Giving Compass' Take:

• The U.S. national parks have temporarily waived entry fees so that more individuals can get access to the outdoors during this time. Katherine Martinko at TreeHugger explores why this is a good step for individuals struggling while social distancing. 

• How will opening access to the environment and nature help with stress during COVID-19? How can philanthropy support other industries increase access to helpful services? 

•  Here are some tips on how to cope with anxiety during social distancing.

The National Park Service in the United States has temporarily waived entry fees to make it easier for people to get outside during this challenging time of the coronavirus pandemic. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt said, "Our vast public lands that are overseen by the Department offer special outdoor experiences to recreate, embrace nature and implement some social distancing."

This is a smart and compassionate move on the part of the National Park Service. There's no reason why people shouldn't get outside to enjoy nature, to hike, to have an outdoor meal or simply get out of the house, all while practicing social distancing. Nobody needs to touch or talk, but one's spirit can be greatly uplifted by moving around in nature and sunshine, and that has value.

Not everyone supports the move. Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America's Parks, argued that people "gathering at national parks is irresponsible to the visiting public and employees" [because] these parks "welcome visitors from around the world and many National Park Service employees interact with members of the public daily."

I disagree with Francis for a few reasons. First, I don't think of national parks as gathering places for crowds; they're conducive to more solitary activities, such as hiking, and if additional services such as interpretation centres and guided tours are closed, that reduces the likelihood of contact even further. As for employees interacting with members of the public, if there are no entry fees or dashboard tickets needing to be purchased, I see little reason for a visitor to communicate with a staff member, apart from emergencies. Maps can be set out at the entrance.

Read the full article about national parks by Katherine Martinko at TreeHugger.