Habitat: the natural environment of an organism.

• Habitat loss is the number one threat to wildlife today!
• Invite animals into your backyard or share your space with them by creating your own home habitat!
• Help animals and build a place you and your family will enjoy for years to come!

Are those reasons not enough to persuade you to start a Backyard Habitat?
Here are some incentive programs:

For habitats of all sizes:

The National Wildlife Federation can certify your backyard as a Wildlife Habitat. They’ll send you a special sign for your backyard.

The Natural Gardening section on Metro's website has excellent information specifically on gardening in the Portland area as well as information on workshops and tours.

For Landowners:

American Bird Conservancy is conducting a citizen science project called Project PredatorWatch to determine the extent of predation on birds at bird feeders and in people's backyards. Your help is critical in determining how many and what types of birds are killed by cats, dogs, and other predators at bird feeders.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife offers the Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management Program. It provides incentives for those who conserve or rebuild natural habitats. You can find a Landowner’s Guide and resources on their website.

The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) offers technical assistance for backyard habitats and is put on by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Animals need food	Native vs Invasive Plants	Water is essential	Shelter for protection is important

Place to raise young	Once your habit is built, maintain it with sustainable gardening	Here are some helpful websites and books on how-to build a habitat	Resourses about Habitats At Home for Teachers/Parents and Citizen Scientists	Back to Home