We welcome dogs and their human companions at Lincoln Marsh!
Lincoln Marsh is a great place to take a walk with your dog. While we encourage people and their four-legged companions to walk on ourtrails, the Wheaton Park District has set guidelines for those visiting Lincoln Marsh with their dog. This protects the natural area, their inhabitants and visitors.

Wheaton Park District and Wheaton City Ordinances require that dogs be leashed at all times. This is important for a variety of reasons including the protection of your dog.

When your dog is off its leash, it may…
• Wander off the trails into sensitive habitat in our natural area.
• Become injured if it roams through plants that have thorns or burrs or other unseen hazards.
• Be exposed to more ticks.
• Happen upon another dog that is on a leash or wildlife that may not welcome the close encounter.

Keeping your dog leashed also protects plants, wildlife and habitat! Leashes ensure that dogs do not disrupt anarea that has recently been seeded or other native plant communities. Your leashed dog is less likely todisturb wildlife that is nesting, resting or calling LincolnMarshhome.Leashing your dog shows respect for other park district visitors.Even if you know your dog is friendly, others do not.

Picking up your pet’s waste is another important guideline. A variety of diseases can be spread from dog waste, and dog waste poses a health risk for other visitors including program participants and local wildlife. The park district provides Mutt-Mitts for patron use at both trailheads at Lincoln Marsh.

We welcome, and hope, people and their furry companionswill explore the many wonders at Lincoln Marsh Natural Area. Our only request is that you keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.

Thank you for your cooperation.