The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is sponsoring a series of dog walks this spring to draw attention to the pollution problems caused by pet waste in Upham Brook, an urban stream flowing through parts of Henrico County and Richmond and eventually draining into the Chesapeake Bay.

According to their release, left “unscooped” on lawns, parks, and other outdoor areas, pet waste can run off into local waterways after a rain or snowfall, sending bacteria and other pathogens into streams and making them unfit for wading or swimming.  Upham Brook, which flows through Richmond’s Bryan Park and central Henrico, is currently polluted by high levels of bacteria. By taking personal action to pick up after their pets, dog owners can make a real difference in making this Chesapeake Bay tributary stream cleaner and safer for people and pets.

Participants in the CBF dog walks will receive an informative “Scoop the Poop” brochure and a free doggie poop bag holder that attaches quickly to their dog’s leash for easy access when walking their pet.

Dog owners are invited to bring their favorite pooch for a walk with CBF on:

• March 25 in Three Lakes Park in Henrico County, 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
• April 7 in Bryan Park (Picnic Shelter 1) in Richmond, 9 am.-10 a.m.
• April 11 in Bryan Park (Picnic Shelter 1), 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
• April 18 in Cheswick Park in Henrico County, 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
• April 25 in Three Lakes Park in Henrico County, 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

For more information, contact Jess Barton at 804/780-1302 or jbarton@cbf.org.

The CBF dog walks are part of a larger community partnership campaign to reduce pollution in the Upham Brook watershed and made possible by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.