The coronavirus is a result of our climate changing and from humans encroaching on natural habitats. Social distancing creates a unique opportunity to cultivate and deepen our relationship with nature; however, it is necessary to remember your ethics when visiting local parks and wild spaces. The following are adapted Leave No Trace principles for visiting local recreational areas during the time of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Leave No Trace (COVID-19)

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Before leaving home know which parks are open and which are closed. Respect all closures. Understand exactly where you are going prior to departure and the best ways to keep yourself safe. Be conservative in your choices for local adventures in order to avoid unnecessary medical attention. If alone, communicate with a friend the details of your outing including arrival and departure times. Remember to bring hand sanitizer, bandanna, face mask, gloves, a first aid kit, a rain jacket, warm layers, warm hat, sun hat, map, compass, bug repellent, sunscreen, plenty of food and water, etc.

2. Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces

Stay on trail and off vulnerable soil. Walk and tread lightly. Respect signs in your parks.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Recently many park systems have been overloaded by trash. Every single thing that you pack in with you also pack out despite the park having trash bins. Do not risk sharing trash bins with other visitors and overloading the park system with individual trash. Compost and recycle waste at home and not in parks. Do not use restroom facilities at parks and recreation areas. Learn the Leave No Trace ethics for how to relieve yourself when outdoors. Instructions are here: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hygiene-sanitation.html

4. Leave What you Find

It can be tempting to bring nature back home with us especially during quarantine; however, the trails and parks are now being impacted by visitors more than ever. Enjoy connecting with all senses in nature, but “take only pictures, leave only footprints.”

5. Minimize Campfire Impact

Fire season is just around the corner. Please avoid outdoor fires in wild spaces if possible. If creating fire, know your local fire restrictions and guidelines. Follow them closely, and be more mindful of your impact than usual. Campfires have been banned during this time in certain regions.

6. Respect Wildlife

Stay 300 feet away from animals and respect their natural habitats by walking on the trail. However, if a tree or trees grant you permission, give them a gentle hug as this is one sweet and loving embrace you can enjoy right now.

7. Respect Other Visitors

Stay 6 feet away from all other people. Be mindful of others when parking and entering or exiting your car. It is best to hike and share a walk or adventure with only your family unit or with a single friend. Wear a mask or bandanna over nose and mouth while parking and only remove once alone on the trail. When people pass you wear your mask. Also, this is not the time to have a large gathering with others in nature. The same rules of social distancing in urban environments apply to the outdoors. Please keep personal noise to a minimum. Many are currently more stressed than usual and are visiting wild spaces in order to seek solace.