Dogs Permitted

Dogs permitted east of Alabama Ave.

Fox Creek Trail

Sugar Creek Trail

Sigrist Woods Trail

Recently the Board of Directors changed the long-standing "No Dogs" policy for trails on the east side of Alabama Avenue. This move was in response to many people over many years wanting to walk with their pets at the Center.

Over the years, this has been one of the most difficult issues the Center has had to contend with. Surveys of our members and the public revealed everyone to be evenly divided on the issue. Literally 51% against dogs and 49% in favor was the result of one survey done in the 1980s. The difference is statistically insignificant.

The policy was changed on an experimental basis. Should problems arise, the old rule might be reinstituted.

Dog owners should:

• Protect Their Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash. Coyotes inhabit The Wilderness Center land and are known to attack and kill dogs. Dogs may attack each other which endangers both dogs and people attempting to break up the fight.

• Protect TWC Visitors: Many people fear dogs. While your pet may be very gentle, others have no knowledge of how your dog will behave. Their fear is very real. Vicious dogs will not be tolerated at the Center.

• Protect Wildlife: Wildlife conservation is one of the primary purposes of The Wilderness Center. Free running dogs harass and sometimes kill wild animals. Keep your dog on a leash. Attacks on baby animals, ground nesting birds and other wildlife can happen so quickly that the dog owner is not aware of any problem.

• Clean Up After the Dog: Dog owners are expected to extend common courtesy to other visitors to TWC trails. Bring a plastic bag to collect and remove dog waste from the trails.

•Vicious Dogs will not be tolerated. Any dog threatening people must be removed from the Center. Animal control and or the police will be called to deal with threatening dogs and their owners.