Dog Leashes Required Through July 15 at Grassland Bird Nesting Properties

It’s nesting season for several ground-nesting grassland birds, including bobolinks, grasshopper sparrows, and eastern meadowlarks, and we need your help to protect these vulnerable species. If you’re visiting Pike’s Bridge Road (West Newbury), Castle Neck River Reservation (Ipswich), Cox Reservation (Essex), Donovan Reservation (Hamilton), Hans Morris Reservation (Newbury), or Kamon Farm (Ipswich), please keep dogs leashed through July 15. Signage has been posted on these properties. This simple action helps safeguard nesting birds and gives both wildlife and their fragile habitats the space they need to thrive.

Also, a friendly reminder about dog etiquette: please pick up after your furry friend when visiting our properties and dispose of waste properly. Dog waste contains harmful bacteria and excess nutrients that can pollute waterways, harm native plants, and spread disease. Whether bagged or not, any waste left behind is unsightly, creates additional work for our Stewardship team, and disrupts the health of local ecosystems.