Greenbelt COVID-19 Reponse

Every day, every hour, we are facing a new world of uncertainty.  In a world of unknowns, what we do know is that the health of our community, volunteers, and staff are what matters most. We want you to know that:

  • All of GLT’s in-person events were cancelled through June. We will be continually re-assessing our approach, and look forward to getting together with you all when safe.
  • Our office is closed and the staff is working remotely. It would be best to email staff, rather than calling our office line.
  • Our website will be a resource of updates and information. If you are on Facebook or Instagram, look for our daily posts—we will provide you with important information, interesting nature links, learning opportunities, and updates on our programming. We will offer free guided hikes and walks just as soon as it is reasonable to do so.
  • Nature and the outdoors can be an important refuge in stressful times, but we want you to stay safe and keep others safe. Some popular trails around town are seeing higher than normal use, making it hard to keep a safe, six-foot space between people. Please don’t go where you can’t maintain proper social distancing. Some parks, beaches and other areas are being closed due to people disregarding public health. Let’s keep our trails safe and open for everyone.
  • With schools closed—as well as the potential for staff or their loved ones to become ill—­we are ensuring that we support employees through this period and beyond. GLT has a generous time-off policy and all full and part time staff receive health care coverage.
  • Although we have canceled in-person events, there is still much we can and must do to continue our efforts to protect and enhance precious land in the Willamette Valley to benefit our human and natural communities. We will continue with our membership services, communications, outreach and education, and conservation work at our desks whenever feasible. We will also look for creative ways to reach people to continue our important work.
  • Let’s explore ways to stay connected! We will be sharing nature activities, readings, and musings … and we would love to hear from you. What are you and your family doing to find joy and peace during these days of social distancing?

Through shifts large and small, a land trust is prepared to weather the inevitability of change.

We are in this together, friend. I send a virtual hug and thoughts of health and support your way.

In community,

Jessica McDonald, Executive Director
Greenbelt Land Trust