Midpen Dog Programs Midpen offers a Volunteer trail patrol companion dog program as well as docent-led dog outings A Dog throughout the year. For more information on these programs or if you are interested in signing up, please visit Midpen’s website www.openspace.org. Owner’s Guide Enjoying your Open Space Preserves

Photo credits: front cover Wesley Pollek, inside left Amanda Louria, inside middle Sylvie Jannonshields, inside right Amanda Louria, back left Biz Eschen, Hannah Pollek, Biz Eschen, and above middle Biz Eschen.

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Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Phone: 650-691-1200 • Fax: 650-691-0485 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.openspace.org

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Revised 9-2018 The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District offers ten dog-friendly preserves. Before heading Leashes Health and Safety out to one of these with your dog, please review the Why is a leash required? Remember, a dog depends on its owner! Be aware that dogs can overheat, particularly on strenuous trails dog access guidelines. Your cooperation and com- • Protecting Wildlife — The preserves are a and warm, summer days. With no sweat glands and pliance is essential to ensure continued dog access, sanctuary for many types of wildlife, with some only panting available to disperse body heat, dogs preserve visitor safety, resource protection, and an habitats offering unique breeding grounds. Dogs are much more susceptible to heat stroke than we are. enjoyable experience for everyone using the trails. roaming freely, or simply wandering in and out Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy panting, of vegetation can disturb these creatures, for dry gums, weakness, confusion and inattention. example driving birds away from their nests. Where Can I Take my Dog? • Always carry water for your dog. No water • Coal Creek Open Space Preserve • Keeping your Dog Safe — A leash prevents a is provided. dog from accidents like getting lost, falling, or • El Sereno Open Space Preserve • Choose a hike within the limits of your possibly being injured by a fast moving bicyclist. (designated trails only) dog’s ability. It is possible that dogs can encounter wildlife such • Fremont Older Open Space Preserve • Restrict exercise in the heat of the day and hike as rattlesnakes, bobcats, or even a mountain in the shade whenever possible. • Foothills Open Space Preserve lion and behave in a way that places them in • When your hike is finished, give your dog a • La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve danger. Leashes also protect your dog from thorough once-over for ticks and other bugs. (designated trails only) other dogs. Even if your dog is friendly, it • Long Ridge Open Space Preserve doesn’t mean the other dog The following rules apply at all times: (designated trails only) it approaches will be. Dogs may become aggressive in • Visitors may have no more than three (3) dogs • Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve per person. (17.5-acre off-leash area) a surprise encounter. • Dogs are not allowed in any Midpen water • Other Users — Not all • Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve areas, including streams or ponds. (Kennedy-Limekiln area only) visitors enjoy dogs. Some • Dogs must be on a leash 6’ long or less. • St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserve people are afraid of them and can become highly Self-retracting leashes are allowed with • Thornewood Open Space Preserve a maximum extended length of 25 feet. stressed when approached • Windy Hill Open Space Preserve by a strange dog. • Do not allow dogs to harass wildlife or (designated trails only) other visitors. Dog Waste Be a responsible dog owner. Please remember Why are dogs allowed on Midpen follows a set of regulations that are strictly Please do not leave dog waste or enforced and violations of these rules may lead to some preserves and not others? a citation. If you are visiting with your dog, it is your bagged dog waste on Midpen preserves. responsibility to know and follow all regulations. Midpen is • Dog waste is not only unsightly, it can contaminate For a complete list of rules please visit the Midpen committed to storm water run-off, ending up in our reservoirs, website at www.openspace.org/dogs. providing an creeks, and other waterways. open space experience for • Dog waste releases harmful amounts of nitrogen every type of fertilizer to the soil and encourages growth of user. However invasive plants such as nettles and thistles, which the purpose of compete and outgrow native plants. the nature These preserves are very similar to what you might preserves is find in wilderness areas. There are no trash cans, to support, and it is the responsibility of visitors to pack-it-in, protect, and conserve wildlife and nature. Midpen pack-it-out for all waste. Please bag dog waste, therefore must find the balance between allowing and take it with you. Not only is it a Midpen rule, access to experience the preserves while also it also helps us protect the environment and continuing to protect these precious habitats. natural habitat.