Recreate Responsibly: COVID-19 Information

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives and caused a great deal of uncertainty, including how we get outdoors. This new set of guidelines will help us protect ourselves, others, and places we love when we adventure outside. Whether you are hiking,  paddling, or riding (a horse, mountain bike, or an ORV), these seven tips offer advice on how to #RecreateResponsibly during this public health crisis:

1. Know Before you Go – Check the status of the place you want to visit. If it is closed, don’t go. If it’s crowded, have a back up plan.
2. Plan Ahead – Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack lunch, and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and a face covering.
3. Explore Locally – Limit long-distance travel and make use of local parks, trails, and public spaces. Be mindful of your impact on the communities you visit.
4. Practice Physical Distancing – Keep your group size small. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth and give others space. If you are sick, stay home.
5. Play It Safe – Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Search and rescue operations and health care resources are both strained.
6. Leave No Trace – Respect public lands and waters, as well as Native and local communities. Take all your garbage with you.
7. Build an Inclusive Outdoors –  Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.

At the Greenway Trust, we believe that when we are connected with nature, our lives are better. You may not be able to recreate in all the same ways you used to, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without this important element of your life entirely. The recreation community is coming together to support one another and frequently sharing creative ideas for how to get your nature fix during the pandemic. Try out some of the ideas below and check back often . . . we’ll continue to update this list as more resources are created by outdoor enthusiasts like you!