Decreasing and eventually eliminating the use of pesticides is essential for pollinators, birds, other wildlife, and for our own health and well-being. Our program is designed to help you go chemical-free.

Grow Smart Grow Safe & other garden product hazard level guides

• Grow Smart Grow Safe – website that Backyard Habitat references in our certification criteria that helps you select methods and products that are less toxic.
• Grow Smart Grow Safe handout – handout to help you use the Grow Smart Grow Safe website.
• Xerces’ Searchable Systemic Insecticides Reference – website by the Xerces Society that lists dozens of insecticides currently registered in the U.S. that are designed to permeate plants from within.
• Common Pesticide Hazard Levels – reference guide by OSU Extension and Metro that uses red/yellow/green hazard ranking (similar to Grow Smart Grow Safe) for most common yard and garden products.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• What is Integrated Pest Management Handout – handout to help you think through “pest” solutions and how to resolve them as naturally as possible.

Healthy Lawn Care Guides & Pledges

• Natural, Pesticide-Free Lawn Care – handout by City of Gresham
• Healthy Lawn Care – booklet by Clark County
• Healthy Lawn and Garden Pledge & Pesticide-Free Zone sign – pledge Metro-area residents can take to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides in their yard and receive a pesticide-free zone ladybug sign
• Buying Bee-Safe Nursery Plants – handout by the Xerces Society.