Greetings, Everyone,
We’ve noticed how popular our trails have become lately due to COVID-19 and that has raised several concerns for us.
Therefore, this week’s notice offers some important guidance and resources if you’re out and about on town-owned trails and lands.
Please take the time to read below and virtually share this information to also help keep your friends, family and colleagues in the know and safe.
Thank you and be well and stay well!
BWC Members
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BE WISE IF YOU INDULGE IN OUTDOOR EXERCISE
Please sign up for South Hadley Town Alerts (see below for Town website address) and FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIVES provided by the Town. This is imperative due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting all of us.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
- NO less than 6 feet from others at all times. More is better! This means stepping off the trail to let others pass to maintain that safety buffer.
- NO congregating on the trail and especially in the parking lot. This applies to your friends, neighbors and school chums.
- Bike-riders: Practice safe and courteous biking etiquette when sharing a trail with walkers of any age.
- Trail too crowded? Leave immediately and choose another less busy trail or a place with sidewalks, or opt for a less popular time period.
DOGS ARE OUR BEST FRIENDS BUT NOT ALWAYS ON TRAILS
- Let’s talk dog poop— it’s more than just being gross when it’s not picked up or left discarded in poop bags on trails. People, nature and town property all suffer when dog owners are not responsible.
- Leashed dogs only on trails and open space lands. Unleashed dogs mean a potential threat to people and wildlife (not to mention rogue pooping).
- See these problems happening? Politely call out (from a safe distance!) this behavior IF you’re comfortable doing so – and help stop this increasing occurrence.
KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO SO YOU DON’T OVERDO
- New to trail walking, rusty at it or doing too much lately? Be kind to your body! Always listen to it warning you, don’t push for more and enjoy what you can do.
- GOAL: Avoid being an unnecessary burden on our town’s first responders—they have more important responsibilities these days!
TRAILS: YOUR BEST FRIENDS FOREVER BUT START WITH YOURSELF
- BWC has posted trail maps on its web page (see below). Download and bring if walking in unfamiliar territory.
- Also bring: water, cell phone, safe/waterproof footwear and outerwear, snacks, first-aid kit. Hat and sunscreen for sunny days.
- Walking alone? Tell someone where you’ll be, your approx. time of return and any change of trail location. Check-in if you’re later than you’d planned to be.
- Watch your footing, take your time – tree roots and other nature debris don’t signal to announce their sudden presence.
- “Carry in and carry out” – leave only your footprints behind.
- Hunting Season: something is always on the list. Wear orange while in the woods Mon-Sat. No hunting is allowed on Sunday.
TICKS & POISON IVY: DEFINITELY NOT YOUR BEST FRIENDS – BEWARE!!
- Ticks are not social distancing and are thrilled to connect with you.
- They are out in force now and will continue to be so you must ALWAYS protect yourself in your yard, on trails and in tall grassy spaces. This includes clothing, insect spray and checking yourself thoroughly post-outing.
- Bitten by a tick? Does it carry Lyme Disease or…? UMass TickReport can test the tick and report its results to you for a fee:
- “Our lab has reopened, and testing is proceeding as usual Monday-Friday. At present, we are receiving the most reliable deliveries from UPS and FedEx; we are still working to determine how much service interruption we are facing with USPS mail.
- Any delivery delay has no effect on the validity of pathogen tests for your tick; DNA is extremely durable and we regularly amplify DNA from ticks that have been stored for weeks or months.”
- See below for listed info/resources on ticks, inc. UMass TickReport.
- Vegetation is waking up so look out too for Poison Ivy, esp. along trail edges. LOTS in South Hadley!
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
- If you notice anything “not right” on the trails, e.g. signs of vandalism, obvious motorized use (including what appears to be constructed ramps and/or oddly placed structures), garbage or other debris, fallen trees across paths, etc., please send us an email to report: [email protected]. Thank you!
SOLITUDE AND THE NATURE SPOTTING IS EASY
- Walking with less people and at a greater distance on trails also means a better chance to observe nature in all its unfolding glory.
- Stop, listen, look all around and enjoy the “outdoor theatre”.
- Choosing to stay home instead? Reward yourself for really embracing social distancing by enjoying the nature treats in your yard. Start by becoming a Backyard Birder (see below).
BE SAFE AND KEEP OTHERS SAFE AS WELL!
RESOURCES:
- Town web page (crucial info, sign up for Alerts, etc.)
southhadley.org/
- BWC’s town web page (trail maps, additional info)
southhadley.org/Bike-Walk-Committee
- Town Conservation Lands (list & trail maps)
southhadley.org/Conservation-Lands
- Birding & Wildlife In Your Backyard