dog rules

We love our four-legged visitors, and we have a few simple rules to keep other visitors and wildlife safe and happy.

several people with dogs on leashes walking down a grassy path through a meadow with fall-colored trees in the background and a blue sky

we love dogs!

And we love that they encourage us to get outdoors. That’s why we allow dogs at all of our nature preserves, and why many of our staff members bring their own pups to the office.

We have a few simple—but firm—rules in place to keep other visitors (both two-legged and four-legged) and wildlife safe and happy.

We appreciate your cooperation. Violators may be asked to leave.

a leashed dog on a woodland trail looking inquisitively at the camera

rules (no exceptions… seriously, we mean it)

Pets are permitted at most of our nature preserves but must be leashed at all times to keep people, other pets, and wildlife safe. Violators may be asked to leave the preserve.

Here are some important reasons to leash your dog:

your pet’s safety
Ticks are abundant in meadows and woods throughout the region. If your dog wanders off the trail, he could be exposed to Lyme disease. No matter how well-behaved your pet, excitement can get the better of him.

other visitors
Even though she’s wonderful, other visitors may not want to get to know your dog. The preserve is here for everyone to enjoy. Some visitors may not feel welcome if they are concerned about being approached by an off-leash dog.

wildlife
Though it may seem harmless to let your dog run free and play in the woods, fields, and wetlands, try looking at it from a bluebird’s point of view. An unleashed dog can disturb feeding, mating, nesting, and rearing young—not just for bluebirds but for many other wildlife species as well.

did you know?
Studies have shown that the presence of dogs in woodland areas reduced bird abundance by more than 40 percent. Even if your dog is well behaved, from a bird’s perspective, he is a threat and can prevent birds from nesting.

Not only does dog poop smell and look unsightly along the trail, it is a health hazard. It also increases the nitrogen in the soil making it harder for native plants to survive.

Please pack a pick-up bag, clean up after your dog, and take the bagged waste with you. Don’t leave it behind for our already-busy staff to pick up.

Please note that dogs and other pets are prohibited at Stoneleigh: a natural garden.

Service animals providing assistance for visitors with disabilities are welcome.

Service animals providing assistance for visitors with disabilities are welcome at all properties.