Certification at the Silver, Gold, or Platinum level is awarded upon meeting the criteria below.

Silver

  • Use native plants to landscape at least 5% of available property
  • Include at least 2 of the 4 Canopy Levels*
  • Eradicate Bush Honeysuckle from at least 50% of the property and 100% of the Silver level Invasive Plants*
  • Complete 3 items from Wildlife Stewardship* (including 1 habitat garden) and 1 item from Stormwater Management*
  • Develop plan to reach Gold Certification (recommended)

Gold

  • Use native plants to landscape at least 15% of available property
  • Include at least 3 of the 4 Canopy Levels*
  • Eradicate Bush Honeysuckle from 75% of property and 100% of the Silver and Gold Levels Invasive Plants*
  • Accomplish 4 items from Wildlife Stewardship* (including 2 habitat gardens), 2 items, and 1 item from Education and Volunteerism*
  • Develop plan to reach Platinum Certification (recommended) 

Platinum

  • Use native plants to landscape at least 50% of available property
  • Include all 4 Canopy Levels*
  • Eradicate 100% of the Invasive Plants* listed for all three levels
  • Accomplish 6 items from Wildlife Stewardship* (including 3 habitat gardens), 3 items from Stormwater Management*, and 2 items from Education and Volunteerism*

This sign is available to homeowners upon certification for our cost of just $25. Hand delivery is included and the sign can be used for all three levels of certification. Once certified, you will receive details on how to complete the purchase.

*Canopy Levels

Wildflowers/grasses, shrubs, understory trees and canopy trees

*Invasive Plants

Silver Level: Beefsteak Plant, Bush Honeysuckle (at least 50% of property cleared), Garlic Mustard, Star-of-Bethlehem, Sweet Autumn Clematis, Wintercreeper (from vertical surfaces)

Gold Level: Autumn Olive, Bush Honeysuckle (at least 75% of property cleared), Burning Bush/Winged Euonymus, English Ivy, Field Bindweed, Heavenly Bamboo, Japanese Knotweed, Japanese Stiltgrass, Multiflora Rose, Oriental Bittersweet, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven

Platinum Level: Amur Maple, Asian Bamboo, Bush Honeysuckle (all cleared), Bradford/Callery Pear, Japanese Honeysuckle, Johnson Grass, Mimosa, Privets (all species), Wintercreeper (100% cleared)

*Wildlife Stewardship

  • Plant pollinator habitat with at least 6 different native wildflower, shrub or tree species that furnish nectar/pollen for pollinators or host plants for butterflies or moths
  • Plant woodland wildflower habitat with at least 6 different native wildflower species adapted to shade
  • Plant songbird habitat with at least 3 different species of native shrubs and/or trees that provide fruits for residential or migrating songbirds
  • Plant hummingbird habitat with at least 4 different species of native wildflowers, shrubs and/or trees
  • Install one bird house and monitor to keep out non-native birds (i.e. starlings, English house sparrows, etc.)
  • Install a wildlife water feature (includes a bird bath)
  • Install at least one native bee or insect “hotel”
  • Install one bat house
  • Keep cat(s) indoors and/or use an outdoor enclosure (e.g. catio)
  • Window treatments in-place to reduce window collisions by birds

*Stormwater Management

  • Eliminate all chemical pesticides & fertilizers (except for application of herbicides to eradicate invasive plants)
  • Reduce and maintain the amount of manicured turf grass and impervious surfaces (cement, asphalt, etc.) to less than 10% of property (minus the footprint of house)
  • Install at least one full size rain barrel to the guttering system and use rainwater on-site.
  • Plant or maintain at least 2 large, native trees to absorb rainwater or stabilize slopes
  • Install a rain garden or bioswale on your lot or assist with the install on another residential lot
  • Actively participate in planning or installing a large-scale rain garden or bioswale on non-residential grou
  • Install a “green ecoroof” that helps to detain or retain stormwater

*Education & Volunteerism

  • Participate in wildlife-oriented citizen science program (e.g. Project FeederWatch, stream team)
  • Recruit two other participants into the SLAS Bring Conservation Home Program
  • Property accepted into at least one native plant/wildlife garden tour (e.g. BCH, Sustainable Backyard Tour)
  • Train and volunteer to inspect and mentor others in participation in the Bring Conservation Home Program.
  • Volunteer regularly with St. Louis Audubon or a BCH partner group (e.g. Wild Ones, Shaw Nature Reserve)
  • Participate in MO/IL or St. Louis Community College Master Naturalist Program