Medfield, MA—The Trustees began an innovative one-year pilot dog-walking program at Rocky Woods to help ensure that Rocky Woods is a welcoming and safe place for all visitors, whether they come with a dog, a stroller, a picnic, or jogging shoes.
To emphasize the overall balance of many uses at this special place in nature, the name of the pilot program is "Green Dogs at Rocky Woods - Sharing the Trail".
The property is now open exclusively to dogs and dog walkers who agree to and abide by the terms of the Green Dogs program.
Among other provisions, the Green Dogs program:
- requires that all dogs and dog walkers have a GREEN DOGS PERMIT to use the property. An annual permit is available as a FREE MEMBER BENEFIT available only to family members of The Trustees of Reservations for up to two dogs (additional permits may be purchased for a fee).
- zones the property into on-leash, off-leash, and off-limits areas. These zones are clarified by new maps and new signs to inform all visitors of the new policy.
- opens Rocky Woods for Green Dogs Permit holders every day from dawn to dusk - EXCEPT Sunday afternoons from noon to dusk to allow other users to enjoy the property without dogs. (Neighboring reservation Fork Factory Brook is closed to dogs on weekends.)
- provides additional staffing on weekends and during the week to enroll and educate dog walkers about the Green Dogs program.
Enrollment in the Green Dogs program is handled at the Rocky Woods main entrance only. Weekend hours are 9-5; weekdays, to make an appointment with weekday staff call 508-785-0339. To be eligible for a permit, please bring:
- Your Trustees membership card (lost it? contact membership@ttor.org). If you're not a member yet, you can join at the same time you register for the permit.
- Each dog you're enrolling
- Each dog's UP-TO-DATE TOWN DOG LICENSE
A group of Volunteer Stewards—peer dog walkers who act as ambassadors for Green Dogs and for Rocky Woods—is an important element of the program. Brief training is available to participate; contact Becky Siebens at 781-828-5423.
The new pilot program was developed by an 11-member task force composed of 9 volunteers and 2 staff. The group included many members who enjoy dog-walking at Rocky Woods along with other activities there. The task force goal was to devise a policy to help ensure that Rocky Woods is a welcoming and safe place for all visitors to enjoy.