Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly: Endangered Species Mural

I love all of Cottage Grove's murals because they tell the story of Cottage Grove, from Buster Keaton and Opal Whitely, to the numerous historic downtown scenes, just walking through Cottage Grove gives a sense of our history. The latest mural added to our collection -- of the Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly -- tells another part …

Garden Lake Park

I know you've seen Garden Lake Park, but have you been there? Located along the freeway between the Creswell overpass and Hobby Field (the Creswell Airport), Garden Lake Park is easily visible while driving north on I-5. I had been there once, many years ago, when we first bought our canoe. On that trip, we …

Easy Rider

Earlier this summer, we pulled our bikes out of a back corner of our garage, dusted them off, and hauled them down to Rainy Peak Bike Shop for maintenance. With the sun shining beautifully last weekend, we packed a couple PB&J sandwiches and hit the Row River Trail. My goal for this trip was a …

Signs, signs, everywhere

It's been fun this spring and summer to see all the new signs that have been appearing around Cottage Grove. As someone who loves to be outdoors, and loves learning about history and nature, I've enjoyed discovering these signs as we've been out and about.   I blogged last fall about the History Here posters …

Bloom Time

Spring is here! Everywhere I go, I see mounds of brilliant yellow daffodils and smell the sweet fragrance of Daphne. After such a drab, gray winter, I am ready for some color. Luckily, we have a number of local parks and gardens where I can easily see flowers in bloom throughout the growing season. If you …

Cabin Fever

Like most people in south Lane County this weekend, we have been lying pretty low. I read a book by fire light yesterday afternoon while our power was out (luckily it came on just in time for dinner). Staying off the roads and enjoying the warmth of the fire was fun for a while, but …

Bohemia Mountain Trail

  On top of the world.... ....that is what it feels like standing at 5,994' elevation with views from Mt. Hood to Mt. Shasta, in other words, on the top of Bohemia Mountain. You have to work a little to get there, but it is totally worth it. I enjoy the drive up Bohemia Mountain, and …

Fairview Creek Trail

When it gets hot in the valley, I know a lot of people head for the coast. Not us. Instead, we head to the mountains. On a hot summer day, I prefer to cool off by walking through the shade of towering fir trees near a babbling creek or eating a picnic lunch with my toes in a …

Stand By Me: 30th Anniversary

In June of 1985 a young film director trying to prove himself brought four unknown child actors and an entire film crew to Eugene. For seven weeks they stayed at the Hilton, first to give acting classes to the young actors, and then to film on location, an adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, “The Body.” …

cgFEAST: Building a healthy food system in Cottage Grove

Last April, on a sunny Sunday afternoon, the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Cottage Grove hosted its annual Meet My Farmer event. Vendors and participants packed the main hall promoting and discussing a wide variety of food-related activities. A woman passed out leaflets promoting a local community garden, a farmer discussed her raw milk and …