Producer: Vince Patton Videographers: Nick Fisher, Todd Sonflieth, Editor: Michael Bendixen Audio: Randy Layton Additional Video: Vince Patton
Portland’s Backyard Habitat program encourages homeowners to plant native species, avoid pesticides and remove invasive weeds.

Gaylen Beatty has planted a native prairie in the parking strip of her southeast Portland home to attract pollinators.
Nick Fisher / OPB
The goal is to attract more birds to usable habitat in the city.
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Song birds depend on insects to feed their young.
Recently, local scientists began testing to see if native plants really do make a difference ecologically.

Researchers collect from trees & bushes to see which plants attract the most insects.
Nick Fisher / OPB
Early results show many do attract more insects, bird food, than non-native ornamentals plants.

Backyard Habitat encourages plants that attract pollinators.
Nick Fisher / OPB
Resources and Information
Preliminary Findings Backyard Research