Low tide Beach naturalists will educate participants on the animals and habitats of Titlow beach in Titlow and Park Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park. During scheduled beach walks, open to the public, naturalists will help participants connect to the awe-inspiring life in the intertidal zone. Naturalists will aid participants in beach stewardship actions, animal identification, and community science action using the iNaturalist mobile app to record the presence of marine animals.

Low Tide Beach Naturalist Descriptions

Teen Volunteers

The Teen Volunteer Leadership program takes place during the summer. Teens ages 13-18 may apply. Duties include:

• Attending a 2-day leadership training
• Participating in building and practicing leadership skills.
• Assisting nature day camp staff with one week of summer nature day camp, including assisting with games, crafts, activities and hikes at the Tacoma Nature Center’s summer nature day camps
• Create leadership goals and receive mentorship from day camp staff

All Summer 2025 Teen Volunteer positions are full. Summer of 2026 applications will be accepted beginning in March 2026.

• Spaces are limited, and interested teens may apply to be in the Teen Volunteer Leadership Program
• Teen volunteers must have permission from parent(s) or guardian(s) before volunteering.
• Some students are able to receive extra credit for school or use the experience to fulfill project requirements. It’s a great way to learn while making a difference to help our natural community.

Help maintain the trails and grounds at the Tacoma Nature Center. Tasks include trimming vegetation, planting, removing non-native species and maintaining planting beds and gardens. Picking up litter and other miscellaneous tasks also may be part of the job.

Special projects may be available based on the abilities and interests of volunteers.

All work parties are from 9 am – noon.  Register for individual dates.

Help lead tours and programs at the Tacoma Nature Center. All that is required is a love of nature and a desire to share it with others. We provide training and a manual to help you along with mentor docents eager to share what they know.

Most programs occur between 9 am and 3 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

Volunteer Naturalists may also choose to participate in Birthday Party Program presentation and Outreach presentations.

Help plan and prepare for special events, set-up or clean-up event and assist visitors during the event. Most events occur at the Tacoma Nature Center, but some take place at other Parks Tacoma sites. Events occur mainly on Saturdays, but occasional weeknight opportunities also exist. No special training or commitment required.

Elevating Youth Voice for the Natural World

The Youth Council is on pause for awhile. Stay tuned for future opportunities.

Leadership opportunity for youth ages 13-18: TNC Youth Council is a dedicated space for youth voice. YOU will choose the projects, events, and focus of TNC Youth Council. An adult facilitator will be present to guide the team.
Fill out an interest form today! TNC Youth Council Interest Form 2020
For questions email Lauren at [email protected] or call (253) 404-3930
* STEWARDSHIP * FRIENDS * LEADERSHIP * FUN * * COMMUNITY * ACTION * SOCIAL MEDIA * EDUCATION *