Portland State Magazine Spring 2015

SPRING 2015 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE 17 The five basic tenets for Backyard Habitat Certification 1. Eliminate invasive weeds such as morning glory, English ivy, knotweeds, Himalayan blackberry and butterfly bush. 2. Encourage native plants such as Oregon oxalis, maidenhair fern, western meadowrue, Nootka rose and tiger lily. 3. Reduce pesticides by handling insects, weeds, slugs and snails, moss, animal pests and fertilizer without chemicals. 4. Manage stormwater to keep runoff from carrying chemicals into rivers and streams. For example, convert your roof into a living “ecoroof.” 5. Steward wildlife by providing habitat for native species including hawks, owls, songbirds and important pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. Learn more about the program online at backyardhabitats.org Clockwise from upper left: Pond island of Oregon silverweed, rose checkermallow, lady fern and more, photo by Nikkie West; snowberry checkerspot, photo by Jean Tuomi; red-tailed hawk, photo by Jim Cruce; great blue heron, photo by Jim Cruce; Anna’s hummingbird family, photo by Jim Cruce.