Why can't I walk my dog on Conservancy preserves?

We love dogs, but there are many reasons they don't belong in a natural area.

  • They harass wildlife. Even well-behaved dogs can stress wild animals by their very presence.
  • They endanger ground-dwelling animals.  Even if there is no direct contact between your dog and ground-dwellers, the scent trails they leave while exploring can lead other predators to holes and nests.
  • They don’t observe the Leave No Trace Ethic.  Dog droppings carry microbes that can foul local water sources and leave excess nutrients in the soil, altering native plant communities.
  • A romp in the wild can lead to hours of work for you.  Ticks, burrs, and prickly seeds collect in dogs’ fur and ears and if not promptly removed can lead to illness and injury.
  • They frighten human visitors.