CHESLEN PRESERVE: Trying to curb off-leash dogs

Kirstin Werner, the director of communications for the Natural Lands Trust (which runs the lovely ChesLen Preserve) sent me an email in response to an item I wrote a few weeks ago about a lost (and found) Yorkie at the preserve. I think it will be of interest to the many local people who walk their dogs there.

"I was relieved to hear of Stuart’s happy ending… It occurred to me, though, that Stuart must have been off-leash for his “adventure."
"Off-leash dogs at ChesLen Preserve (and all of Natural Lands Trust's 42 nature preserves) are a huge problem for us. 

"Though it may seem harmless to let one’s dog run free and play in the woods, fields, and wetlands, consider this 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. In addition, we receive numerous complaints from other visitors who don’t feel safe or whose peaceful visit to a preserve was ruined by an off-leash dog jumping up or aggressing on their own dogs.

"Over the years, we’ve tried signage, brochures, talking to visitors individually, etc. Not much has worked effectively.
"So we’ve developed a new program called Green Dogs. Green Dog members receive a custom Natural Lands Trust leash when they join and pledge to be “Nature’s Best Friend.”
"I thought I’d share this with you in case you think it might be worthy of a mention on your blog or in the paper. We want to do all we can to ensure our preserves are safe and enjoyable for everyone who visits (including our beloved four-legged friends). Thanks!"
You can find more information about the "Green Dogs" program on the natlands.org website.