COVID-19 Updates and Information
As of 4/19/2022
Piscataway Park and the National Colonial Farm are open and operating as usual. The Accokeek Creek visitor access point is also now open to the public. The Accokeek Foundation offices are closed, with non-essential staff teleworking. We are following recommendations from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and our local government health agencies to ensure the well-being of visitors and staff. The National Park Service updated its masking guidance to use the CDC’s new COVID-19 Community Level tool, which helps communities decide what prevention steps to take. Masks are mandatory only when community levels are high.
We are all in this together, and we each need to do what we can to prevent the spread of this virus. We ask that you please stay home if you are sick. If you visit, please practice responsible social distancing to protect yourself and others. If you are visiting from across state lines, please make sure you are following any safe travel guidelines issued by local governments.
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All planned on-site group activities, including events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, have been modified to meet county and state safety standards. Some events and programs are being adapted to an online format, so check the calendar and follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter (at the bottom of this page) to get up-to-date announcements about virtual program offerings.
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The Accokeek Foundation is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to post updates on this page and on our Facebook page.
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In times of crisis, it’s even more important than ever that we come together for the good of our communities. Thank you for supporting us as we take steps to ensure that Piscataway Park, its visitors, and its staff are protected.
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If you have questions, please feel free to contact Foundation staff at info@accokeek.org.
Safety Guidelines
It’s important that visitors #RecreateResponsibly to ensure the health of the Piscataway Park community. These easy steps will help us all stay safe while enjoying the healing power of nature.
In places where there are no restrictions on the use of local parks, trails and open spaces, we encourage all users to follow these recommendations:
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Leave no trace. Please dispose of any trash you bring into the park in the park trash cans OR by taking any trash with you when you leave. Cleaning up trash left in the park puts employees, and other visitors, at risk.
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Refrain from using parks or trails if exhibiting symptoms.
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Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
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Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.
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While on trails, warn other users of their presence and as they pass, and step aside to let others pass.
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Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times.
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Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.
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Consult their local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up to date recommendations on park and trail use.
Interconnectedness
As many of us prepare to practice social distancing through telecommuting, virtual learning, and self-quarantine, the Accokeek Foundation will strive to be an ally for those in our community who are most vulnerable. The ways in which this pandemic will affect individual members of the community will vary greatly depending on those individuals’ access to necessities like health care, food, technology, paid time off or sick leave, and child care. We hope that even as we begin to isolate ourselves physically, we will come together as a community virtually to offer support and resources for those that need them. We will remember that language matters and that the ways in which we talk about COVID-19 can have a negative effect on certain communities. We remember that diseases can make anyone sick, regardless of race or ethnicity, and those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have completed quarantine do not pose a risk to infecting other people. We hope that even though we may not see you in the park throughout this crisis, we will remain connected through social media, email, blog posts, videos, virtual experiences, and phone conversations.