Conserving Connecticut for 125 Years (since 1895). Wow! www.ctwoodlands.org
Dear Friend of the Outdoors,

It has been 10 days since the CFPA office closed and our dedicated conservation staff began to work from home as we do our part to contain COVID-19.

We reminded you then that the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails are STILL OPEN to benefit your physical and mental health … having a natural and no-cost way to reduce stress, anxiety, and stir craziness is IMPORTANT!

However, these essential outdoor places could be closed IF we all don’t take proper precautions to #KeepSafeOutdoors.

Greenwich and Fairfield have already closed ALL municipal parks and beaches because of overcrowding. Other towns could take similar action.

You probably know the 5 right things to do to Keep Safe Outdoors:
  1. Use appropriate social distancing by staying at least 6 feet from others (when you are passing someone on a trail, make sure to yield and allow for plenty of space);
  2. Go outdoors as a solitary activity or in a very small group (and if you get to a place that is already crowded, find another place to go);
  3. Keep your germs to yourself (cough or sneeze into your sleeve, and if you are not feeling well, stay at home);
  4. Be careful about what you touch (and don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth); and of course,
  5. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as possible (at least before and after you go outdoors).

Do these “5 right things” every time you go outdoors, or you could get yourself or others sick AND you could lose the access to the outdoors that you currently enjoy.

The good news is that there are PLENTY of places to go outdoors that are not overcrowded. When crowds form, closures may follow, so please do your part to keep outdoor crowds to a minimum.

If you haven’t yet used the NEW Interactive Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails map , this would be a perfect time to do so. This map can help you find directions (and parking) to over 825 miles of Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails stretching across 96 towns, and you may be surprised at the trails you find relatively close to where you live.

Thank you for being a responsible user of the outdoors, and please Keep Safe Outdoors! 

All the best,
 
Eric
 
Eric Hammerling, Executive Director
Connecticut Forest & Park Association

P.S. Remember what Robert Frost said … "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Please take the road less traveled (#CTTrailsLessTraveled), and thanks again for your support of CFPA .
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