Discriminatory, and unfairly hostile male staff.

We visited Easter Sunday morning with the intent of making a meaningful donation, but was unfortunately met with so much hostility and discrimination from the male staff on duty that we will be looking for another preserve to donate to.

As frequent hikers and nature preserve visitors, we know that pets are not allowed in conservancies for good reason, but I do have a US trained and certified service dog (NOT emotional support) for a valid, personal reason.

The male staff - without understanding that my dog was a service animal - came shouting at me and my husband using a rude and accusatory tone - despite our patiently answering all his questions and willingness to show proof for the service animal:

The staff aggressively asked in front of other guests why we didn’t read the signs (that pets were not allowed on premise). When we said my dog was a service animal, he didn’t believe us and said “that is an emotional support animal” and that we needed to show a “service animal tag/vest“ - this isn’t actually required by the Disability Act. We do have a vest and ID tag but just did not bring with us that morning, knowing they’re not required by the Disability Act as evidence.

When we offered to show him the service animal letter and certification - which ARE the only forms of proof needed to comply with the Disability Act - the staff refused to see the letter and continued to angrily dismiss us for “not having a vest”, saying “you better have it with you next time”, and tried to take down our car license number in an intimidating manner.

We visited and answered the staff’s questions in complete good faith and respect for the wildlife. Our small service dog is well trained, and was very quiet in my arms throughout the visit to the Conservancy.

We are so disappointed to be met with such unwarranted and unfair aggression (on Easter Sunday) at a place that was supposed to welcome a positive and serene experience, according to previous reviews.