Certification Requirements

Nature Neighbors certification criteria ensure that your habitat is resilient, diverse, and a reliable wildlife haven for many years to come.

Basic Requirements

  • Your site is within Benton County, Oregon
  • Your habitat area is at least 50 square feet (this can include garden beds and other containers)
  • You have enrolled as a Nature Neighbors site steward
  • You perform the minimum required number of actions (BELOW) for each program area (Native Plants, Invasive Plants, Soil, Water, and Wildlife)
  • You welcome program staff to your site at least twice: one for the initial visit, and again to confirm you have completed all certification requirements.
  • You submit your completed Certification Checklist via this website.

Habitat Requirements

Learn how to complete each of these actions at our Knowledge Center at right!

REMOVE INVASIVE SPECIES

The image features an orange leaf silhouette inside a circular outline.

Remove ALL of the following key invasive plants within your habitat area. Removal must be done without herbicides unless recommended by your Site Technician.

Invasives to Remove:

  • Ivy
  • Blackberry
  • Lesser Celandine
  • Italian Arum
  • Bindweed
  • Knapweed
  • Shiny Geranium
  • Herb Robert
  • Japanese Knotweed
  • Thistle
  • Oblong Spurge*
  • Garlic Mustard*

* If found, please report to us!

PLANT NATIVE SPECIES
The image depicts a stylized green leaf inside a circular outline, symbolizing nature or environmental themes.

Have at least EIGHT of these plant types. Each species may be used for only ONE category. 

Native plants must comprise at least 80% of the species in your habitat area (i.e., 8 out of 10 species are native).

Plant Categories:

  • Fruit producer
  • Nectar producer
  • Pollen producer
  • Evergreen
  • Bulbs
  • Grasses
  • Caterpillar host
  • Spring bloomer
  • Summer bloomer
  • Fall bloomer
  • Winter bloomer
  • Drought-tolerant
  • Native tree
  • Native groundcover
The image depicts a simple brown mound or pile, likely representing dirt, sand, or soil within a circular outline.
PROTECT SOIL

Complete at least THREE soil conservation actions. These actions foster micro-organisms, build soil quality, and prevent erosion.

Soil Conservation Actions:

  • Create a compost bin or pile
  • Create a vermiculture (worm) bin
  • Leave fallen leaves on the ground
  • Add mulch between plants
  • Add a log to decompose in place
  • Add cover crops to empty garden beds
CONSERVE WATER
The image features a blue droplet icon, often symbolizing water or liquid-related concepts.

Complete at least THREE water conservation actions. These actions save water, improve water quality, and increase drought resilience.

Water Conservation Actions:

  • Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses
  • Install rain barrels or other rain-capturing containers
  • Replace lawn with a drought-resistant eco-lawn or meadow
  • Install a rain garden or pond
  • Reduce watering to once per week maximum
  • Redirect downspouts into your habitat
SUPPORT WILDLIFE
The image features a stylized bird silhouette inside a circular outline, depicted in purple.

Complete at least FOUR actions to support wildlife survival and habitat.

Wildlife Support Actions:

  • Add an evergreen or thorny hedgerow
  • Leave dead stems in place until May
  • Have at least 3 vegetation layers
  • Create a rock pile
  • Install a bird, bat, bee, or butterfly house
  • Provide a year-round clean water source
  • Create a brush pile

Download and print this checklist at the link below! You'll also receive a copy in your Site Stewards Guide at your first site visit.

Nature Neighbors Certification Checklist.docx.pdf