A NOTE FROM THE FIELD BY ANDY MOSSEY

While cities and the world economy have slowed to a bare creep due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nature has prevailed in the spring growing season. For those of us who seek solace in the natural world, many have turned to their favorite trails in hopes to take a break from the long lines at the grocery store and confronting the new reality of watching our favorite businesses shutter their doors for a seemingly indefinite period of time.

It’s no wonder why so many people are turning to nature now. Nature is always here for us, and should always be here for us. When we feel sad, down, or are becoming stir crazy, nature is out there, ready to receive us and fill our psyche with endorphins and our noses with the beautiful fragrance of fresh blossoms. 

This spring more people than ever are getting outside. For decades the Catskills have been a refuge of nature. This year is no different; what is drastically different about this season are our current circumstances, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to change our daily behaviors in an effort to protect not only ourselves, but others, and those we love. 

When we turn to recreation in the woods and wilderness, are we taking those newly learned behaviors on the trail with us? And when we finally get outside are we doing our part to help care for the natural resources that are graciously fulfilling our needs? 

As the Catskill Stewards roll into the 2020 season we are taking some of the lessons we have learned from the past two seasons and applying them to this new reality. The Catskill Center’s stewards are focused on outreach, we speak directly with people, in fact a great number of people – over 70,000 to date. So what are we to do when being socially distant, is the definition of socially responsible? How are we to protect our precious natural resources if we cannot speak with our Catskill Park visitors?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is implicit, but our stewards are expanding their caution. We are sanitizing, keeping our equipment spotless and disinfected, and keeping distant - only to mention a few of our protocols. This is a unique moment in time when smiling means less about the actual smile but more about showing off the laugh lines around our eyes. Our masks are indeed a new barrier for us stewards. As stewards we pride ourselves on being able to connect with visitors, all in an effort help people feel more comfortable while we share our priceless information about responsible recreation and natural resource protection. Fortunately with thoughtful precautions, we can keep a responsible distance while still communicating the Catskill Stewards mission.

We need our visitors in the Catskills. We need each visitor to recreate responsibly and visit thoughtfully. The Catskill Stewards Program gives all people a baseline of information and skills to work with. Catskill Stewards encourage people to think about their footsteps, cumulative impacts, and individual choices while in the woods.

For the foreseeable future our natural resources, and human resources are at equal risk. The choices people make for recreation will have a ripple effect on the communities and resources available throughout the Catskill Park region. Across the state, many Forest Rangers have been pulled from the woods to help administer COVID-19 testing facilities. This means our wild spaces have fewer caretakers than ever to respond to more visitors than ever. So, as parts of the economy begin to open and each of us begin to wander a bit further from home, all of us at the Catskill Center ask that you choose to recreate responsibly. 

#RecreateResponsibly is more than an ask, it is a movement among outdoor enthusiasts and organizations during the times of COVID-19. Join us and help us care for the vitality of the Catskills.

notes from the #RecreateResponsibly Coalition

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 mask.

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 your garbage with you, including disposable gloves, masks, and toilet paper.

The Catskill Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to work to ensure a bright future for the economy, environment and culture of the Catskills.

We need you, please consider joining us in our efforts.

Learn more about the Catskill Stewards Program.