Tate is inspired by the great outdoors and enjoys, among other things, horse riding, rock climbing, cross-country skiing and hiking.

She also released a picture book, Grandparents' Day (Annick Press, 2004), based on a true story about her grandmother, Margareta Wallraf.

[5] Kirkus Reviews noted the book was "A solid foundation, a taproot to appreciating the incredible diversity and contribution of trees to our everyday lives.

"[6] and School Library Journal called it "...ideal for budding researchers unfamiliar with environmental issues..."[7] Her most recent Orca Footprints contribution, If a Tree Falls: The Global Impact of Deforestation, was published on October 13, 2020 and looks at forest practices throughout history, the growth of industry and the fight for preservation.

The book "objectively explores the intertwined medical, political, religious, and ethical concerns surrounding end-of-life decisions[8]", and pulls from Tate's own personal struggle with her mother's dementia and the inability to fulfil her end of life wishes.