Friends of the Fells’ pilot Pet Waste Station project

In a bid to tackle the persistent problem of dog waste being left by visitors in the Middlesex Fells, the nonprofit group Friends of the Fells recently installed two pilot pet waste stations on trails adjacent to Greenwood Park and Bellevue Pond. These initial locations were selected because they are highly utilized areas of the Fells with a history of dog waste litter. Dog waste is high in nutrients that can alter soil and water chemistry, and diseases can spread to both pets and wildlife through waste. The pilot Pet Waste Station project was established in partnership with the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) as part of the “Be Kind!” public awareness campaign, which shares simple, meaningful ways to protect state parks and ensure they are safe and welcoming for all, including pets.

“We know that visitors to the Fells want to do the right thing,” said Friends of the Fells Executive Director Chris Redfern. “We’re hopeful this pilot project will show that if folks are given a convenient way to take care of their dog’s business, we all can enjoy a cleaner and healthier forest.”

Since the Pet Waste Station was installed at Greenwood Park in May, Friends of the Fells staff have already noticed less dog waste on the trails in this area. Staff and volunteers will continue to monitor the impact of the waste stations by regularly collecting data on left-behind dog waste in the areas where the stations are installed. If the pilot proves successful, Friends of the Fells hopes to partner with DCR to install additional stations in high-impact areas of the Fells. For more information on the “Be Kind” campaign and pilot Pet Waste Station project, visit friendsofthefells.org.