TCC: Wildlife habitat being destroyed, too

It’s a shame that the community gardens at Tacoma Community College are being destroyed. A whole way of life and a vital part of our community is being destroyed with them.

What has been designated as the “TCC Nature Center” is being encroached upon and essentially destroyed at the same time. I have walked the trails there daily for years and appreciate the owls, hawks, rabbits, coyotes, songbirds and raccoons. I have made friends with others and their dogs while walking the trails.

TCC is expanding its buildings into this mostly wetland area. The wildlife will disappear, and many of us will lose one of the few natural environments in Tacoma anymore. Sprawl is everywhere, but this little area has been preserved for so long to the benefit of many.

The Nature Center should be preserved along with the gardens. A former arboretum, it has fruit trees, towering firs, a pond, and a beauty and quietness one can’t find anymore in this area.

TCC should consider building “up” and not “out,” as is done in Europe so we can still have an undeveloped oasis. TCC could contribute so much to students and our community by preserving this well-loved place.

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 11:40 AM with the headline "TCC: Wildlife habitat being destroyed, too."