In August 2011 the Friends of Tryon Creek partnered with the Audubon Society and Columbia Land Trust to bring the Backyard Habitat Certification Program (BHCP) to Lake Oswego. The program, previously launched with great success in the Portland area, empowers land owners to reduce storm water runoff and the use of natural resources while simultaneously providing wildlife habitat for native species and plants.
A typical site visit finds the Friends' Backyard Habitat Site Technician Heidi Brill meeting with a property owner and discussing ways the land can be restored by removing aggressive weeds, naturescaping with native plants, employing storm water management and promoting wildlife stewardship.
On a recent March Saturday, Heidi, the Friends' Education Director Matthew Collins, Columbia Land Trust's BHCP Program Manager Gaylen Beatty, and Audubon Society's Site Technician Michelle Bickley met with Boones' Way residents to introduce them to the program. The response was enthusiastic!
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| The Friends' Matthew Collins meets with resident Andrea Hinderhof who displays her Backyard Habitat sign, indicating the certification process is underway |
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| Resident Bonnie Artmann and Columbia Land Trust's Gaylen Beatty |
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| The Friends' Heidi Brill leads a discussion on the certification process with BHCP participants |
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| Matthew Collins leads BHCP participants on a hike in Tryon Creek State Natural Area, providing information on native plants, habitat and the Tryon Creek watershed |
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| Matthew Collins and BHCP participants at Tryon Creek State Natural Area |
Once the Backyard Habitat Certification process is completed participants will achieve one of three certification levels: Silver, Gold or Platinum. And, they will have conservation and stewardship skills that enable them to protect and preserve their property in a whole new way.
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