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.
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