BRINGING DOGS TO GRNA
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Your furry companion IS allowed ON-LEASH on the Algonquin Trail and Rail Trail only. So come on out and enjoy GRNA with your furry friend!
Because of resource sensitivity and regular public programming, Grass River Natural Area does not allow dogs or other pets within the Education Zone, which includes all boardwalks. Please click here for map. (Antrim County Ordinance #1, Section 13 of 1988). This means dogs or other pets are not allowed on the Sedge Meadow Trail, Fern Trail, Woodland Trail, Chippewa Trail, or Nipissing Trail. Dogs ARE allowed on the Algonquin Trail and Rail Trail. Why do we have a Pets Policy? Grass River Natural Area is managed to protect wildlife habitat and natural features; human use onsite is also managed to protect natural resource values. GRNA is part of a larger, contiguous riparian corridor that helps preserve the biological diversity of the region and maintain habitat for a variety of wildlife species including threatened and rare species such common loons, bald eagles, osprey, goshawks and several species of reptiles and amphibians. |
Grass River Natural Area provides the residents of Antrim County a chance to connect with nature. As much as we adore your furry companions, not everyone who participates in our public programming is as comfortable running into a dog on the trail, especially young children. In addition dogs and other pets can damage sensitive wetland habitat and threaten the wildlife that GRNA works so hard to protect. Birds and other animals recognize dogs – even the friendliest ones – as predators, and their presence can inadvertently stress wildlife.
Therefore, we allow dogs on-leash outside of the education zone only. The Algonquin and Rail Trails offer beautiful walks for your dog. Just park at the old barn or at the rail trail, clip your dog in and take off!
What if I have a service dog? May I bring him/her out to GRNA?
Yes, seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are permitted. We simply ask that you bring the proper cleanup materials for their waste.
Why do I have to keep my dog on a leash?
Dog waste on Natural Area trails is objectionable to many visitors, trail users, and wildlife. Please, remove your dog's waste as a courtesy to other visitors and your watershed.
Therefore, we allow dogs on-leash outside of the education zone only. The Algonquin and Rail Trails offer beautiful walks for your dog. Just park at the old barn or at the rail trail, clip your dog in and take off!
What if I have a service dog? May I bring him/her out to GRNA?
Yes, seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are permitted. We simply ask that you bring the proper cleanup materials for their waste.
Why do I have to keep my dog on a leash?
- Public Safety - Some dogs can be aggressive with people and other dogs. They also run up to people who may not be comfortable with dogs. Grass River Natural Area has received complaints each year from people, especially children, who are afraid of dogs. Loose dogs compromise the trail experience for many people, even fellow dog walkers.
- Resource Protection - Dogs off-leash can cause disturbance to wildlife by preventing them from hunting, nesting, foraging, resting, traveling, or other activity necessary for their survival. Dogs can also disturb sensitive vegetation by trampling plants and spreading weed seeds.
Dog waste on Natural Area trails is objectionable to many visitors, trail users, and wildlife. Please, remove your dog's waste as a courtesy to other visitors and your watershed.
HUNTING POLICY
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Welcome, hunting enthusiasts. For your information:
Antrim County Ordinance Section 13, #1 of 1988 allows hunting on Grass River Natural Area property outside of the “Education Zone” during appropriate hunting seasons. The education zone includes all trails north of the Rail Trail, the Grass River Center, all boardwalks, and the dock to the River. Please be considerate of the boundaries, as we educate the public in the Education Zone year-round. If these guidelines are not followed, hunting poses a risk to the public and our staff. Please click on the picture below to see an enlarged map of the hunting zone and associated Education Zone. The areas open to hunting can be accessed by foot from the Rail Trail, Algonquin Trail, or by water outside of the Natural Area. Please be considerate of neighboring properties and the distance at which you are hunting from permanent structures along GRNA's boundary. Thank you and good luck out there! Click on the map for a larger image or click here to download the PDF of this map. |
