Our yard was the second one certified under the program back before it became associated with CLT and Audubon. We border Marquam Nature Park. After eliminating our backyard of a major infestation of ivy, laurel, holly, and other weeds, I proceeded to work my way into the park, manually removing ivy from the ravine behind our house. Some neighbors got together and we managed to get most to remove ivy from their yards bordering the park. I worked with Parks and Friends of Marquam Nature Park to get an OWEB grant for the ravine area where we eventually manually removed ivy and other non-natives from about 2 acres of the ravine. This then grew to a Metro NIN grant to clear over 30 acres of the main Marquam Ravine of ivy, an amazing transformation for this park. It all started in our backyard about 25 years ago.