Leashes Required Thru July 15 During Grassland Bird Nesting Season

It’s nesting season for several ground-nesting grassland birds, and we need your help to protect these vulnerable species. If you’re visiting Atherton Field and Trail Connector in West Newbury (part of Indian Hill Farm), Castle Neck River Reservation in Ipswich, Cox Reservation in Essex, Donovan Reservation in Hamilton, Hans Morris Reservation in Newbury, and Kamon Farm in Ipswich, please keep dogs leashed through July 15. This simple action helps safeguard nesting birds and gives both the wildlife and their fragile habitats the best chance to thrive.

Also, a quick reminder about dog etiquette: please pick up after your dog and carry out waste, as it contains harmful bacteria and excess nutrients that can pollute waterways, harm native plants, and spread disease. Whether bagged or not, waste left behind is unsightly, adds work for our Stewardship team, and disrupts the health of local ecosystems