Perspectives on the Shutdown: Parks & Trails
Perhaps like us, you’ve been wondering about how the coronavirus shutdown is affecting the natural world, water resources, infrastructure, and the work of environmental advocates. We reached out to a few experts in the Finding the Flint Working Group to see what they are noticing during these weeks of cancelled meetings, work-from-home experimentation, and quiet time outdoors.
Berens overlooks the wetlands off Garden Walk Boulevard, site of a proposed trail along the Flint River.
Here’s our Q&A with Finding the Flint partner, Stephanie Berens, who manages the delightful Reynolds Nature Preserve in Morrow. Stephanie has been in the environmental field for over 20 years. She joined the Clayton County Parks and Recreation Department in 2001 and has since become Deputy Administrator, overseeing the department’s Greenspace division and the maintenance of its natural properties.
How are you? What are your days like at Clayton County Parks & Greenspace/Reynolds Nature Preserve right now?
I am personally doing well. We are working with a smaller maintenance crew and prioritizing what needs should be addressed first in our Greenspaces. And because the critters in the Nature Center still need to be cared for, I can’t completely work from home. So that is a nice responsibility to have!
What have you noticed about how the coronavirus shutdown is affecting parks, trails, wildlife, and environmental education?
In Clayton County, playgrounds, rec centers and ball fields are closed, but the trails are still open to the public, within social distancing guidelines. Here at Reynolds, the nature center is closed, but the trails are open and quite busy. People are definitely taking advantage of the beautiful weather. More people are going to discover the benefits of getting outside because they don’t have a lot of options.
We are brainstorming ways to engage the community in formal environmental education pieces while adhering to the social distancing regulation. This will likely entail online engagement, whether it be instructional videos, Zoom chats or simply offering regular referrals and bringing light to the many outstanding environmental organizations we have access to both locally and globally.
I see that many open spaces are experiencing an influx of wildlife typically not seen. It amazes me how quickly nature reacts to and reenters space that we humans aren’t occupying. Mother Nature is resilient. We are just giving her a chance to breathe.
Because so many people are visiting the trails of Reynolds Nature Preserve, I have not witnessed more wildlife. However, I can’t help but notice how BLUE the sky is! Am I mistaken to think it’s bluer than usual? Maybe, but I’ll take it.
Do you think these changes are temporary?
I do. I think once we get back to “normal” (whatever that means), people will resume life as they knew it, animals will retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Any silver linings that we should try to preserve?
There are so many positives for not just environmental health, but our mental health. I keep hearing this strange interval referred to as “a time of pause.” I like that. While it is scary facing this unknown, there is never a bad time to reflect on what is really important, whether it be friends, family, our precious natural resources and surroundings. I am hopeful that some wisdom will be retained, and that perhaps it just might stick with people.
How can we help?
It is easy to become discouraged during difficult times and I know sometimes we who are in the environmental field feel we are fighting a losing battle. And then, some of us like-minded folks come together and we connect, brainstorm, discuss, rant and laugh and relish that there are others who not only share our uphill battle, but believe in it. The think tanks that come to life when individuals who have the same hunger to help this planet thrive are rewarding demonstrations that we just might have a shot at this! I come away from these engagements always uplifted.
For example, Clayton County Parks and Recreation is a participating host of the Atlanta City Nature Challenge. This weekend, from April 24-27, whenever you’re outside spotting wildlife or plants, snap a photo with your smart phone and upload observations to iNaturalist. The City Nature Challenge is part of a global initiative that not only encourages folks to enjoy time in nature, but help give valuable insight to the biodiversity of our city.
Recommended Reading:
Clayton County Trails, including maps for Jesters Creek Pathway and Reynolds Nature Preserve.
The Power of Parks in a Pandemic, CityLab.
Using Parks and Open Space While Maintaining Physical Distancing, The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Blue Skies in Los Angeles: LA just had its longest stretch of clean air since 1980, Curbed.
The Overstory, by Richard Powers. “If we knew what green wanted, we wouldn’t have to choose between the Earth’s interests and ours. They’d be the same!”