We are proud to be co-leaders of the Washington Recreate Responsibly Coalition.
The Recreate Responsibility Coalition (RRC) was born from unique circumstances and needs. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the coalition has developed and shared guidelines and messaging to ensure people have safe and successful outdoor adventures while caring for the places we recreate. The coalition also seeks ways to dismantle barriers to accessing the outdoors while increasing inclusivity and equity for those who find fellowship with nature.
How to #RecreateResponsibly in the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area
We’ve highlighted some quick tips to help you #RecreateResponsibly in the Greenway NHA. If you’d like to dive deeper into these topics (we recommend you do!), check out our list of additional resources below as well.
Know Before You Go
Trails, roads, or certain areas could be inaccessible due to unforeseen circumstances. Check local weather forecasts, recent trip reports, and the official website and/or social medial channels of your destination. In fall, winter, and spring months, check the Northwest Avalanche Center for snowpack reports, avalanche risk, and educational resources as well.
Plan and Prepare
Learn what permits and recreation passes may be required for your activity. Also, having and knowing how to use the appropriate gear for your activity could make or break your experience. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is over-crowded or inaccessible. Keep in mind that you may not have cell reception in the area you’re visiting. Before you leave, share your trip plan with someone you trust.
Build an Inclusive Outdoors
Historically, outdoor recreation and access to outdoor spaces have been systematically exclusive and rooted on stolen land. We must all work together to dismantle barriers to the outdoors while increasing inclusivity and equity for all seeking connection in and with nature.
Respect Others
Given record visitation to public, private, and tribal lands and waters, it’s important to remain understanding, respectful, and open to learning from others. The Greenway NHA encompasses the historic lands of many Indigenous groups who are the original and long-term stewards of these lands and waters. Learn more.
Leave No Trace
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Although Leave No Trace has its roots in backcountry settings, the Principles have been adapted so that they can be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks, and even in your own backyard. They also apply to almost every recreational activity.
Make it Better
We can all make a big impact on how we care for the outdoors together. We can take our love of the outdoors with us wherever we go and take action to protect the places we love. Here in the Greenway NHA, you can advocate for public lands, volunteer with us, or provide financial support to help care for this incredible landscape.
Additional Resources
The #RecreateResponsibly Movement
Time in nature has proven to be essential for all. Especially during uncertain times, all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, to families heading out to their local park for the first time, can benefit from simple reminders about how to safely and responsibly recreate outdoors while caring for one another.
#RecreateResponsibly has grown from a hashtag to a nationwide movement with more than 3,000 organizations involved and six different toolkits (and growing!) to help people stay safe outdoors.
Alternative Ideas to Do from Home
At the Greenway Trust, we believe that when we are connected with nature, our lives are better. We are living in challenging times, where issues such as COVID-19 concerns, wildfires, poor air quality, and/or extreme heat or cold may keep you from being able to go out and 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. Try out some of the ideas below to get your nature fix from home.
Recreation Planning & Training
- Home-bound Hiking Workout: Ideas for Staying Trail-Ready – Washington Trails Association
- Eight Ways to Train Indoors – Cascade Bicycle Club
- Research future backpacking meals – Washington Trails Association
- Plan Now, Hike Later – Washington Trails Association
Entertainment
- Greenway Book Recommendations – Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust
- Entertainment Ideas to Stay Connected to the Natural World – Green City Partnerships
Skills & Learning
- 3 Trail-Worthy Skills to Teach Your Hiking Pup at Home – Washington Trails Association
- Backyard Restoration & Gardening Resources – Green City Partnerships
- Learn About Ecological Restoration – Green City Partnerships
- Check out this Virtual Education Center, with TONS of different resources, online courses, and more! – The Mountaineers
- Macro Photography Tips – Washington Trails Association
- Become a Citizen Scientist at Home – Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
- Explore Seattle’s trees with the free Tree Walk mobile app, go on a scavenger hunt, or print a coloring sheet – City of Seattle
Kid-Friendly
- Check out our Virtual Education Program for video lessons and activities – Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust
- Junior Ranger Activity Sheets – Washington State Parks
- Noxious Weed Coloring Book and Bingo Card – King County
- Native Plant Word Search and Crossword; and Native Bird Word Search – King County
- Nature Exploration & Activities for Kids – Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center
- Environmental Education & Youth Activities – Green City Partnerships
Other
- 9 Ways to Bring Outdoor Joy Into Your Life Right Now – Washington Trails Association
- 10 Webcams for Your Nature Fix – Washington Trails Association
- Ways to Get Outside – Green City Partnerships
- Ways to Take Action & Show Up for the Environment – Green City Partnerships
- 5 Tips To Turn Your Neighborhood Stroll Into An Adventure – Washington Trails Association
- For When You Just Can’t — 3 Ways to Get Outdoors While Doing Absolutely Nothing – Washington Trails Association
- Connecting With Nature Through Journaling – Washington State Parks
We’d love to see how you’re connecting with nature from home! Tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and use #mtsgreenway.