As we ring in 2013, take a moment to think about what YOU can do to restore wildlife habitat, support the struggling pollinator population and promote a healthier watershed. The 
Restore Wildlife Habitat
Habitat loss is the leading cause of declining wildlife populations. Using native plants in your backyard can help replace some of this critical habitat. In fact, studies show that native plants may support over three times as many wildlife species compared to ornamental varieties.
Plant your garden, parking lot planters and streamsides with multiple layers – short, medium and tall plants – will provide shelter that attracts many native songbirds.
Support Pollinators
Pollinators, such as birds, bees and butterflies, are a critical link in our food systems and help sustain our quality of life. Native plants provide the foraging and nesting sites that are critical for healthy populations. When selecting native plants for your backyard, choose a variety of plants that will bloom throughout the spring and summer months.
Promote Healthy Watersheds
Plants that are native to the Pacific Northwest are generally better adapted to the long rainy winters and dry summers of our region. Planting native vegetation that is adapted to local soil conditions can reduce summer watering needs and eliminate the need for fertilizers and chemicals.
Buy Native Plants
Several Soil and Water Conservation Districts offer native plant sales. You must act fast to get your orders in, but some districts offer “day of” sale purchases.
Districts offering plant sales are:
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD)
EMSWCD holds a pre-order Native Plant Sale offering a variety of bare-root native trees, shrubs and groundcovers at just $2 or $3 each. Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pre-orders begin: Friday, January 4th
Pre-orders end: Sunday, February 3rd
Plant Pick-up Day will be Saturday, February 16th at the EMSWCD Office, 5211 N Williams Avenue, Portland.
Marion Soil and Water Conservation District
This year this the 11th Annual Native Plant Sale for the Marion SWCD.
Prices will range from $1.50 for bare root trees and shrubs to $3.00 for 3.5” pots and $8.00 for specialty shrubs and plants in gallon pots
They do not take pre-orders
• Location: Bauman Farms
• Address: 12989 Howell Prairie Road, Gervais, Oregon
• Date/Time:
• *Friday, March 8 – 10:00AM to 6:00PM
• *Saturday, March 9 – 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District
The Yamhill SWCD native plant sale pick up will be held on February 7, 8, 9, 2013 at the District office on 2200 SW 2nd St. in McMinnville.
Proceeds from their native plant sale will go toward maintenance at their Miller Woods education center and natural area.
Pre-order or purchase on site. Pre-order forms are available online and are due on February 1, 2012.
Plants may be picked up between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on February 7, 8, or 9, 2013.
Any questions about the sale call 503-472-6403 or e-mail
Across the river:
Clark Conservation District (Brush Prairie, Washington)
The Clark Conservation District also holds a native plant sale.
For more information go to the Clark CD website.
Their deadline for ordering is February 1, 2013
Pre-ordered plants will be available for pick up at the Clark CD office
on February 21, 22, and 23, 2013 between 9 am and 1 pm.
Clark Conservation District office location:
11104 NE 149th St. Bldg C-Suite 400
Brush Prairie, WA 98606