contentsapril 2020 RYAN ATKINS/FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS 2.0 volume 55 | number 4 | parksandrecreation.org d i FEATURES 36 Can Parks Help Save Fireflies? Richard J. Dolesh It is no exaggeration to say that a large part of discovering the wonder of nature for many people began when they saw fireflies as kids. Today, firefly populations face serious threats, such as loss of habitat, light pollution, pesticides and more. Several firefly experts agree that parks may be one of the best ways to contribute to firefly conservation. By taking action now to help fireflies thrive, park and recreation professionals can preserve a part of nature that enriches life for all. 2 Parks & Recreation | A P R I L 2 02 0 | PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N .O R G 42 Keeping a Safe Physical Distance in Parks and on Trails By Richard J. Dolesh and Allison Colman Since the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have been emphasizing that to control the pandemic, we must reduce the amount of transmission of the virus through physical distancing. Even with the extreme care states and localities are taking to prevent non-essential travel and activities outside the home, most jurisdictions are still encouraging people to take time daily for safe outdoor physical activity. Learn about the role parks are playing in providing safe spaces for people to keep physically and mentally healthy, and gain insight into how agencies are responding to the pandemic.