How to Explore the Delaware River Watershed While Social Distancing
By Gina Errico, Communications Intern, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
Looking for a way to escape your house and reduce your screen time? The increasing the effects of COVID-19 have resulted in large scale travel restriction, forcing many people in the United States to stay at home and practice social distancing, including those in the Delaware River Watershed. Cancellations of large events, and the closing of schools and many businesses have many people dealing with the new reality of restricted activity. The number of places in which we can travel to has lessened significantly, but one thing that we can still do is go outside and enjoy the great outdoors!
With the new added stress of a global pandemic people are itching to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Getting outdoors can boost your mental and physical health and provide activities for kids and families. While we continue to maintain safe social distancing practices, parks and recreation areas all throughout the watershed have left their trails open and available for people to enjoy healthy passive recreation right here in the Delaware River Watershed.
Within the Watershed’s four-state boundaries are roughly one million acres of wetlands and about 50 percent of the land is forested. Significant ecological and recreational assets include the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (one of the country’s most visited national parks), more than 400 miles of waterways designated under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers program, six National Wildlife Refuges, and the highly complex Delaware Estuary, which is one of the most important shorebird migration sites in the world. Take advantage of the spring weather and enjoy the outdoor adventures in your own backyard!
Here are a few updates on outdoor recreation within the Delaware River Watershed (Updated 4/16):
Pennsylvania: In Pennsylvania, enjoy outdoor recreation activities in state parks and forests, which are still open and free to enter. Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, and boating. All campground, overnight accommodations, and facilities are closed until April 30th. For more information and to find a state park near you, click here.
New Jersey: In New Jersey, all state parks and forests, and most county parks are closed until further notice, for specific details on your county’s parks, be sure to contact you local municipality. Beach access varies throughout the state, for a full list by municipality, click here. Information on specific NJ Audubon health recommendation, trails, and nature centers can be found here.
Delaware: In Delaware, all state parks are open to enjoy outdoor recreation with free entry until April 30th, 2020, but all beaches, wild life areas, facilities, and boat ramps are closed until the public health threat is eliminated. All campground reservations have been cancelled through May 15th.
New York: In New York, Governor Cuomo is urging all New Yorkers to stay home as much as possible. But if you do need a healthy nature break, most New York state parks, trails, and grounds of historic sites are open for recreation, however dog parks and playgrounds are closed until further notice. Several state parks have closed, including those in Rockland County. All campgrounds, cabins and cottages are closed until April 30th.
Please note, park facilities such as visitor centers, restrooms, and playgrounds are closed and health officials recommend a six-foot distance from one another, even outdoors. The National Recreation and Parks Association has released guidelines, with support from NJ Audubon, for safe use of parks and open spaces, that you can find here.
Not feeling up to going outside just yet? We’ve got something for you too; the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources has wildlife cams, a perfect way to bring nature indoors!