A message from the CNC organizers re COVID-19.

A message from the CNC organizers https://citynaturechallenge.org/ re COVID-19.

We know COVID-19 is affecting many of our CNC cities, some much more than others. We have chosen not to cancel the event this year, however we know the event will be impacted by this global pandemic.

Here are some of our thoughts about how to carry on with the City Nature Challenge.

Research shows that being in nature is very healing, and has been proven to decrease cortisol levels, blood pressure and pulse rate, and overall increase feelings of wellbeing. Let's channel these positive aspects of the City Nature Challenge in this time of crisis.

• Follow the guidelines/recommendations of your local governments & institutions (i.e., limit or cancel events if needed)
• Do what’s best for you & your community
• Alternatives to events:
o What can people find in their houses? In their own backyard?
o Encourage people to put up moth lights or put down cover boards at their houses to help bring nature to them!
o Promote people going outside and making observations on their own/with a small group of their family & friends, instead of joining big events
• If you’re allowed to hold CNC events:
o Keep them outside! Luckily this is what the CNC is all about, but if you were planning an indoor portion of an event, maybe forego it and keep the whole event outside
o Practice social distancing (it's best if people stay ~2m apart)
o Don’t have shared, unwrapped food available - encourage people to bring & eat their own food
o If possible, have places available where people can wash their hands and/or have hand sanitizer
o Don’t pass around binoculars, phones, guidebooks, etc. - everyone should keep their gear to themselves
o After April 28 - May 3, hold virtual ID parties!

Be safe and have fun.

Posted on March 13, 2020 10:38 AM by shauns