Weed introductions often alter ecosystem processes, creating a domino effect throughout the rest of the ecosystem. The weeds on our list have been identified through local ecologists and botanists as causing or could cause environmental and economic damage.

Remove all noxious weeds listed under the certification level you’re working toward. All criteria of previous levels must be met before moving forward.

Ninety percent of all insects are specialized, meaning they share an evolutionary history with native plants and rely on them to survive. Since animals directly or indirectly depend on plants for their food, the diversity of animals in a particular habitat is very closely linked to the diversity of plants in the habitat.

Tallamy, Douglas. Bringing Nature Home. Portland: Timber Press, 2007.

When certifying a site, we look for areas of one’s yard or outdoor space where the majority (50% or more) of plants in naturescaped areas are native to our specific ecoregion and 3 or more canopy layers are present throughout those naturescaped areas (as recommended in your site report). For the purposes of our program, we use the Portland Plant List (PPL) to determine whether a plant is native to our ecoregion, which is generally called the lower Willamette Valley (map). Our Naturescaping with Backyard Habitat video (4 minutes) and presentation (4 1/2 minutes) and Naturescaping with Natives Plants handout provide additional context.

The use of pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) can be very harmful to wildlife, pets and people. Planting well-chosen native plants can create wildlife habitat, conserve water and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

For Backyard certification, use Metro’s Grow Smart, Grow Safe searchable interactive directory to find the least hazardous products and practices for a productive, safe and healthy yard.

When it rains or snows in urban areas, water washes over streets, roofs and other surfaces picking up dirt, chemicals and oil along the way. Stormwater management in your yard can mimic nature by allowing runoff to soak into the ground, helping to filter out pollutants and decrease or eliminate runoff from your property.

Stormwater options are different for every property. Research the most appropriate strategies for your site before implementation.

The Portland-Vancouver region sits at an incredible ecological crossroads. The confluence of two great rivers, the Columbia and the Willamette, and is located along the Pacific Flyway for bird migration.

For example, of the approximate 500 bird species found in Oregon, 209 use the Portland-Vancouver region for some portion of their lifecycle. In addition to birds, it’s also critical to support beneficial insects and our native pollinators in our gardens.

Take things to the next level to achieve Platinum status. Become invested in the community by learning and sharing your knowledge with others.