If you live in Echo Park -- or walk Elysian -- you've probably seen the signs. It's a party! The now-annual poop pick-up in Elysian Park. Dog owners, walkers, dogs, park lovers who just want to help keep the western trails of Elysian Park beautiful all come for a morning of stooping for poop. Of course there's talk and snacks, the satisfaction of park husbandry. After last year's pick up I could see the difference. The western trails were cleaner.

Info:

Please join us on Sunday July 15th from 8:30 to Noon. Meet us at the memorial garden, aka the watering area just east of the park entrance located at the top of Park Drive. We will provide bags, snacks and water.

Why should we pick up the poop? The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority believes:

1. Dog waste left on the trail is not only unsightly, but also extremely dangerous, transmitting disease to wildlife and people. It contains harmful parasites, bacteria, and odors that wild animal waste does not.

2. Domestic dog waste left on the trail gets washed away contaminating our storm drains, rivers, lakes, streams, beaches and oceans. This contributes to algae blooms in our waterways, which affect water quality and marine wildlife. Children play in the swash zone where fecal contamination is greatest.

3. Children or a person with a weakened immune system can get toxicaris, a disease cause by the eggs of round worms, which can lead to permanent blindness.

4. Dog waste left on the trail adds significant amounts of nitrogen to the soil, encouraging the growth of non-native plants.