Experiencing Nature during Covid 19

At this point Whiterock Conservancy is open and we hope you continue to visit, as appropriate, in order to take advantages of the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors. Every indication we have seen shows that getting outside in the sunshine and fresh air is good for people, and Whiterock is a great place to do this without being too close to others. Our decisions are grounded in a priority to consider the health and well-being of our visitors, employees, and volunteers.

Events and gatherings of more than 10 people are discouraged and have been cancelled at least until the end of April. We continue to follow advice of the CDC, Governor’s office and local officials. We will evaluate May events as we continue to monitor developments.

Here’s what we are doing:

• If you feel cancelling your stay is the safest choice, we will waive cancellation fees for visits (houses, campsites, rooms) with arrival dates through April 30, 2020. To cancel any reservation except for the Log House without fees, contact Guest Services at 712-790-8221 x1. If you have a reservation at the Log House, please follow the directions in your email from Evolve.

• We are limiting stays in the Garst Farmhouse to one family group at a time to limit the possibility of spreading the coronavirus among groups. Once a reservation is made at the Garst Farmhouse, we will block other rooms.

• We have temporarily closed the Garst Farmhouse to drop in visitors and non-overnight visitors.

• We are implementing additional cleaning procedures to protect our staff and accomplish more frequent cleaning of houses and other public areas including port-a-potties and kiosks.

• The Bur Oak Visitors’ Center meeting room and staff offices are closed. Office staff are working from home as much as possible, staggering times in the office; and housekeeping and land management staff are working on site away from guests and other staff as much as possible.

• The Bur Oak Visitors; Center restrooms are closed. The first entry door to the building will be locked. This is to limit the exposure to staff who come and go from the office.

• The shower houses will remain closed until at least April 30.

Here’s how you can help:

• According to State of Iowa recommendations, limit your group to less than 10 people when visiting or preferably to only your household members.

• If you have been sick in the last two weeks, please stay at home for your health and the safety of others.

• Avoid congregations of people.

• Please maintain distance between you and other visitors. Please take into consideration the health of others when spending time outdoors.

• Pack extra soap or hand sanitizer. Due to increased use, soap or sanitizer may not be available.

• A limited number of port-a-potties remain open. However are not able to clean them between each use. Please bring your own disinfectant wipes for use when getting in and out of the port-a-potties.

We are monitoring the situation and will adjust these guidelines as needed. Thank you for your understanding and support as Whiterock works with all of you through these difficult times. If you wish to make a donation to help us continue to operate during this downturn in income, please consider donating online at whiterockconservancy.org.

Updated 3.31.2020