The McKaig Nature Education Center has been thriving during the coronavirus pandemic, with foot traffic jumping ninefold to around 500 visitors a day, writes Anthony R. Wood for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“People say, ‘I lived here 10 years; I didn’t know this was here,’” said park ranger Vytas Masalaitis.

The 93-acre nature preserve had become so popular that the board decided to shut it down for two days while they figured out a way to handle its newfound celebrity without aiding in the spread of the coronavirus. They also wanted to ensure that its nine trails, vegetation, and wildlife were protected.

As a result, the trails have been reconfigured by the preserve’s volunteers to make traffic one way in the tighter areas.  A new footbridge has also been built across the creek, along with new signage to remind people to respect social-distancing rules.

And despite the recent massive increase in foot traffic, the crowding is now manageable.

In fact the successful changes are already being looked at by other natural areas that are contemplating reopening, including the Jenkins Arboretum in the neighboring Chester County.

Read more about the McKaig Nature Education Center at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.