Last spring, when the coronavirus pandemic broke out, everyone was forced to stay at home. Now, there’s more information about the virus and people have gotten used to wearing masks and social distancing. It’s easier to go out, do errands, and return to some semblance of normalcy.
The stay-at-home orders were particularly hard on nature lovers who were looking forward to outdoor adventures during spring and summer. But now that communities continue to reopen and fall is just around the corner, it’s time to make up for what you missed in the last few months.
It’s time for a few swipes of your lemon-scented deodorant so you can stay fresh for these fall activities.
Visit Your Favorite State Parks
If you’re itching to go outside and get a dose of nature, why not start with parks? A simple trip to your favorite park or trail lets you get some much-welcomed fresh air and physical activity. There are some things you need to keep in mind when you’re planning a nature walk.
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Practice social distancing.
People are already out and about but this doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. Avoid crowded parks. Maintain at least 6 feet of distance from strangers. If you want some company on your nature trip, take people who you already live with. This minimizes the risk of virus transmission.
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Wear a mask or face covering.
Many people aren’t keen on the idea of wearing a face mask or face coverings. But if you’re going to a state park and you aren’t sure of how many people you’ll encounter along the way, it’s best to protect yourself with a mask. You can take it off if there aren’t a lot of people on the trail.
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Sanitize your hands often.
It’s been drilled into everyone’s minds in the last few months: wash your hands as often as you can. Wash your hands everytime you go to the bathroom, cough, sneeze, or blow your nose. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is fine if soap and water aren’t available at the park.
Not all state parks are open yet. So before visiting the nearest outdoor recreational space, make sure to do your research. Check which areas of the park are open and which services are available.
And if you’re not feeling well, whether it’s because of the season changing or something else, it’s okay to postpone your trip. Wait it out before you go out.
Get Down and Dirty with Nature
Fall is harvest season. It’s a great time to visit an orchard for a fruit-picking activity. This activity isn’t just about supporting local produce. There’s something special about preparing jams and desserts using apples, pears, berries, and other fruits that you yourself picked.
Like with visits to your favorite state park, observe proper COVID-19 safety measures when you’re in an orchard. It’s better to be safe than to catch a virus, after all.
On a related note, why not plant some bulbs to bloom next spring?
Spring 2020 was pretty much non-existent so give yourself something to look forward to. Plant bulbs of tulips, daffodils, buttercups, hyacinths, and irises in your backyard. This nature activity is relaxing now. And the results of your hard work will be exciting to see half a year from now.
What do you plan to do this fall to refresh and rejuvenate?