A Guide to Social Distancing in the ACFL
This week, we are thankful to have so many parks, wild spaces, and trails here on Fidalgo Island. For a moment, we’re swapping out the anxiety we feel about an uncertain future for gratitude for the beautiful things we do have. While we are faced with taking unprecedented measures to protect the health of our loved ones and community, taking care of our own physical and mental health has been brought to the forefront of our collective attention. How do we stay safe (and sane) during this uncertain time when we are advised to be socially distant and many of our daily routines have been upended? Our favorite way is by spending time in nature…safely.
I came across a quote by Calvin Coolidge that resonated with me today, “There is healing in the trees for tired minds and for our overburdened spirits, there is strength in the hills, if only we will lift up our eyes. Remember that nature is your great restorer.” This quote was from a speech in 1924 and is still very much applicable to the general ethos of today, nearly one hundred years later.
During this period of “lockdown” and social isolation, we all (as of this posting) still have access to nature and natural spaces, and we’re especially lucky here on Fidalgo Island. We rank second in the country, only behind Portland, OR, for the distinction of having the most preserved public land per capita of any city. We enjoy over 2,800 acres of preserved public land and over 50 miles of trails within the ACFL alone, not including other parks in Anacortes.
A few days ago, Governor Inslee shared a stay safe, stay at home order, but stated that time spent outside- on a walk or bike ride, for example- is considered an essential activity for bolstering the mental and physical health of Washingtonians. We know that you may be enjoying our natural spaces and trails a little bit extra during the next few weeks, especially while social distancing is recommended and schools are not in session. We think that’s great! But we have noticed a drastic influx in the number of visitors to our trails in the past several days and want to share some considerations for trail use during this extra busy time.
Here are some tips for how to safely enjoy the ACFL and continue to practice social distancing while soaking up some good vibes in nature:
-No matter where you are, in the ACFL or elsewhere, it’s recommended that you maintain 6 feet of space between yourself and others. If hiking with more than one other person, walk single file so that you don’t take up the whole width of the trail and other users can get by without getting too close.
-If another individual or small group is approaching, step off to one side of the trail, preferably at a wide point, to allow plenty of space for them to pass. Consider hiking etiquette that states downhill hikers yield to hikers coming uphill.
-Do not gather in groups, which includes places like parking lots, kiosks, and wider sections of trail.
-Be prepared to have limited access to any restroom facility that may normally be available.
-Don’t touch more than you need to- unless necessary, don’t touch the kiosks or turnstiles throughout the trails.
-Consider utilizing the wider fire-access roads instead of the very narrow trails. Or, alternatively, check out that small, less well-known trail on the map for more solitude.
-If there are more cars in the parking lot of your favorite ACFL entrance compared to what you are used to seeing, this is likely a high-traffic time. Consider coming back at a later time or earlier another day to give yourself and others more space. Update (4/7/20): There are now parking restrictions at all major trail heads that state there can be no more than 10 cars present at a time. If there are, please find a less crowded location or check back at another time.
-This is always required, but is especially important now: please keep your pets on a leash and away from other hikers.
-Don’t do anything you wouldn’t normally do. What we mean is, being stuck inside is hard, but now is not the best time to push your limits running and roll your ankle or try out a new mountain biking skill that could lead to injury. With limited health care and emergency response capacity, avoid opportunities for injury as much as possible and take it easy.
Keep these tips in mind and we’ll all be able to enjoy our natural spaces together, safely!
By Mackenzie Wilson
