By Dawn Pearson
Any dog owner knows a walk equals a wagging tail. But the benefits go beyond that starting Sept. 1 in Zionsville when Tails on the Trails returns.
The Zionsville Parks Dept.’s annual program runs from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 and is a great opportunity for dog owners and their canines to get some exercise and socialization.
Participants must complete six walks on Zionsville trails and submit a completed walk form for a chance to win a weekly wag bag drawing. The parks department would like participants to share their experiences and photos on social media #tailsonthetrails.
Mindy Murdock, park naturalist and Zionsville Nature Center manager, is coordinating the event and will participate with her dog.
“I see a lot of people walking their dogs in the Zionsville parks, and everyone has that familiar park they walk in,” Murdock said. “This is a way to encourage our community to get outside, enjoy nature in autumn and explore new parks. Perhaps they’ll find one that will become their new favorite.”
Schedules, registration forms and completed walk forms can be found on the Town of Zionsville website at zionsville-in.gov or its Facebook page.
The program is also promoting the Yellow Dog Project. If a dog has a yellow ribbon on its collar or leash, it indicates those dogs may need some space for multiple reasons.
Group walks
Eight Tails on the Trails group walks are scheduled. They are:
- 6 p.m. Sept. 1, Elm Street Green
- 10 a.m. Sept. 16, Big-4 Rail Trail North
- 6 p.m. Sept. 21, Turkey Foot Park
- 10 a.m. Sept. 30, Creekside Nature Park
- 10 a.m. Oct. 7, Mulberry Fields
- 6 p.m. Oct. 12, Big-4 Rail Trail South
- 10 a.m. Oct. 21, Starkey Nature Park
- 6 p.m. Oct. 27, Zion Nature Sanctuary
