When it comes to dogs on trails, the Buzzards Bay Coalition asks for two things: pick up waste and always make sure to have your dog under control.

Michaella Sheridan and Leah Howard, Americorps service members for the coalition, came out to The Bogs trail in Mattapoisett to inform residents how to keep the trail safe for everyone.

Their number one rule was to make sure to pick up after your dog. Not only should dog waste be picked up so nobody steps in it, but also because it’s full of bacteria that’s harmful for both dogs and their owners. The waste is also full of nitrogen, which pollutes the water.

“We’re the Buzzards Bay Coalition,” Howard said. “We want clean waters.”

Sheridan and Howard also warned against biodegradable waste bags, which are only biodegradable in high heat compost piles, not just thrown under a tree on a trail.

"Throw your waste bags in the trash cans," Sheridan said.

The coalition doesn’t mind owners having their dogs off leash on their property, but expects dogs to be “under control” at all times. This means that owners are able to call their dog once and have it by their side “100 percent of the time,” Howard said.

It’s also important to be vigilant at all times when your dog is off its leash.

“Be visually aware of where your dog is at all times,” Howard said. “Be aware of your surroundings and know what’s going on around you.”