SAUKVILLE — Instead of walking around the mall, COVID-19 has people walking around in nature.
In Saukville, Riveredge Nature Center is one place to experience that.
"All of our programs, events, and buildings have been closed because of COVID-19, but we're lucky because we have 379 acres and 10 miles of trails that we've been able to keep open for the public," said Jessica Jens, executive director at Riveredge.
In case you were wondering, over 300 acres is plenty of space for social distancing.
"Very much so. Even on the weekends when our parking lot is more on the full side, you can get on these trails and not run into many people at all," said Jens.
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As the government mandates change for public and state parks, Riveredge will always stay open.
"We are private, so we do not have any affiliation with the government at all, and so that allows us to keep the trails open, and we are huge proponents of the mental and physical health benefits of getting outside."
With a small trail fee of $5 per person or $15 for a family, it's a great way to spend time doing something you may have never done.
"It's kind of lemons to lemonade type story, as far as there are so many people who are reimagining what their lives can be like and also rediscovering the natural world," said Jens.
While you're discovering the trails, be sure to pick up some maple syrup as well.
"We have a really fun nature store that is inside the visitor's center, which is closed. But we have all of those items online, and we are offering curbside pickup. One of those items is our homemade maple syrup."
Who doesn't love pancakes after a hike?
For more information and trail maps, click here.