“I’ve walked several areas of the canal during this COVID crises and am so thankful to have it. The peace and beauty is calming, relaxing & just what we all need. Thank you for keeping it natural and safe.” – High Line Canal Trail-goer

“We appreciate and love the Canal more now than ever before; the ever-changing natural beauty of the seasons, with the owls, hawks, and ducks finding refuge amongst the trees and water, when it flows. It’s our Happy Place…” – High Line Canal Trail-goer

Fifty years ago, we celebrated the first Earth Day. Today, during this milestone Earth Week in 2020, we’ve been reminded of just how important our open spaces in urban places – including our Canal – are. Protecting our environment – from the oceans to forests, state parks to greenways – is a collaborative effort to ensure these treasured places remain protected and preserved for years to come.

While we are always thankful for nature and all it offers to our health and well-being, over the last month and a half, communities worldwide have come together as we’ve never seen to appreciate nature and the serenity that it has to offer. Access to nearby outdoor recreation outlets has proven itself to be essential during this time, making it clear how crucial the Canal is to the communities it is a part of. 

Now more than ever, we as a society understand how nature supports us and how important open spaces like the High Line Canal are. Today the question is, how can we support nature this Earth Week and beyond?

Here are 4 easy ways you can help preserve the High Line Canal

  1. Do your part to protect the Canal as a natural refuge

    • Stay on authorized trails and do not create new footpaths.
    • Do not disturb or harass wildlife.
    • Respect all wildlife by keeping your distance.
    • Never feed wildlife.
    • Do not damage or remove plant material.
    • Do not leave litter on or near a trail, and practice “carry in, carry out.”
    • Clean up your pet’s waste and dispose of it properly.
    • Protect your pets by staying on the trail, leashing and supervising them at all times.

  2. Care for the Canal and volunteer

    • To get involved and volunteer with the Conservancy, contact Michelle Freeman at michelle@highlinecanal.org. We even have virtual opportunities available!

  3. Become a High Line Hero member

    • Join the passionate community of citizens who are dedicated to the future of the High Line Canal. This is your trail and membership is a gift to the High Line Canal. Joinhighlinecanal.org

  4. Share the Conservancy’s work within your circles

 

Photo credit: Evan Anderman