“Dogs at Boggs” drew nearly fifty attendees and their well-behaved canine pals.

The first annual dog gathering at Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest, “Dogs at Boggs”, took place on a balmy weekend earlier this month (5/4/13). Participants came on foot/paw, by bike, car, and motor trike, and from places as far as Marin County.

Co-sponsor Friends of Boggs Mountain limited the number of canine participants to a manageable thirty. However, two doggone cute latecomer additions were also warmly received.

“WOW, Mom, this is so awesome!” wags Sadie, the Norwich Terrier. (You can’t see it but she IS wagging.)

The event was kicked off by dog handler and AKC member Leslie Puppo, who demonstrated the basic “sit-stay” exercise, and provided specifics on trail etiquette to achieve friendly and positive encounters on Boggs trails shared by hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers.

Leslie Puppo discusses trail etiquette.

For instance, taking the downhill side of the trail to allow horseback riders to pass is a practice seldom known to hikers and bikers. Because a horse is a prey animal, any moving object looming above it can trigger its flight response. You and your dog (or other surrounding people and animals) certainly don’t want to be standing in the way if that happens.

Off-leash dogs in the forest can be problematic particularly for breeds with strong prey drive, herding or protective tendencies, and who are not responsive to voice control. Puppo recommends always to keep your dog on leash, and to shorten the lead when trail users are in close proximity. As for bikers who’ve literally been hounded by canines, a gentle squirt from a water bottle can befuddle the pursuer and allow a quick escape.

Before the group took off for a short hike on the Interpretive Trail, FOBM Director, event organizer and animal lover, Karen Rhoads, demonstrated the delicate technique of discarding Fido’s waste using poop bags. Amid chuckles from the audience, she also informed them of FOBM’s recently-installed poop bag dispensers in the main parking area, near the campgrounds, and horse camp.

The brief lesson on poop disposal appeared quite effective, according to Middletown High School volunteer, Carli Fauci, who owns three dogs.

“It was so funny. The dogs all got excited when they were out on the trail, and next thing you know, everyone was fumbling in their pockets for their poop bags,” she laughs.

Karen demonstrates the fine art of using a poop bag.

Keeping the trails poop-free certainly made the hike more enjoyable. The native dogwood trees were smothered in beautiful white blooms, and spring wildflowers were putting on a good show.

Following the hike and refreshments, every canine received a goodie bag and the coveted “I’m a Boggs Dog” button. Co-sponsor Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Company got high marks for the generous goodie bags: all-natural dry food samples, a bag of jerky treats, two canned specialties and coupons.

Reluctant goodbyes were exchanged, and many participants asked that Friends of Boggs Mountain host the event again next year.

“It was a lovely day and wonderful to be around such well-behaved canines and their handlers,” remarked Peggy Campbell, who looks forward to the next gathering.

Her friend, Lynne Bruner added, “The pups, Frankie, Lucy, and Roscoe, had a wonderful time and slept well that afternoon.”

Many thanks go to the dedicated volunteers who donated their time and enthusiasm, and who helped make “Dogs at Boggs” a tail-wagging, tongue-lolling, howling success!

Moby, the toy poodle, with co-passengers Carole Christe and Buzz Foote leaving Boggs on their snazzy motor trike. (Editor comment: I want!)

Click here to see more photos of the event.

A spectacular Violet-green Swallow. Used with permission ©2009 Steve Zamek

Join docents Darlene Hecomovich and Peg Landini on a fascinating bird hike on Saturday, May 11, 9am here at Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest. Identifying birds in the forest can be more challenging than backyard birding, but the rewards are great. We will be looking and listening for a variety of birds – the Violet-green Swallows and Western Bluebirds that are using nest boxes, the six species of warblers that appear in the spring, and the spectacular Black-headed Grosbeaks and Spotted Towhees. Always popular and fun to hear and see are the raucous Acorn and Pileated Woodpeckers.

Pileated Woodpecker. Photo by David Thiessen.

If you haven’t already discovered the joy of birding, now is a good time to start. Birders of all levels are welcome to observe and delight in the variety of bird life found at Boggs. There will be a limited number of binoculars available to loan for those who do not have a pair. The hike will be moderately-paced at two miles, and should take approximately two hours. Wear sturdy shoes, dress appropriately for weather conditions, bring water and enthusiasm!

Wilson’s Warbler. Courtesy of arkive.org  copyright Rolf Nussbaumer

Meet at the Boggs parking lot kiosk
promptly at 9 am. The forest entrance is located off Highway 175 just 1 1/2 miles north of Cobb Village. Turn at the blue Fire Station/Boggs Mountain Forest sign. For further information, contact Darlene at 707-928-5591 or dheco-at-me(dot]com. Hope to see you there!

Leashed, friendly dogs and their companions are welcome!

American Kennel Club member Leslie Puppo will provide 30 minutes of dog-handling tips specifically for forest visitors. Following the lesson, participants will enjoy a fun exploration of the 1.3-mile Interpretive Trail. No leaf will remail unsniffed!

Canine participants will receive the coveted “I’m a Boggs Dog” button and a bag of treats. Refreshments will be provided for humans.

This free event is sponsored by the Friends of Boggs Mountain and Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company. We are looking for more volunteers to help out with setup, wrangling, and/or cleanup so please contact us if you can help!

Reservations are required as space is limited. Please note that the organizers reserve the right to turn away any human or dog in this event for any reason.

Click here for directions to the event.

Beautiful Trillium at Boggs. Photo by Darlene Hecomovich.

The Friends of Boggs Mountain is offering a nature hike on the Interpretive Trail on Saturday, April 27 at 9 am. This is an opportunity to get some exercise, enjoy a hike, and note what is going on in the world of nature in the Forest. The Interpretive Trail has over 50 signs identifying the plants, shrubs, trees, mosses, and wildflowers encountered on the path. Every season has its special gifts, so the focus of this walk will be seeking out wildflowers as well as other signs of spring. The 1.3-mile hike will be on moderate terrain and will be led by Darlene Hecomovich.

Wear study shoes, dress appropriately for weather conditions, and bring water and enthusiasm. Meet at the parking lot kiosk promptly at 9 am. The Forest entrance is located on Highway 175 just 1½ miles north of Cobb Village. Turn at the blue State Fire Station/Boggs Mountain Forest sign. For further information phone Darlene at 707-928-5591 or email at dheco-at-me(dot)com. Come and enjoy the fun!

The upcoming “Dogs at Boggs” event scheduled on Sat. May 4th, a birding walk/talk led by Darlene Hecomovich and Peg Landini on May 11th, forest exploration hikes for young children, as well as ideas for equestrian- and cyclist-related events were discussed. We also reviewed multi-use trail brochures developed in other areas such as the “Share The Trail” brochure developed in Boulder, CO, and hope to produce one specifically for Boggs in cooperation with CAL FIRE, Bikemonkey, BHC, and other local groups. In June, FOBM members will also be attending a “Carrot Fest” sponsored by the CA State Parks, equestrian and cycling clubs in San Luis Obispo County to observe methods that promote mutual education and enjoyment of multi-use trails.

The grand opening “flush” of our new, ADA-compliant bathroom at the main parking lot is anticipated to take place on Memorial Day weekend. Other infrastructure projects in the forest are still in conceptual stage, so stay tuned.

Please don’t forget to check out our calendar to view upcoming forest events.

Enjoy your visit to Boggs – the birds and the wildflowers are in full swing!