The Canby Garden Club recently began participating with the Oregon Bottle Drop Program. BottleDrop: Oregon’s Bottle & Can Return program

"We learned about this opportunity from the folks at Friends of Gladstone Parks". said Canby Garden Club president, Katherine Leppek. "You need to be a listed 501c3 nonprofit in Oregon to participate". Leppek said they began using the "blue bags" in December. "We hand out empty bags at meetings and also offer to collect bags when they are full. Members are encouraged to bring their full bags to meetings once a month". Leppek added that while it takes a month or so to set up your account, once it's in place every full bag adds money to the club's coffers.

This month Leppek' s son, Eli, was able to bring his work supervisor on board. Now all the bottles and cans at Woodgrain Industries in Tigard are placed in blue bags. "A funny thing happened when we went to pick up our first full bags at Woodgrain", Leppek said. "The supervisor that approved the project told us he graduated from Canby High School". She added. "We are excited to join with Oregon Bottle Drop to benefit our state's environment and it is a win-win for our garden club too".

For more information Leppek added you can reach out to her at kfleppek@gmail.com

Photo attached:

Travis Simmons, Woodgrain Industries, Eli Leppek, Woodgrain Industries, Bryce Leppek, Canby Garden Club

"Everyone can do something. It may be a small thing, But small things can lead to big things. I have seen it happen in my lifetime". Article submitted by Katherine Leppek, Feb. 16, 2024

Estacada Garden Club Building Bird Feeders

Club members joined together at President Elizabeth's home to pack pine cones with peanut butter and bird seed. Our ingenious young instructor Vivian, (co-president Linda's granddaughter) demonstrated and led us through the process. Vivian is a practiced hand in her skill for neatness, though some of us less adroit members relied on paper towels to keep peanut butter from sticking to our hands.

Elizabeth put out her feeders that day and reported them consumed by the next day. I refrigerated mine and will put them out this week as the weather has chilled into the 30 - 45 F range again.

It seems a bit early, but this year we are seeing migrating birds come through our area. Robins and Juncos have appeared, and the native Jays and chickadees are always casing the vicinity for opportunities to grab an offering. I even heard geese honking overhead and a hoot owl passed through the other evening. It may be too early for nesting yet, but that season will begin as early as the weather warms and daylight lengthens. We would love to hear from other clubs or individuals participating in birdwatch activities!

Article submitted by Lynne Hatfield, Feb. 27, 2024