![\"OLYMPUS](\"http:\/\/oldnaturalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/LongShadows1-225x300.jpg\")
The issue here is not just about dog poop. It is more about caring for our wild spaces. When we are out for a walk, are we conscience of the land and the parks we value so much?<\/i><\/p>\nThe issue here is not just about dog poop. It is more about caring for our wild spaces. When we are out for a walk, are we conscience of the land and the parks we value so much?<\/i><\/p>\n
\u00a0Dog People love our dogs and some of us enjoy the freedom of walking our dogs on frozen lakes and creeks near our homes. \u201cWho are these people<\/strong>?\u201d That was the question I was asking last Saturday, when I picked up 30 pounds of dog poop on a stretch of frozen of creek. On Sunday, I picked up another 40 pounds in the park near my house. Also, I have talked to others who have told me that Lake Minnetonka is littered with poop piles. I wonder if those dog owners treat the land around their own homes in a similar manner. What seems to be missing in my suburban neighborhood is a land-ethic: having the same care and attention for our parks and wild spaces that we have for our homes.<\/p>\n Why be concerned about dog poop?<\/span><\/p>\n The issue here is not just about dog poop. It is more about caring for our wild spaces. When we are out for a walk, are we conscience of the land and the parks we value so much? I think most Minnesotans are respectful of the land and don\u2019t want to see it degraded. But the \u201cstraight poop\u201d is: I had four bags filled with a total of 70 pounds of poop and we should not be treating the land with such disrespect.<\/p>\n Contributor Grace Sheely added the following valuable comments and ideas:<\/span> I have tried to emphasize the creek protection to those that listen.\u00a0 Most people seem to believe that the poop will degrade as fertilizer in the woods and that there is no need to pick it up.\u00a0 The frozen ground and snow suggests otherwise to me but the education component is missing.<\/p>\n As you are aware, the negative message of “not doing your share of the clean up” is not going to do any good.\u00a0 We cannot shame or blame others into submission.<\/p>\n Ideas to\u00a0 create a new mindset<\/span> The issue here is not just about dog poop. It is more about caring for our wild spaces. When we are out for a walk, are we conscience of the land and the parks we value so much? \u00a0Dog People … Continue reading \n
\n“I got 100 over pounds up in 3 hours at Purgatory Park…I felt that it was all headed for the creek last week.\u00a0 I jotted down the responses of people watching me.\u00a0 One indignant older man remarked that at least someone was picking up poop.\u00a0 2 women happily helped carry my heavy collection bundles that littered the path to the trash.\u00a0 One family with kids said that they would help if I left a bucket and a shovel\/trowel.\u00a0 I have been hand picking using plastic gloves when it is warmer and mushy.<\/p>\n
\nPoop as an Easter egg hunt?\u00a0 My water group last night felt the best solution was to make it a competition with a scale and a photo\/email posting site.\u00a0 Prizes from the community for most poop by a person or group.\u00a0 Or else plan a group event for set day and time.\u00a0 Seeing all the poop is believing.\u00a0 The quantity is amazing as you also noticed.\u00a0 I can pick-up poop at rate of 30 lbs\/ hour.\u00a0 Two hours and my arms and back are sore (good workout).”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"