushes (we will have some delivered along with the paint), saw horses for painting on..., and a lunch (Potluck). Soon we will be having weeknight work parties. For additional information contact Paul at (253) 678-5483 or email at stuthman@yahoo.com. On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129893867033700
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First Creek Clean-up April Results

2010-05-04T17:39:00.000-07:00

The April 24th, clean-up event in First Creek was a tremendous success. More than 60 volunteers and community neighbors participated in the clean-up.

Thank you, everyone who participated in our Clean-up. You make this community a great place to live. A special thanks goes out to the Puyallup Tribe, City of Tacoma, Green Tacoma Partnership, Burns Towing, Girl Scouts AmeriCorps, World Vision, Christ Community Baptist Church, and Peace Community Center Youth Group, thank you for stepping up to help the environment and our community.

Again, thank you to everyone that helped!

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Our Next: First Creek Volunteer Work Party
Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10am to 1pm

Meet at East 34th and East R Street, Tacoma

Join neighbors and volunteers as we make 34th and First Creek better. Some Litter picking up, Ivy removal, brush removal and some painting along 34th and First Creek.
RSVP to Dan Fear, 253 304-2808.
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First Creek Clean-up and Native Planting

2010-03-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for April 24th. Our neighborhood and others on the Eastside of Tacoma are planning a major effort to clean-up our streets and open space areas to make our communities better.

Help us clean up your neighborhood!
What’s this clean up all about?
The City of Tacoma, The Puyallup Tribe and several neighborhood groups in your area are joining forces to clean up our community because clean neighborhoods are safer neighborhoods.

April 24, 2010 – 1 day only! 10 AM to 2 PM
Where you can bring your junk:
• Parking lot behind the Tribal Administration Building (behind 3009 Portland Avenue)

Who Can Participate?
Those who live in a single family home or duplex between I-5 and 38th Street between Thompson Avenue and the east City limits (bring a driver’s license or utility bill to show for proof of residence) and members of the Native American community of the Puyallup Reservation (please bring your Tribal ID).

Volunteers may be available to help you unload your items, but please be aware that you offload at your own risk. A flyer with additional information will most likely be delivered to your doorstep or you can read more about it in forthcoming issues of the Puyallup Tribal News and or Tacoma Weekly.

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Anyone interested in helping to make the lower portion of First Creek better, please join us on April 24th. We'll be meeting at First Creek and Fairbanks at 10:00 am and working until 1:00. The focus will be on removing non-native and invasive plants (mostly Ivy) in several key areas of the creek near Fairbanks. We'll also be doing some light clean-up. A variety of tasks will be available from easy to moderate so everyone can participate. Work boots required, dress for the weather, and if you have tools for removing Ivy please bring them. Some tools and gloves will be available if needed. Please join us in making First Creek, the environment and the community better, contact Dan Fear at 253 304-2808 or email him at danfear@hotmail.com if you can participate.

Good news, we just learned that 30 volunteers, teenagers to young adults will be helping us on April 24th. Thank you "World Vision" for making this happen. More on this later. Be sure to contact Dan Fear at 253 304-2808 if you're interested, we could use some crew leaders if you have experience leading.

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The Environmental Science Club at First Creek Middle School and UWT, along with the Pierce County Stream Team will be planting 275 Native Plants behind the new middle school on the same day (April 24th). From 9-10 am there will educational information on display in the lunch room of First Creek Middle School, so you can learn more about the creek and your environment. If you want to help plant plants, you should plan on joining them. They will also be removing some Ivy from trees around the school.

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Please plan on joining one of the efforts to make our neighborhood and the environment around First Creek better. More information and additional contact numbers will be added soon.
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2010 First Creek WatershedWinter & Spring Volunteer Events

2010-02-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

First Creek Watershed
Community Event and Clean-up Schedule for 2010

March 6th General Clean-up 10 to 1
Meet at Fairbanks and First Creek – Ivy Removal

March 13th Exploration, Plant and Wildlife Survey 10 to 1
Meet at East T and East Columbia Street – This event will be focusing on surveying what's in First Creek Watershed. Please contact Theresa Dusek at 253 861-3355 for additional information about this event.

April 10th General Clean-up 10 to 1
Meet at Fairbanks and First Creek – Liter Clean-up and Ivy Removal

April 24th Major Clean-up 10 to 1 City and Puyallup Tribe. This will be our biggest and the major Clean-up effort for the Spring. On this day, we'll have three main events, 1) First Creek Middle School Students along with UWT Students, will be planting Native Plants 2) We'll be cleaning up our streets and neighborhood 3) We'll be removing envasive plansts (Ivy) in the greenbelt and habitat areas. Event locations and project information posted later.

May 8th General Clean-up 10 to 1
Meet at East 34th and East R Street – Liter Clean-up and Scots Broom removal

For additional information please contact: Dan Fear
at 253 304-2808, or email him at danfear@hotmail.com
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First Creek Middle School - Marting Luther King DayCommunity Work Party

2010-01-17T13:25:00.000-08:00

Community clean-up schedule for Monday morning January 18th,
Martin Luther King Day.

The location is behind the new First Creek Middle School located off Portland Avenue near East 54th

Time: 9:30 - Noon. Look for an open gate near the Northern end of the school for parking, then walk around the back of the playfields towards the woods.

This event is being organized by First Creek Middle School and University of Washington Tacoma along with Chris Ott with the City of Tacoma. First Creek Neighbors have been asked to support this event by helping with litter and trash pickup behind the school. Please try to attend if possible.

The First Creek Students will be working with the UWT students learning to cut English Ivy from the trees and doing some water quality monitoring in the actual creek. There are only twnety-eight trees with Ivy and they are easily accessed. If you have cutting tools please bring them.

Kathleen Merryman article in the January 9th issue of TNT.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/1021885.html

Link to First Creek Middle School
http://www.tacoma.k12.wa.us/information/departments/planningconstruction/Pages/FirstCreekMiddleSchool.aspx

Please join us if possilbe.
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First Creek October Fall Colors

2009-10-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

First Creek Tours and Green Tacoma Day 2009

2009-09-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

Please join us to discover and learn about First Creek on September 26th. We will be offering tours at 11:00, 11:30 and Noon. Tours will start at Fairbanks and First Creek, located just East of Portland Avenue on the Eastside of Tacoma.

This will be an opportunity to learn about First Creek and the future plans to make this area into a community asset and Wildlife Habitat. Bring sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather conditions.

This event is in conjuntion with Green Tacoma Partnership and in celebration of Green Tacoma Day 2009.

For additional information visit the Green Tacoma Partnership.
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July First Creek Update

2009-07-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

On July 1st, we had a very well attend Picnic in First Creek, approximately 66 people showed up to enjoy the Meadow at First Creek (just below East 32nd Street bridge). The food and interest in First Creek was terrific.

The First Creek Watershed Stewardship Committee continues to meet twice a month in an effort to come up with a long range plan for the First Creek Watershed. We've had some really good speakers and have got a lot of feedback and interest from the City of Tacoma and the Puyallup Tribe.

Invasive plants are growing wild (and out of control) in First Creek. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about it at this time. The City of Tacoma is working with the Green Tacoma Partnership to come up with better ways for volunteers to work on city property, which most of First Creek is.

Our next big public event will be September 26th with a tour of First Creek!
This will be an opportunity to learn about First Creek and the future plans to make this area into a community asset and Wildlife Habitat. Tours will leave at 11:00, 11:30, Noon, and 12:30. Bring sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather conditions.

Earth Month Community Project April 4th

2009-03-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

FIRST CREEK SPRING CLEAN-UP
EARTH MONTH CELEBRATION

Saturday, April 4th - 9 to Noon
Celebration and Volunteer Lunch from Noon to 1:30

Please Join Us in Helping to Make Our Neighborhood
Cleaner and Our Environment Better

This major clean-up event centered around the care of our environment and making our neighborhood a better place to live. It’s also about starting to protect and preserving the First Creek Watershed, a major green belt just off Portland Avenue. Please join us for a three hours of picking up liter and trash, and removing Ivy. We’ll be working on and cleaning up the green belt between East 29th to East 34th (near the Emerald Queen Casino) as well as cleaning up the area at Fairbanks and First Creek.

Let’s show the City of Tacoma that we care about making our environment and the Eastside better. Organize a team/group from your network of friends, co-workers, youth or church groups and join us. Even without a team you can join us, individual always welcome. Lunch will be provided, please RSVP by April 2nd if possible or just show up on the 4th of April. Lunch served from Noon to 1:30 at Portland Avenue Community Center.

When: Saturday morning April 4th, 9 to Noon
Where: 1801 East 34th Street, Tacoma, WA 98404.
Church Parking lot at East 34th and “R” Street (off Portland AVE)
Celebration Lunch: Noon to 1:30 (Portland Avenue Community Center)

You should dress appropriate to the weather in layers, bring heavy gloves (leather recommended) and wear sturdy work boots.

To RSVP or request additional information: email: firstcreekwatershed@gmail.com or call Dan Fear at (425) 260-4991.

Website: http://firstcreekwatershed.blogspot.com/ (additional information and pictures on the website).

Please volunteer and support this community event, with your help we can make a difference.

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About First Creek
First Creek is located between Portland Avenue and Roosevelt Heights and it also runs through Salishan.The City of Tacoma, Puyallup Tribe, Tacoma Housing Authority, community and environmental groups are partnering to transform First Creek into a community asset. While we recognize we may not restore the creek to its original condition, we do believe we can preserve the area for future generations to enjoy as part of their community. We envision a clean and healthy habitat with native plants, recreational trails, and educational materials related to the creek’s historical and cultural significance.

This event is in association with the Green Tacoma Partnership, The Puyallup Tribe, The City of Tacoma, First Creek Neighbors, Tacoma Housing Authority and the Washington Native Plant Society.

First Creek - February 27th

2009-03-02T14:17:00.001-08:00

Lovely morning on First Creek and here's some proof.
Please join us for our April 4th, Spring Clean-up and Celebration, additional information in previous post.

First Creek is located between Portland Avenue and Roosevelt Heights on the Eastside of Tacoma.

The City of Tacoma, Puyallup Tribe, Tacoma Housing Authority, community and environmental groups are partnering to transform First Creek into a community asset. While we recognize we may not restore the creek to its original condition, we do believe we can preserve the area for future generations to enjoy as part of their community. We envision a clean and healthy habitat with native plants, recreational trails, and educational materials related to the creek’s historical and cultural significance.

Please plan on joining us on April 4th. 9-Noon.
Lovely Barbeque lunch for everyone helping with the clean-up.

First Creek Clean-up ResultsFebruary 14th

2009-02-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

Last week on Valentines Day, a group of 15 volunteers ventured into First Creek for our first Creek Clean-up Day. It was a perfect day for some hard work and to show community support and interest in the creek. We managed to pick-up enough trash and garbage from the creek, wetlands and the surrounding hillsides to fill a large 20 foot dumpster. Below are a few pictures of the clean-up.

The City of Tacoma has recently been been cleaning up some very large illegal dump sites along the creek. First Creek Neighbors, an Eastside community group organized this volunteer event to show support of the city efforts.

Future clean-up will be held on the second Saturday of month, from 9-Noon. Please join us and help make First Creek a community asset and a wonderful environment. We meet at East 34th and R Streets in the church parking lot.

On April 4th, (the first Saturday of April) there will be a major
First Creek Clean-up. We're looking for teams of volunteers from various organizations, schools, community and environmental groups. The Green Tacoma Partnership and the Puyallup Tribe will also be participating and supporting this event. More information on the event will be posted soon or to be contacted directly about this event email firstcreekwatershed@gmail.com.

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Puyallup Tribal Council / Resolution 120109A

2009-02-26T14:10:00.000-08:00

City of Tacoma / Resolution #12037

2009-02-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

City of Tacoma
Resolution #12037

A RESOLUTION relating to the environment and public safety and health; declaring the City’s intent to work collaboratively with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians on a stewardship plan for the cleanup of the area now being referred to as First Creek.

WHEREAS, as part of the City’s efforts to reduce crime by 50 percent and eliminate blight, City staff has worked with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians (“Puyallup Tribe”) and representatives of First Creek Neighbors and Tacoma Eastside Action Membership (“TEAM”) to undertake an ambitious cleanup of the area now being referred to as First Creek, and

WHEREAS, as of September 2008, 81 tons of debris have been removed from the First Creek area, and

WHEREAS, based on this success, staff of the City and the Puyallup Tribe have recognized the opportunity to continue the momentum that has been built around First Creek by developing a stewardship plan for the area, and

WHEREAS the planning process will consider elements, such as appropriate naming, preservation of open space, storm water management, and public safety, and

WHEREAS a stewardship plan for First Creek would, among other things, assist the City in protecting infrastructure in the area, contribute to the City’s open space planning and environmental preservation efforts, recognize the cultural significance of the area, and allow the area to contribute to the quality of life in the area, and

WHEREAS, in addition, both the World Vision and the Tacoma Housing Authority organizations have expressed an interest in participating with First Creek Neighbors, TEAM, the Puyallup Tribe, and the City, and

WHEREAS it is anticipated that additional partners that will be contacted as part of the planning effort; Now, Therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TACOMA:
That it is the intent of the City to work collaboratively with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians on a stewardship plan for the cleanup of the area now being referred to as First Creek.

Adopted and signed: November 18, 2008

Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
Approved as to form:
City Attorney

First Creek Neighborhood Clean-UpSaturday, February 14th, 9-Noon

2009-02-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

FIRST CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UP

Please join us on Saturday February 14th, 9 to Noon as we help clean up First Creek.

We will be focusing our efforts on cleaning up the lower creek wetlands and hillside just below East 34th Street. It will be fun, some hard work and it will help make the neighborhood cleaner and safer. We’ll primarily be picking up small paper and trash that the city clean-up crews did not get. Recently, the city removed 53 tons of trash from the hillsides above First Creek. And, they will be removing more this week, so let’s support their efforts and show them we care about of neighborhood.

Bring heavy gloves (leather recommended)
Wear sturdy work boots.

When: Saturday morning February 14th, 9 to Noon
Where: Church Parking lot at 34th and East “R” Street.

Please call Dan Fear, 425 260-4991, if you need additional info.

First Creek Tour - Saturday February 7th

2009-02-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

A tour of the First Creek will be held this Saturday, February 7th. Join us to learn about this historical creek/watershed and to discover its beauty. The tour will last approximately two hours, and we'll be exploring three areas of the creek. The lower wetlands between the Emerald Queen Casino and 34th, middle area near Fairbanks, and the upper creek area between Lister and First Creek Middle School.

Tour starts at 10:00 a.m. Portland Avenue Community Center and we'll leave from there. Hiking boats are recommended but not required, you might also bring gloves and a camera.

What: Tour of First Creek
When: Saturday, February 7th, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Where: Portland Avenue Community Center (3513 Portland AVE)

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Also, the First Creek Neighbors community group has scheduled a clean-up of the lower creek area for Saturday, February 14th, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The work party will meet at 34th and East "R" Street, bring your gloves and help the community to clean up this beautiful area.

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January Pictures of First Creek

2009-02-01T00:44:00.000-08:00

A beautiful morning on First Creek!

Pictures of First Creek just below East Fairbanks heading down the creek towards 34th. Taken by Dan Fear, late January 26, 2009.

Puyallup Tribal CouncilSupporting First Creek Stewardship Plan

2009-02-01T00:25:00.000-08:00

By Clare Jensen
For Tacoma Weekly
cjensen@tacomaweekly.com
Published on: January 22, 2009

Tribe and neighbors united to restore First Creek

Puyallup Tribal Council approved a resolution Jan. 12 stating that they are officially on board with work the East Side community began last year.

Local residents began to retake the area now commonly referred to as First Creek that has been plagued with trash, blight and unwanted activity for years.

The historic creek, which was the first creek geographically to link to the Puyallup River as well as a prosperous fishing site and location of former tribal village, started getting the attention of locals as neighbors became frustrated with the excessive trash and seedy behavior that coincided with it.

Last summer, the groups worked with the city of Tacoma’s “Clean and Safe Initiative” to remove approximately 80 tons of trash from the creek.

In November, Tacoma City Council approved a stewardship plan backing the community’s existing efforts to reclaim and transform the area. And now with the Puyallup Tribe formally on board as well, players feel confident that their mission is attainable.

The tribe agreed that it would work collaboratively with the city on a community stewardship plan that will clean up and assess the development of the historic area.

“It’s not that it takes an act of tribal or city council to make this stuff happen,” said Alisa O’Hanlon, government relations coordinator for the city. “This stuff is happening already (in the community) and both the governing bodies have said, ‘We’re right behind you.’”

O’Hanlon noted that the city and the tribe plan to bring forth any and all resources available to fulfill the vision for the area, which includes improving safety, reducing blight, addressing environmental concerns and creating a green space out of the creek that the East Side can be proud of.

“To know that things are happening and that both councils are fully supportive, it gives (neighbors in the area) confidence that they aren’t having to go on this journey all by themselves,” O’Hanlon said. “It’s very exciting to know that both councils… are committed to seeing this all the way through.”

To read Clare Jensen's full article visit the link below:
http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/2753/

January Meeting Minutes

2009-02-01T00:11:00.000-08:00

First Creek Stewardship Committee
Meeting 1/07/09

Present: Natalie Dam, Jane Dudley, Dan Fear, Chris Gilliand, Krystal Kyer, Edwina Margum, Lorna Mauren, Eric Meyer, Alisa O’Hanlon, Chris Ott, Laura Rodriguez, Guy Thompson, David Whited

Meeting Recap:
1. Introductions

2. 30 Second Elevator Speech
We looked over the draft that Eric prepared. Several comments were made, which Eric will incorporate into the next draft.

3. Data on First Creek:
The data Eric sent out on First Creek had incorrect borders. Eric will correct

4. City’s Stormwater Management in First Creek
Lorna presented on what the City is currently doing in relation to storm/waste water management.

5.First Clean Up
We discussed potential sites for initial quick, visible clean up of the area. We discussed some of the challenges we would face, including obtaining permits from the city.

6. Action Items – Next Meeting – First Wednesday in February
1) Benchmark other stewardship plans
2) Catalogue activities in First Creek that are already under way
3) Invite Alicia Lawver to discuss Splash Grants
4) Discuss the next clean up
a. Small, visible, doable
b. What permits required
c. April
d. Start with litter, homeless camp
e. Include Council, Homeless Camp

December Meeting Reminder

2008-12-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

First Creek Stewardship Plan

Meeting Reminder:
First Creek Stewardship Plan
Monday, December 15th, 1:00 Portland Avenue Community Center

We'll be talking about next steps and a possible clean-up in January, plus a few other things. Please join us if you're interested in this project.

First Creek - Fairbanks to Emerald Queen Casino

2008-12-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

Photographs of First Creek Watershed, between Fairbanks and Emerald Queen Casino, December 1st, 2008

Participants in First Creek Stewardship Plan

2008-12-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Draft of Participants in First Creek Stewardship Plan
From November 24th meeting at Portland Avenue Community Center.

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First Creek Community Stewardship Plan

City of Tacoma
• Environmental Services Division
Transmission Maintenance – access to sanitary and storm lines
Engineering – replacement of sanitary and storm lines
Solid Waste – disposal options (Call-to-Haul - Blightmobile)

• Public Works Department
Streets and Grounds – pavement management scores
Building and Land Use Services – permitting
GIS - mapping

• Tacoma Police Department – CPTED
• Tacoma Water Department – replacement of water mains
• Tacoma Power Department – power transmission lines
• Tacoma Fire Department – fire suppression and prevention

Puyallup Tribe of Indians
• Tribal Housing Authority
• Tribal News
• Environmental
• Natural Resources
• Water Quality
• Fisheries
• Historic Preservation
• Planning and land Use Services
• GIS

Community Partners
• First Creek Neighbors
• T.E.A.M. – Tacoma Eastside Action Membership
• Tacoma Housing Authority
• Tacoma School District
• Metro Parks Tacoma
• Green Tacoma Partnership
• TACID – Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities
• WRIA 10 – Puyallup/White River
• Puget Sound Partnership
• Washington Native Plant Society
• Tahoma Audubon Society

Tribe and neighbors united to restore First Creek

2008-12-03T07:10:00.000-08:00

By John Larson
For Puyallup Tribal News
jlarson@tacomaweekly.com
Published on: November 27, 2008

Tribe and neighbors united to restore First Creek

A name of a place can convey an image or paint a picture with words. To David Whited, the appropriate name for the stream that runs along the East Side of Tacoma and feeds into the Puyallup River is First Creek. It has been called a lot of other things – Clay Creek, Lister Gulch, ‘T’ Street Gulch – but calling it by a proper name will restore water quality as well as the neighborhood’s image as far as David Whited is concerned.

A grant writer and planner with Puyallup Tribe, David Whited is the point person for the tribal government in an ambitious, cooperative effort to restore the watershed. Some of the work has begun, with the Tribe, the city of Tacoma and neighborhood groups getting together to clear out debris and chase away criminal elements.

PHOTO BY JOHN LARSON
Martin Stoaks, right, and Guy Thompson inspect a homeless camp they found while walking along First Creek Nov. 24th

Long ago Puyallup Indians had a village along First Creek. Part of it runs on reservation land, near Emerald Queen Casino.

David Whited discussed the creek’s past, present and future during Tacoma City Council’s Environment and Public Works Committee meeting Nov. 18.

At one point this was a stream with salmon. Over many decades it was managed into a series of culverts. Along the way it acquired various names. It is Clay Creek on some maps, although David Whited said no one calls it that. Most people use various names that end with gulch.

Tacoma City Council passed a resolution Nov. 18 approving the city’s involvement in developing a stewardship plan for the watershed.

City Councilmember Rick Talbert, who represents the East Side, said the two governments have collaborated on some environmental efforts. But he sees this as moving into a deeper level of interaction. He has often called for such interaction in his seven years on the council. “I do not think we can continue to talk about having that collaboration,” he said. “We need to dig in our heels and get to work.”

To read John Larson's full article visit the link below:
http://www.puyalluptribalnews.net/article/481/

First Creek Stewardship - November Meeting Notes

2008-12-03T06:39:00.000-08:00

I called the meeting today to begin the discussion about creating the Community Stewardship Plan for the First Creek Watershed. I'm attaching the list of partners/players that we developed during that meeting. David plans to talk with his tribal representatives and hopes to persuade them to allocate funds to hire an experienced facilitator and consultant to draft the stewardship plan. He has already had a conversation with Eric Anderson (Tacoma City Manager) and will contact Alisa O'Hanlon (Tacoma Government Relations Officer) to see if the City will allocate matching funds for the hiring of the consultant/facilitator. Dan Fear volunteered to use his experience as a former program manager for the Boeing Airplane Company to lead the effort and some people in the group think he should get paid for it if he does but there simply is no money for such things at this time. Perhaps David can come up with the money when he talks to the tribe and to the City Manager.

Chris would like to meet with the group in two weeks to continue the discussion. David indicated he would be unavailable until after the new year. The group set upon Monday, December 15th at 1:00 in the Portland Avenue Community Center for the next meeting. Chris asked everyone to look online at other examples of stewardship plans to see if there is a model that we could follow or to identify specific components that should be included in the First Creek Stewardship Plan.

Attending Meeting: David Whited, Guy Thompson, Martin Stoaks, Tiffany Stoaks, Dan Fear, Jane Dudley, Edwina Magrum, John Larson (Tacoma Weekly & Puyallup Tribal News) and Chris Ott.

In the meanwhile, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Submitted by Chris Ott
Emailed 11/24/08