• Weed Watcher Workshop
• Treekeepers of Washington County programs
• Master Gardeners events
• Support WCMGA with BottleDrop Give

Weed Watcher Workshop

Wednesday, April 16, 6-7:30 pm, Tualatin SWCD Office, 7175 NE Evergreen Pkwy #400, Hillsboro, registration required, free

Join us for a Weed Watcher Workshop and learn how you can help prevent the spread of invasive species in our community. This in-person workshop will cover an intro to the Tualatin Watershed Invasive Species Team (TWIST), a deep dive into priority invasive weeds, and how you can take part in early detection efforts. Hosted by Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District. Questions! Email us at education@tualatinswcd.org.

Treekeepers of Washington County programs

We work to protect and advocate for trees in urban unincorporated Washington County. Don’t miss our upcoming events! All of them are free. Visit the Treekeepers website to learn more.

Tree Walk: Noble Woods

Saturday, April 26, 10-12 pm, exact location after registration, register here, free

Noble Woods Park represents one of the oldest and largest forested areas in the heart of Hillsboro, with majestic old trees including century-old cedars and firs. Join us for a leisurely one-mile walk on paved and soft-surface paths through open and wooded natural areas, boardwalks and bridges over Rock Creek that provide wildlife viewing opportunities.

Master Gardeners events

In cooperation with the OSU Extension Service, the Washington County Master Gardener Association (WCMGA) provides relevant, research-based education and outreach to the public about horticulture and household pests. This information promotes sustainable practices that minimize risks to human health and the environment. WCMGA sponsors a wide variety of gardening–related demonstrations, lectures, seminars and workshops in various Washington County Oregon locations. Most of our events are free and open to the public. WCMGA is a 501c3 non-profit supported by hundreds of volunteers, who work to educate the public about sustainable, affordable gardening.

Spring Cleaning in the Garden

Saturday, April 12, 10 am-noon, free and open to the public, no registration needed

This outside demonstration and hands-on workshop will include the when, what, and how of spring pruning, thinning, and transplanting. Bring your pruning shears, gloves, and dress for the weather. This is a rain or shine event.

Basics of Plant Propagation 

Saturday, April 19, 10 am- noon, WCMGA Learning Garden Gazebo at Jenkins Estate, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd, Beaverton, free in-person class, open to the public, no registration required. 

Learn how to make more of the plants you love using samples we’ll take from selected plants in our Learning Garden. During this hands-on session, you’ll make new plants and get to take them home. We’ll provide the necessary supplies, but you can bring your favorite pruners and gloves if you’d like.

Veggie Delight! Learn About Vegetables Typically Not Grown Here 

Saturday, April 26, 10 am-noon, PCC Rock Creek Campus, 17705 NW Springville Rd, Building 4, Room 103, free and open to the public, no registration needed

You can grow an assortment of vegetables that make great conversation pieces and provide you with nutritious meals! Learn about some vegetables that are typically not grown in the PNW—bottle gourd, lemongrass, taro root, black chickpeas, and more. Learn tips and tricks on how to start veggies from seed using a simple, homemade set up. Learn how to cook them and take home some recipes!

WCMGA Gardenfest plant sale

Saturday, May 3, 9 am-1 pm, PCC Rock Creek, near Building 4, 7705 NW Springville Rd.

5000+ plants expertly selected for the PNW including Oregon native plants, perennials, shrubs, vegetables, houseplants, and more for flower-filled gardens and bountiful harvests! Get garden tips and advice at the “Let’s Talk Plants!” Master Gardener™ booth and visit our Education Garden for ideas. There will be children’s activities, plus books, gifts for gardeners, tools, and more on sale! Visit this web page for more info.

Support WCMGA with BottleDrop Give

From its beginning in 1971, nonprofits have used Oregon’s Bottle Bill to raise funds and support their programs. The can-and-bottle drives of yesteryear have grown into the BottleDrop Give program, which amplifies those benevolent efforts by helping thousands of nonprofit fundraisers conveniently receive the redemption credits from their supporters.

People wishing to donate the redemption credit to the Washington County Master Gardener Association (WCMGA) can place redeemable containers in Blue Bags tagged with the group’s BottleDrop account then simply drop the bag off at BottleDrop Redemption Centers. No waiting in line necessary as the containers are machine-counted and credited into the group’s BottleDrop account. Blue Bags tagged identifying the WCMGA as the recipient are available at the OSU Extension Office, 1815 NW 169th Place, Suite 1000, Beaverton.

Oregon’s Bottle Bill is a “producer responsibility” system. The state’s beverage distributors joined together in 2009 and formed the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) in the state. The OBRC is responsible for funding and running the state-wide network of 27 full-service locations where customers can conveniently return empty containers.

Customers can also choose to drop off Green Bags to receive the redemption credit in their own accounts. The BottleDrop network produces materials for high quality domestic recycling at no expense to taxpayers. All BottleDrop Redemption Centers use automation and technology to sort and compact containers on-site, increasing operational efficiency for processing the 2 billion beverage containers returned. This mechanized material sorting process is depicted in the Journey of a Green Bag.

And while you are at it, check out the Metro Master Recycler program.