Contact:

SANDY PERRY, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
PHONE: 908-234-1225, EXT. 104
SANDY@NJCONSERVATION.ORG

A pleasant 'paws' in Hunterdon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STOCKTON, NJ – Tails were wagging last Saturday, March 15, as 30 hikers and 25 canines enjoyed New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s first-ever “Dog Days of Winter” hike through the scenic Wickecheoke Creek Preserve in Hunterdon County.

The hike started at the historic Prallsville Mills off Route 29 and followed wooded trails along the Wickecheoke Creek, where thirsty pooches stopped for a drink. Led by Marie Newell of Oldwick, project coordinator for NJCF, the hike turned into a social occasion for dog owners and canines alike. NJCF provided granola bars to the human hikers, while the Fur Majesty shop in Clinton donated gourmet biscuits for the dogs.

Joining the two-legged and four-legged hikers were Mary Jasch, author of “Best Hikes with Dogs – New Jersey,” and dog trainer Lance Casper, who offered on-the-spot dog obedience tips to owners while hiking the trails.

"It was really a pleasure hiking on NJCF’s Wickecheoke Creek Preserve,” said Jasch. “The land is as close to pristine as you can get in New Jersey, and the crowd had lots of fun. No canine snobbery here - the 25 dogs were a mixed bunch of large and small, purebreds and mixed, upper-kennel-raised and rescues. The hike was all about getting outside with your dog and sharing the morning on lovingly-cared-for land.

“New Jersey Conservation Foundation should be applauded,” added Jasch, whose book describes dozens of places where nature-loving dog owners can hike with their dogs. “They are my favorite land trust because they promote the public use of their lands, especially with man's best friend." Leashed dogs and considerate owners are permitted in NJCF-owned preserves, which are listed in Jasch’s book.

Since 1960, NJCF has been preserving land in New Jersey for the benefit of all. For more information about NJCF properties, hikes and programs, visit www.njconservation.org.

Photo caption: Enjoying a cool pause by the Wickecheoke Creek were, from left, Winnie Fatton of Flemington and Larry and Connie Deetz, also of Flemington, with their three shelties.