After the Holidays

Bottle Boys

After the holiday celebrations wind down, the McKenzie River Valley has a simple, meaningful way for residents to give back a dime at a time.

Each Saturday morning, the McKenzie River Bottle Boys (and Girls) gather at the Leaburg Store to sort cans and bottles donated by community members. In colder weather, sorting begins at 10 a.m., with large bins of glass, plastic and aluminum quickly filling as volunteers get to work. Every refundable dime collected goes directly back into the McKenzie community, supporting local recovery and community programs.

The Bottle Boys have become local heroes in the years since the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire, raising thousands of dollars through recycling donations. Much of the money has helped support organizations like the Upper McKenzie Community Center and McKenzie Recovery efforts, providing ongoing assistance to residents rebuilding their lives. Many of the volunteers are seniors who have turned a weekly recycling effort into a powerful symbol of community spirit.

Stop by and extend the season of giving beyond the holidays – and help rebuild the McKenzie community, “One dime at a time.”

Dog Walks

Also after the holiday season’s indulgences, the trails around Walterville Pond offer a refreshing way for people – and their dogs – to get moving while enjoying a thoughtfully restored natural area.

Once a man-made pond, the pond site has been extensively replanted and transformed into a naturalized wetland. The lowering of the water level, paired with careful replanting, allowed fish and wildlife to adjust while preserving the area’s recreational value. Native ash and Ponderosa pine trees now line the trails, along with shrubs such as willow and dogwood and a variety of wetland plants that support birds and other wildlife.

Beginning on January 8, dog owners are invited to take part in weekly “Pack Walks” at Walterville Pond, designed to promote healthy exercise and positive socialization. The structured walks will be held Thursdays at 10 a.m., starting at the east end of the pond. The group format incorporates basic training and controlled distractions to help dogs remain calm and focused while walking together. On- and off-leash exercises will be included at the west end of the pond.

For more information about the pack walks, email quickslyfox@duck.com.