The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites the community to enjoy some great winter recreation opportunities at Bonneville Lock and Dam. Catch a glimpse of wildlife along the trails, take a stroll through the past at the Fort Cascades National Historic Site in North Bonneville, or meet a ranger to tour a working hydroelectric facility. Bonneville Dam offers visitor centers and underwater fish viewing on the Washington shore and at Bradford Island, on the Oregon shore.

Be aware that the elevators at the Bradford Island Visitor Center are currently out of service. Visitors may visit each floor via a stairway. If accessibility is a concern, visit the Washington Shore Visitor Center, where you can view Powerhouse 2 and watch the fish swimming through the fish ladder.

The fish ladder at the Bradford Island Visitor Center is undergoing its annual seasonal maintenance, leaving it empty until it returns to service in February. In the meantime, the Washington Shore Visitor Center provides a full fish ladder experience. Visitors also can stop by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Fish Hatchery and catch a glimpse of Herman the Sturgeon.

Visitors are urged to check weather and traffic conditions before leaving and websites for occasional closures. For more information about Bonneville Lock and Dam, call 541-374-8820 or visit http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Locations/ColumbiaRiver/Bonneville.aspx.

Soon, thousands of Clark County residents will be looking to dispose of Christmas trees. Waste Connections, Inc. will pick up trees during its regular garbage service or yard debris collection. Trees taller than 5 feet must be cut into sections no longer than 5 feet, regardless of whether they will be collected with yard debris or garbage.

Yard debris customers may put smaller trees in their carts. They also may place half of a larger tree next to the cart for no additional charge.  Yard debris customers who put out a tree and yard debris cart will be charged for an additional yard debris pickup. Customers without yard debris service can put trees next to their garbage containers and pay for an extra 32-gallon collection.

Also, the Boy Scouts of America will be collecting trees in Battle Ground, Camas, Vancouver and Washougal. Beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, scouts will pick-up trees left in front of people’s homes. The service is free, but the suggested donation is $7.

Residents can dispose of any Christmas tree for $5 or less at several locations. Click here for a list. For more information on holiday recycling, call Clark County Environmental Services at 360-397-2121 ext. 4352 or visit clark.wa.gov/environmental-services/recycling-a-to-z.

Columbia Bank is holding the first annual Warm Hearts Winter Drive, now through the end of January, to collect warm winter wear, as well as cash donations to purchase winter clothing. All donations collected at Clark County branch locations will benefit Share and other local homeless shelters. There are more than 34,000 people living on our streets on any given night in the Northwest. To learn more about the Warm Hearts Winter Drive, or to make a donation online, visit www.warmheartswinterdrive.com.