South Coast Botanic Garden Dog Walking Days By Steve Tabor
South Coast Botanic Garden Dog Walking Days
By Steve Tabor
Does your dog ever look at you wondering, “When are we going to change up our walking routine?” Or when you look in their eyes, do you see them wondering “Is this the only place that we can walk? Can’t we go somewhere I can have some different scents to sniff?” That’s exactly what led the South Coast Botanic Garden (Garden) staff to create their Dog Walking Hours program.
According to the Garden’s Chief Executive Officer Adrienne Nakashima, “We heard from many of our Members and people in the community that they were starting to get bored with their regular routes that they would take to walk with their dogs. We would receive comments about how great it would be to bring their dogs here for a new experience and better scenery. We couldn’t agree more! We really have our community to thank for inspiring such a great idea!”
Currently, Dog Walking Hours are the only time visitors can bring their canine companions to the Garden. Nakashima says, “By designating these days, we are able to prepare our staff, volunteers and the facility to welcome dogs. It also allows other guests who may not want to come when there are dogs to know what those days and times are ahead of time. Overall, we want all of our guests, human and animal, to have a wonderful experience at the Garden!”
During Dog Walking Hours, water stations are positioned throughout the Garden for humans as well as their four-legged friends. The Garden also provides complimentary dog waste bags and hand sanitizer. Nakashima indicates, “Currently, we don’t have other activities planned, much like we did when we launched our Dog Day. COVID guidelines have prevented us from bringing back those special activities for now. But, there’s no lack of things to see as one explores our 87 acres. Bonding with your dog and with nature, what could be better?”
Canine visitors are welcome to roam all public areas with the exception of the Bohannon Rose Garden and Koi Pond area.
Since the Garden is a County of Los Angeles facility, human and canine visitors must follow the Municipal Codes related to Los Angeles County Dog Parks. Those rules can be found on the Garden’s website as well as at www.laparks.org/dogparks. In addition, the Garden asks visitors to comply with the Code of Conduct to insure this is a safe and enjoyable experience for every visitor.
Dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times while onsite (onsite includes parking lot). Guests with dogs unattended or off-leash will be asked to leave the Garden immediately.
Keep 6’ apart from other humans AND dogs! This is for everyone’s safety.
All dogs must be socialized and have updated vaccinations and registrations.
For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, stay on established paved and dirt paths, routes and trails. This protects all life forms (plants and animals)!
By participating in Dog Walking Hours, owners take full responsibility for their dog’s/dogs’ behavior.
Please leave the Garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog. Waste bags are available throughout the Garden.
As a County of Los Angeles facility, South Coast Botanic Garden follows Municipal Code as it applies to dog parks: https://www.laparks.org/dogparks
Additionally, the Garden has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure a safe environment for every two legged and four-legged visitor. The safety protocols include, but are not limited to:
· Social distancing (minimum of 6 ft between dogs and owners and garden visitors).
· Cloth facial covering are required for all guests and employees on the premises.
· Limited seating is available for guest, but social distancing is encouraged.
· Reduced occupancy to support social distancing.
The remaining Dog Walking Hours will be conducted on the third Sunday of each month from March to May. These dates are March 21st, April 18th, and May 16th. Currently, there are no other dates designated for Dog Walking Hours but, Nakashima indicates, “We are here to serve the community, and we are listening to the many owners who are asking us to offer more dog walking days and times! We’ve increased these special hours to once a month because of their popularity, and it’s always possible that we’ll add more in the future.”
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, advanced reservations are required for entry and can be made online at www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org. For non-members ticket prices are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors and $5 for children. Garden members are free. Canine ticket prices are $5 for members and non-members.
The Garden’s daily hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, the last admission is 4:30 p.m. During “Dog Walking Hours”, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. is reserved for non-canine visitors only and are welcome stay in the Garden when canines are admitted beginning at 9:00 a.m.
The Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
For further information about the Dog Walking Hours program or additional information about the Garden visit www.southcoastgarden.org.
Steve Tabor Bio
This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.
Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.