It’s hard to imagine what Wright Park looked like in 1886 when the Tacoma Land Company donated the vacant land for a public park. Its 27 logged acres were barren and muddy.
But conditions attached to the gift required that at least 300 ornamental shade trees be planted on the grounds within four years. Soon after that, experts brought in additional trees from throughout the United States and parts of Europe.
That was the start of the Wright Park arboretum, where now 138 species of trees are nurtured for educational display and public appreciation.
A number of the largest specimens are nearly as old as the park itself. Want to know which ones? Just read the newly installed signs. A recently completed tree-tagging project ties most of Wright Park’s more than 600 trees to its history. Each of about 450 trees bears a label that identifies it by its scientific and common names, its geographic origin and the year it was planted in the park.
The park’s most famous tree, nicknamed the Teddy Roosevelt oak, stands close to the W.W. Seymour Conservatory, at 316 S. G Street. The Roosevelt oak’s sign is labeled “1903.” The tree was planted in honor of President Teddy Roosevelt, who visited Tacoma that year.
Most of the signs are attached about 10 feet above ground level. Many hang facing park paths, making them more visible to walkers and runners.
Light-colored signs indicate “champion trees,” meaning those recognized for dimensions outstanding for the species or are historically significant to the park. Other signs are brown and blend unobtrusively into their surroundings.
“Just by walking around, you will get a sense of the arboretum’s diversity,” said Mark McDonough, Metro Parks’ urban forester. He catalogued each of the trees in a descriptive database before the signs were hung.
Metro Parks has a new brochure, which includes a map highlighting the champion trees. The brochures are available at the Conservatory and at www. metroparkstacoma.org/arboretum.
McDonough suggests starting at the Conservatory and walking along South G Street. “Take a look at the red oaks,” he said. “The size of them is astounding. And not just the Teddy Roosevelt.”
His other favorites include the American beeches (found throughout the park), the purple beeches along Sixth Avenue east of the park’s bowling green, and the rock elm with its deeply furrowed bark and narrow, cylindrical shape. The rock elm is also near the bowling green.
“I would encourage spending an hour or two, walking around, reading labels and stepping back to view trees as a whole,” McDonough said. Learning about trees doesn’t require special equipment. “It’s enjoyable for any park user.”
The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
While visiting Wright Park, be sure to step into the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. The historic glass conservatory, with its distinctive twelve-sided central dome, opened in 1908 and serves as a venue for exotic plant displays. Upcoming events include discussions on a variety of topics, story hour and crafts for you and the grandkids to enjoy, and guided meditations among the flowers.
Don’t miss: “Wine & Chocolate” on Friday, February 12 at 5:30pm to 7pm: – sip on wine or champagne, nibble on truffles and savory treats accompanied by live music. The Conservatory also offers a “Second Sunday Music Series” throughout the year – enjoy acoustical music among the flowers. Upcoming concerts include February 14 and March 13, both at 1pm.
The Seymour Conservatory is located at 316 South G Street in Tacoma. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. The conservatory is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4:30pm and every third Thursday until 7pm. For more information about the Conservatory, call 253-591-5330 or visit http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/conservatory/
