Our Program
OUR PROGRAM
Working together to create climate-resilient habitats for people and wildlife.
Learn more about becoming a participant in our program and how you can transform your yard or green space into a habitat that benefits pollinators and other wildlife, and contributes to cleaner air and water for all.
Learn more About Us and how our work ties into the broader conservation work of our two parent organizations.
Our Program
What to Expect
Enroll Online
Residential properties smaller than one acre and community sites (school, business, place of worship, etc.) of any size in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Clark Counties can enroll in our program. Enroll Now
Initial Visit
After enrolling, a Habitat Technician will schedule a property walkthrough with you. During that initial visit, they’ll connect you with a variety of benefits, resources, and discounts aimed at helping you create and maintain your habitat. They’ll also leave you with a “Restoration in Progress” sign. After the visit, the technician will email a site report with their recommendations.
Habitat Creation
Once you get site-specific recommendations from the Habitat Technician, you can choose which suggestions to follow and decide if certification aligns with your goals for your site. Refer to our Certification Criteria for additional helpful frameworks. Regardless of your timeline or final goal, we’re here to support you in habitat creation!
Follow-Ups
Your Habitat Technician will check in with a phone call, answer any questions, and offer additional resources about 6-9 months after your initial visit. After that, we’ll email you every year to check on your progress and remind you of our resources. We’re here to support you in reaching your goals as quickly as possible.
Certification Visit
If reaching certification is your goal, once you’ve implemented the recommendations for one of the certification levels from your site report, let us know, and a trained volunteer will schedule a certification visit with you. Once you’re certified, you’ll receive our lovely metal yard sign! Contact Us
Online Renewal
Renewing your certification every three years is simple, free, and virtual. Renewals help us maintain a robust program by documenting ongoing positive changes in our program area. It also indicates that you’re still committed to nurturing your habitat. In return, we’ll keep providing you with benefits, resources, and discounts. Contact Us
Upgrade Visit
If, after achieving certification, you implement additional recommendations needed to reach a higher certification level, let us know, and we’ll arrange an upgrade visit with a volunteer. Contact Us
Program Benefits
All Participants
- Initial site visit and property walkthrough with a Habitat Technician
- Follow-up customized Site report
- Access to our online Resource Library to help with your yard projects
- Discounts flyer that includes 10 to 25% off native plants at 15 local retail nurseries
- “Habitat Restoration in Progress” yard sign
- Follow up phone calls and email support from Backyard Habitat staff
- One-year membership to Bird Alliance of Oregon and Columbia Land Trust
- Wholesale prices on soil and mulch from ProGro Mixes in Sherwood
- Invitation to participate in the Backyard Habitat’s Open Garden Tour
Silver
- Follow-up certification visit with program volunteer
- Backyard Habitat Certification metal yard sign
- $10 Gift Card for Backyard Bird Shop
- $5 off a plant purchase of $25 or more at One Green World
Gold
- Follow-up certification visit with program volunteer
- Backyard Habitat Certification metal yard sign
- $20 Gift Card for Backyard Bird Shop
- $5 off a plant purchase of $25 or more at One Green World
Platinum
- Follow-up certification visit with program volunteer
- Backyard Habitat Certification metal yard sign
- $30 Gift Card for Backyard Bird Shop
- $5 off a plant purchase of $25 or more at One Green World
Annual native plant discount flyer
Each fall, participants will receive a Native Plants Discount Flyer upon request. These flyers provide discounts to 15+ local retail plant nurseries. Submit your request for next year’s discount flyer HERE!
Growing Our Community
Get involved with our growing community!
We strive to create an inclusive community through our program. Find ways to connect with other nature-minded individuals, or check out some of the impactful projects we’re collaborating on with community partners.
