Oregon Field Guide

Backyard Habitat

By Vince Patton (OPB)
Jan. 28, 2016 6:03 p.m.
Producer: Vince Patton   Videographers: Nick Fisher, Todd Sonflieth,    Editor: Michael Bendixen  Audio: Randy Layton   Additional Video: Vince Patton  
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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.

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.

Song birds depend on insects to feed their young.

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.

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.

Backyard Habitat encourages plants that attract pollinators.

Nick Fisher / OPB


Resources and Information

Backyard Habitat

Grow Smart Grow Safe


Preliminary Findings Backyard Research


THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: