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The South Puget Sound Wildlife Area is a 90-acre parcel of land located in the heart of Lakewood in Pierce County. The headquarters is located at 7801 Phillips Road, SW. It presently is the site for a department trout hatchery, serves as headquarters for the department's marine mammal section, and offers the public the opportunity to observe urban wildlife using restored, native habitats.
The area is currently being restored to its native oak-woodland prairie ecosystem, with associated natural, spring-fed wetland environments. Situated in the heart of Lakewood, surrounded by housing developments and business districts, this 90-acre site is a magnet for a large number of native, nongame wildlife species due to the available open space, natural springs, and improving habitat. When completed, the area will be open to the public for walking and hiking tours and public school environmental education purposes. Presently, the area is open for pre-arranged educational purposes.
This Wildlife Area is unique in that it is the only wildlife area used entirely for non-consumptive recreational and educational uses. The area has a parking lot, toilet facilities, interpretive boards, and a walking trail that is handicap accessible.
