Backyard Habitat Certification Program

Jeanne and David's habitat, nestled in Tigard, is proof that meaningful change doesn't require acres of land or years of effort. By swapping out a patch of lawn for a thoughtfully chosen selection of native plants and adding a few key wildlife habitat features, they earned Silver certification and sparked more than a few curious conversations with neighbors.

Out front, you'll find a well-placed assortment of native gems, including checkermallow, Oregon and broadleaf stonecrop, wild strawberry, and bigleaf lupine. Step past the vegetable garden on the side of the house and into the backyard, where you'll be greeted by the lovely sound of a running water feature and a garden peppered with natives such as vine maples, western columbine, maidenhair ferns, salal, fringecup, and more.

Great job, Jeanne and David, on bringing such lovely plants into your habitat and reaching Silver certification! We look forward to seeing you again when you're ready to move up to Gold!

Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District

City of Tigard Government

RC decided to devote a portion of his very small SE yard to habitat. After removing some lawn, he intensively planted one area with natives: red-flowering currant, Oregon grape, evergreen huckleberry, sword fern, rushes, Douglas aster, checkermallow, woodland strawberry, California poppy and native sedum. The result has already begun to appear: an increase in pollinators, birds and other wildlife.

Way to make room for nature in your immediate surroundings, RC, and congratulations on your Silver certification!

East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District

Bethany's home in the Roseway neighborhood is in the middle of a remodel, but the work done to transform the parking strip, front yard, and backyard from grass to a layered habitat for wildlife was still visible. Goldenrod dominates the parking strip and has been paired with other perennials like Douglas aster. The back/side yard is densely planted with large trees like Western hemlock, shrubs, honeysuckle and ferns. A bird house looks over the yard and was used by Black-Capped Chickadees over the last summer.

Congratulations Bethany on your Gold certification and thank you for creating space for wildlife.

East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District