Kip’s Comments - April 11, 2026 — LadagePhotography.com

Ingawanis Woodland Wildflower Challenge - Dang Dog!

Between rain showers this morning I enjoyed (most of the time) a wildflower challenge at Ingawanis Woodlands. My hope was to find a half-dozen spring wildflowers and maybe a fungus. Since it was chilly, cloudy, and had rained, I was not certain if I would find much fauna to photograph..

I am happy to report that I did find plenty of wildflowers and many crimson cup fungi. The woods right now are very showy for those who slow down and look around.

Unfortunately, my wildflower challenge hike was interrupted by a dog running off-leash at Ingawanis Woodland. There are easy to read signs stating dogs are supposed to be restrained, but for some reason some folks ignore the signs. Today that unwillingness to obey the signs nearly became serious when a large black lab with a chain for a collar approached within a couple of feet of me with teeth showing. Fortunately the owner was able to call the dog back before I was forced to take action.

People need to understand that not everyone appreciates dogs running up to them - friendly or threatening. Dog owners need to recognize that some people have had bad experiences resulting in a distrust of dogs.

A secondary concern is the wildlife at Ingawanis Woodland. Dogs running loose are perceived as a threat by the wildlife resulting in unnecessary stress..

Third, apparently dogs have left Ingawanis Woodland and entered (trespassed) on neighboring property. Some neighboring landowners have signs posting no dogs allowed. I don’t blame them. Users of Ingawanis Woodland (and any public property) need to be respectful, good neighbors.

If you want to let your dog run loose, do it at your residence or at a dog park. Waverly has a very nice dog park and is only a few miles away.

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I put together a short video recorded during my hike. In the video I share wildflower images and thoughts on the dog incident. View the video at this link:

Ingawanis Woodland Wildflower Challenge - Dang Dog!

Following is a sampling of images. See more photos in the video.