Volunteers are needed to assist the Friends of Bear Creek Dog Park in the annual cleanup of the park on Ghouls & Stools Day, Saturday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Buckets, bags and rubber gloves will be provided, but participants will need to bring their own shovel, scoop or implement of choice.

Dogs should wear their Halloween finest, as there will be prizes for the best costumes (scariest, most original, and best matching duo).

“This is a great opportunity to volunteer at the dog park we love so much,” said Dana Nordstrom, Community Outreach Coordinator. “It will be a good day to give back a little, play with your dog, and dress up for Halloween.”

The Problem with Poop

Fall is a good time to clean up the Bear Creek Dog Park. In addition to the foul smell, and the unpleasant results of stepping in pet waste, it is also affects water quality. Pet waste contains nutrients and disease-bearing organisms. Pet waste left on trails can be carried by rain and melting show, contaminating lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and groundwater. Bear Creek is especially vulnerable because of the high volume of pets at the park. While the problem is most often attributed to dogs, the improper disposal of horse waste is also a problem.

Why Ghouls & Stools Day?

Ghouls & Stools Day is a fun way to raise awareness about the problem of excessive excrement in parks and get it cleaned up. Every year, participants collect hundreds of pounds of pet waste from the dog park. Ghouls and Stools is a partnership between El Paso County, Fountain Creek Watershed District, and Friends of Bear Creek Dog Park. It is sponsored by Republic of Paws and Heuberger Motors, Subaru—our “Partner in the Park” for both Bear Creek Dog Park and Fox Run Dog Park.

Bear Creek Dog Park is located at 21st and Rio Grande Streets, in Bear Creek Regional Park. To volunteer or to receive more information about Ghouls & Stools Day, please contact Dana Nordstrom, at (719) 520-6983 or at DanaNordstrom@elpasoco.com.