Backyard Habitat Certification Criteria

• Remove 100% of tier one aggressive weeds from property

• Naturescape at least 5% of available property with native plants

• Include at least 3 out of 6 canopy levels

• Pick at least one item from each of Stormwater and Wildlife Stewardship menus

• Develop plan to reach Gold Certification (recommended)

• Meet all requirements of Silver level

• Remove 100% of tier two aggressive weeds from property

• Naturescape at least 15% of available property with native plants

• Include at least 4 of the 6 canopy levels

• Pick two items from each of Stormwater and Wildlife Stewardship menus

• Develop plan to reach Platinum Certification (recommended)

• Meet all requirements of Silver and Gold levels

• Remove 100% of tier three aggressive weeds from property

• Naturescape at least 50% of property with native plants

• Include at least 5 out of 6 canopy levels

• Pick 3 items from each of Stormwater and Wildlife Stewardship menus

• Pick one item from Education and Volunteerism menu

• Install a wildlife water feature

• Install avian nest boxes for native species

• Install bat houses

• Install Mason bee houses

• Convert outdoor cats to living indoors

• Participate in backyard Citizen Science

• Plant 3 native plants that provide food for wildlife

• Create a stormwater planter

• Plant or have a large canopy tree over impervious surface for stormwater absorption

• Plant or have a large canopy tree in other part of garden

• Install rain garden

• Disconnect downspouts (where appropriate)   

• Have grass or impervious pavement on less than 5% of property (minus house)

• Install an ecoroof

• Use integrated pest management.

• Recruit 2 neighbors

• Allow site/yard to be showcased in garden tours or Metro tour

• Volunteer for Certification Program and/or mentor other Backyard Habitat homeowners

• Attend continuing education classes

• Participate in OSU Extension Master Gardener Programs