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An informational flyer titled "Varieties, Cultivars, and Hybrids" from the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. It defines these terms and includes images of Ponderosa pine trees. The flyer explains the differences and provides examples of native and cultivated varieties.

Varieties, Cultivars, and Hybrids

By Susie Peterson / May 20, 2024

When shopping for native plants, you may notice variations on how plants are named. What do these variations mean and which ones are best for supporting wildlife? Here are a…

An infographic explaining Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with four steps. Prevention involves maintaining the lawn. Set thresholds means deciding when to act. Monitor entails keeping an eye on pest levels. Control involves using methods if necessary. OakTree Landscaping logo at the bottom.

Integrated Pest Management

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a multi-step pest control approach that aims to reduce pests while minimizing the use of pesticides. It involves identifying potential pests and implementing plans to…

A graphic with a blue background featuring black silhouettes of tree branches and a cat. The center of the image has a black bar with the white text "Take the Pledge!.

Cats Safe At Home

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

Every cat deserves a safe home where they are loved, cared for, and kept free from hazards, yet tens of thousands of stray and feral cats roam our urban landscape,…

Backyard Habitat’s Certification Criteria Document

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

Visit the Certification Criteria page on our website or this PDF document, which details the same information.

Text reads "Native Plants" overlaid with an image of plants, a butterfly, and a ladybug. Below the text is an illustration of purple flowers and more ladybugs with accompanying text about the benefits of using native plants in landscaping to control erosion.

BES’ Willamette Valley Native Plants Poster

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

Naturescape for clean rivers and for wildlife habitat! Native plants are adapted to the climate and are naturally resistant to native pests and diseases. They require less water and need…

A dense growth of green plants covers a forested area. A large sign with a green background and yellow border in the foreground reads, "Invasive Plants." Below it, a yellow bar with black text reads, "Help Stop.

BES’ Help Stop Invasive Plants Poster

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

Plants that are not native to our area reproduce rapidly and can spread quickly from yards and roadsides into parks and natural areas. Once there, they can inhibit the establishment…

A hummingbird hovers near pink flowers on a banner that reads, "Native plants for Willamette Valley yards. Good for wildlife. Good for gardens. Metro. From Metro and local partners.

Metro’s Native Plants for Willamette Valley Yards Booklet

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

The native plants for Willamette Valley yards booklet includes 140 plants primarily native to the Portland metropolitan area. The guide offers detailed information on sun and moisture requirements, wildlife benefits,…

A "Lights Out Oregon" graphic promoting energy saving, bird conservation, and star visibility features text that reads: "Save Energy. Save Birds. See Stars." The image includes a logo for Bird Alliance of Oregon and silhouettes of birds against a starry night sky.

Take the Pledge to Go Lights Out

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Lights Out program helps reduce the impacts of light pollution on birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, plants, and humans. It also saves energy and money, reduces…

A brochure titled "Living with Urban Wildlife" from the Bird Alliance of Oregon. It includes sections on "Lights Out Portland" and "Birds & Windows," with an image of a bird that has collided with a window, and contact information for the organization.

Tips for Reducing Birds Window Strikes

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

Article by Bird Alliance of Oregon

A flyer titled "Welcome!" from Columbia Land Trust and Bird Alliance of Oregon regarding the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. It details the program’s steps and benefits, and includes the organizations’ logos, contact information, and a "Resources" section with additional links.

Backyard Habitat’s Welcome Letter

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

On behalf of our two organizations, Columbia Land Trust and Bird Alliance of Oregon, Backyard Habitat wants to thank you for joining the thousands of other yards and greenspaces in…

A flyer from the Bird Alliance of Oregon. It lists their work efforts including protecting wildlife, educating about nature, rehabilitating wildlife, and stewarding wildlife sanctuaries. The address and other contact information are at the bottom.

Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Welcome Letter

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

Bird Alliance of Oregon co-manages the Backyard Habitat Program. Bird Alliance inspires and connects all people to nature through a variety of programs that are grounded in science and learning.…

A flyer for the Backyard Habitat Certification Program by Columbia Land Trust. It features a group photo, pictures of plants and flowers, and text welcoming participants and providing details about the program's goal to restore native Northwest habitats. The Columbia Land Trust logo is at the bottom.

Columbia Land Trust’s Welcome Letter

By Mariah Jiang / March 8, 2024

Columbia Land Trust co-manages the Backyard Habitat Program as part of a broad effort to conserve and restore land throughout the Columbia River Region. For more ways to engage with…

A guide titled "Naturescaping with Native Plants" features information on benefits of native plants, such as low maintenance and supporting local wildlife. Includes a U.S. map of ecoregions and a diagram depicting various native plant canopy layers.

Naturescaping with Native Plants 

By Mariah Jiang / October 21, 2023

Handout by the BHCP.

A backyard featuring a naturescaping habitat. The area includes a few trees, various plants, and shrubs, with a wooden fence in the background. Sunlight is filtering through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Naturescaping with the Backyard Habitat Program Video Presentation

By Mariah Jiang / October 21, 2023

Recorded presentation (4 1/2 minutes) explaining naturescaping in the context of the program.

A form titled "Hoja de registro de plantas nativas" from the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. It includes sections for plant species, number of plants, and vegetation levels. The form provides instructions in Spanish, and there is a logo at the top left corner.

Hoja De Seguimiento De Plantas Nativas

By Dennis Vieira / October 21, 2023

Un documento descargable que le permite llevar la cuenta de las plantas nativas que ha agregado a su jardín.

A tracking sheet titled "Native Plants Tracking Sheet" from the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. It includes a section for entering plant species, the number of plants, and canopy layers. Text at the top explains the purpose and importance of tracking the plants.

Native Plants Tracking Sheet (in English)

By Mariah Jiang / October 21, 2023

Tracking sheet to use to keep track of how many native plants you add to your yard

A screenshot of a website, www.GrowSmartGrowSafe.org, showing a section on pests and weeds control. The zoomed-in segment highlights the navigation menu with tabs for "Pests," "Good Bugs," "Resources," and "Glossary." Results of a search are displayed on the right.

Grow Smart Grow Safe handout 

By Mariah Jiang / October 21, 2023

Handout to help you use the Grow Smart Grow Safe website.