Mount Tabor is one of the loveliest neighborhoods in the Metro region. It is home to over 3,000 residences and one of greatest parks in the city. Our proximity to Mount Tabor makes our yards an extension of park habitat. Combined, our yards contain more than 700 acres of open space, twice the area of the park itself. The decisions we make every day about what we plant and how we control pests can have a profound impact on the health of our citizens, both human and wild.

The MTNA Yard Certification program is designed to educate citizens about ways they can make their yards better habitat for themselves and our wild neighbors, particularly birds and butterflies. Three levels of certification are available, allowing anyone to participate. Whether you prefer formal gardens, large open areas, or a native northwest landscape, there is a program to help you improve the habitat your yard provides.

To assist you with your certification, the MTNA Environmental Committee maintains references on native plants, techniques in organic gardening and naturescaping. The MTNA website has links to many other on-line resources, and knowledgeable volunteers are ready to answer your gardening questions. Please contact us at michael.schindel@mttaborpdx.org

The certification program is based on 3 simple principles;

Less is more
Fewer chemicals, fewer exotic invasive weeds and reduced summer watering requirements will make our gardens better for ourselves and the northwest. A well designed garden is not only beautiful, it requires less work to maintain!

Diversity is beneficial
The web of life is complex, and with that complexity comes resiliency. Every strand of the web we can maintain or restore improves the environment’s diversity and its ability to withstand challenges, whether manmade or natural. A garden filled with a diversity of plants, for example, is much less likely to be devastated by insects or disease. Similarly, diversity of butterfly host plants will increase the number of butterfly species that will make our yards their home.

Work with Nature, not against her
Nature has been dealing with many of the problems we face in our own gardens for thousands of years. Gardening with local native plants will improve your chances of having a beautiful garden year after year. The animals that have made this area their home for millennia will thank you as well.

We hope that these guiding principles, and the criteria we outline for certification, will be the first step in the evolution of your garden. There is much to be learned, and every year is an opportunity to improve our understanding and our gardens.

Three Categories of Certification

The “Less is More” Yard
Minimizes pesticide use (weed killers and insecticides), and when pesticides are applied the least toxic alternative is chosen. Reduces waste and use of natural resources. Avoids ammonia based fertilizers. Avoids and removes invasive plants from the yard.

The “Easy on the Earth” Yard
In addition to the requirements of the “Less is More” Yard, organic gardening principles are applied. Waste is reduced and natural resources like water and fossil fuel are conserved. Lawn area is minimized and a diverse, healthy ecosystem is promoted. Native plants are encouraged. The perfect choice for “formal” gardens.

The “Bird and Butterfly” Yard
Similar to the “Easy on the Earth” Yard, but provides more of the basic requirements for wildlife to survive and flourish. A greater emphasis is placed on native plants, supplying wildlife with adequate food, water and shelter

What are the benefits of Certification?

In addition to the satisfaction that comes from helping our wild neighbors, you will be eligible to purchase an attractive yard sign indicating your certification accomplishment, have access to the MTNA library and be able to ask questions of our knowledgeable volunteers.

How do I get certified?

Download the appropriate form above for the level of certification you are interested in. Complete the form, and arrange a visit with our volunteers by contacting us at michael.schindel @mttaborpdx.org. When your certification is approved, you will be eligible to purchase ($15) an attractive yard sign signifying your achievement. A sticker is applied to your yard sign for each level of certification for which you qualify. There is no additional charge if you attain further levels of certification.

Other gardening resources

The MTNA Environment Committee has assembled a list of resources for your use.