Guided Hike Late-Evening Hike – July 30

C’mon out for an exclusive semi-private hike with GSWA’s own Adam Palmer to explore our Conservation Management Area (CMA). Many people have hiked our trails during the lockdown which have remained open for passive recreation. Perhaps you’re one of them. But there’s so much more to see, like all our recent restorations, as you tour the site with an insider.

As we hike the trails of our 73-acre property, we’ll share what is happening with wildlife during the summer months and talk about of the area’s ecology. We’ll also check out the marsh, upland beech forest and vernal wetlands. And let’s face it, being outside is so important for our minds, bodies, and souls.

This is our pilot “COVID-19 response hike” and we will carefully manage registration. For everyone’s safety, we can only accommodate a max of 6 unrelated individuals or 8 people comprised of family members or couples (because they can group close together). We have created special physical distancing gathering points around the trails through our stewardship days, and we will enforce physical distancing and wearing masks throughout the hike. Detailed instructions of our COVID-19 protocol will be shared with you upon registration.

Restricted group sizes allow for the best safety practices, and these hikes will fill up extremely fast. ABSOLUTELY NO WALK-INs – ALL MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE. Programs are offered subject to current advisory status from the Governor’s office. Also, please “go before you go” as there are limited facilities at the site.

If the hike is sold out, or if you are unable to attend please email knecovska@GreatSwamp.org  to be added to a waitlist. Space is extremely limited.

COVID-19 RELEASE – YOU MUST READ AND AGREE BEFORE YOU MAY REGISTER

Great Swamp Watershed Association Guided Hike Protocol

Expectations: For the safety of our staff and our other volunteers, individuals wishing to participate in our guided hikes MUST follow all protocols as outlined and agreed upon below. Failure to meet any of these guidelines will result in the individual being asked immediately to return home, and to no longer participate in our program. No exceptions.

If you are sick, have a fever, or have been exposed to someone who may have COVID-19, for the safety of everyone, please do NOT attend the hike and cancel by emailing knecovska@GreatSwamp.org so we can invite the next person on the waitlist as space is very limited

What to Bring: A tight fitting, double layer face mask (preferably non-disposable), appropriate hiking clothing (jeans, long t-shirt, waterproof boots), water and snacks. Personal size purell if you have it.

Arrival Details: Please park on the outskirts of the cul-de-sac at the end of Tiger Lily Lane. Before exiting your vehicle please make sure you are wearing your mask and wait by your vehicle for the hike leader to give further instructions. When gathering, please maintain 6-foot distance from other hike participants not in your family or household group. Hike leader will check in with you/your group and then provide further direction on when to follow them into the trail system once all participants have arrived and checked in.

Duration of Hike Protocol: Hikes will run approximately 1:15-1:30 hours. Masks must remain ON, covering your nose and mouth entirely, for the duration of the hike, no exceptions. If you need to remove or adjust your mask, please make sure you have moved away to a safe distance from other participants before doing so, and have put your mask back on when you return to the group. Please maintain a distance of 6-feet from other hike participants not in your immediate group (If hiking as a family or couple, please try to stay close together to make sure there is enough room on the trails). We have created special areas along the trails with widened/expanded capacity to gather and talk about things we might see. When gathering in these areas please spread out as best as you can and ensure everyone has enough room to safely listen to the hike leader. We ask that if you have any questions that you utilize these times to ask them, and try not to move past other participants or crowd the hike leader while moving along the trails.

Bathroom Protocol: Please “Go before you Go” as we have limited facilities on-site that will only be open for absolute emergencies.