News Release

BARK Ranger “Pawtnership” Promotes Trail Safety

News Release Date: August 31, 2020

Contact: Public Information Officer, 8286934178

The Blue Ridge Humane Society and Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site are partnering to launch a B.A.R.K. Ranger Program at Sandburg, as part of continuing shared efforts to promote dog and human safety on local trails.

B.A.R.K. Ranger is a National Park Service program and stands for Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, and Know where you can go. B.A.R.K. Ranger information is currently available at Sandburg during weekend “Pop Up” visitor center hours. Starting in September, new rescue dog parents can obtain B.A.R.K. Ranger program cards at the Blue Ridge Humane Society, as part of the rescue dog adoption process.
Upon completion of brief activities, dogs and their people are sworn in as B.A.R.K. Rangers at Sandburg and receive one Carl Sandburg Home NHS “B.A.R.K. Ranger” dog tag. Activities include taking a picture of your dog on a leash; practicing good trail manners; and hiking a trail at Sandburg. 

The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is the latest in a series of partnership efforts to promote “pawsitive” experiences on Sandburg trails. On August 12, the society launched the first of a weekly series of videos to guide pet owners through the steps and preparation for safe and fun hiking with their dogs. The videos are launched every Wednesday and feature recommendations from Crystal Tysz, CPDT-KA, the Training and Behavior Manager for the Blue Ridge Humane Society. Topics include getting ready to hike with your dog, hiking in the heat, gear, trail etiquette, and more. The series can be found at https://www.nps.gov/carl/planyourvisit/pets.htm and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF6_1ohdOLE0k23aBBXr7Sg.

B.A.R.K. Ranger information is available at Sandburg during their outdoor “Pop Up” Visitor Center Hours, which are currently Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10a -2pm, until November 1, 2020. If you are unable to come to the park during these “Pop Up” hours, or if you manage a local shelter and are interested in obtaining B.A.R.K. Ranger information, please email [e-mail].

"Carl Sandburg Home National Historic is a beautiful park nestled in the heart of our community. We are happy to help spread the message of being a B.A.R.K. Ranger and educating pet owners on the small steps they can take with each visit to keep the park pristine and beautiful for years to come," said Blue Ridge Humane Society Executive Director Angela Prodrick.

“We are grateful for this ‘paw-tnership’ with the Blue Ridge Humane Society and hope other local shelters will join us as well,” said Superintendent Polly Angelakis. “Making sure new dog parents have information on hiking safety, from day one, will help all humans and dogs have a safe and more enjoyable experience on local trails.”

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, located in Flat Rock, NC, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.  Due to Covid 19, some visitor services are limited. For park updates and all parking options visit www.nps.gov/carl. Learn more about the National Park Service B.A.R.K. Ranger program at www.nps.gov/subjects/pets/bark-rangers.htm.