It was a chilly Monday morning, but for seventy-five Tacoma first graders, it was still the perfect day to learn about the environment.

Students from Sherman Elementary recently went on a field trip to the Port of Tacoma’s Lower Wapato Creek habitat site to plant trees and learn about the importance of Wapato Creek in salmon recovery.

Cupid’s arrow may be inspired by the mating rituals of… land snails?

Seriously. Land snails.

Animals don’t make New Year’s resolutions. Instead, they have evolved specific strategies to ensure their survival year-round. Because it’s the New Year, and because I love a good pun, let’s call these survival strategies re-ZOO-lutions.

2022 was the year of the northern migration of the species Portus biologicus (Port Biologist). Two variations of this species, Jenn and Kristin, have been found at the Port of Tacoma. Jenn can be identified by her red plumage while Kristin has brown plumage with a brightly colored cap that appears in the winter.

We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, as we continue to implement the goals of our Strategic Plan, Environmental and Clean Air Strategies and serve the Pierce County community.

We are grateful for the support of our community, and thankful for our employees, tenants and everyone who has contributed to the success of the Port. Best wishes for a safe, healthy and prosperous 2023!

At their December 15th meeting, Port of Tacoma Commissioners designated commission officer positions for the upcoming year, with Deanna Keller serving as commission president and Kristin Ang as vice president for 2023. The commission president also serves as co-chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance.

At their August 18 meeting, Port of Tacoma commissioners approved a new Workforce Development Strategic Plan that will significantly increase the Port’s workforce development investments within Pierce County starting in 2023, focusing on well-paying jobs in maritime and trades that do not require a four-year college degree.

This week’s meeting begins at noon in Room 104 of the Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road. The meeting will be streamed live on the Port’s website and archived for later viewing. Public comment may be given in-person at the meeting or sent by email to: comment@portoftacoma.com.

The Port has given three creek systems an extreme makeover and the fish are pretty stoked about their new digs.