VNPS Guidance for Walks/Events during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Update: May 12, 2021

The VNPS suggests all indoor and outdoor events follow the current COVID-19 guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health (VDOH), and local or regional health authorities. Please see the CDC guidance website and the VDOH COVID-19 website.

June 10, 2020

The health and safety of our members is very important. Time out-of-doors is part of a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally. However, during this COVID-19 pandemic, we must be mindful of the importance of social distancing to minimize the spread of the disease. For example, during regular guided native plant or botanical walks, participants often gather around a specific plant as the leader discusses it. Therefore, we recommend erring on the side of caution and suspending guided group walks until health conditions in your area permit such gatherings.

Please follow the recommendations of the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health.

While we will leave the decision to chapter leaders about holding walks, the VNPS suggests virtual or self-guided walks and events in the interim. For example, some chapters have flagged walks, virtual walks, Zoom presentations, flower of the week emails, and more to engage the public.