The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives and caused a great deal of uncertainty, including how we get outdoors. Eastside Audubon has joined the Recreate Responsibly Coalition—a national alliance of organizations dedicated to protecting our natural resources and wildlife.
The coalition has put together a new set of guidelines that will help us protect ourselves, others, and places we love when we adventure outside. Whether you are birding or just enjoying being outside, these six tips offer advice on how to #RecreateResponsibly during this public health crisis:
Tips on How to #RecreateResponsibly
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 plan B.
Plan Ahead: Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack lunch, and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and a face covering.
Stay Close to Home: This is not the time to travel long distances to recreate. Most places are only open for day use.
Practice Physical Distancing: Adventure only with your immediate household. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth and give others space. If you are sick, stay home.
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.
Leave No Trace: Respect public lands and communities and take all your garbage with you.
The need to recreate responsibly will continue even after the pandemic is behind us. We have a shared responsibility to care for these places and ensure they remain for future generations to enjoy. As some public lands open up for us to get back outdoors, join Eastside Audubon in committing to get out there responsibly.