I shot with a recurve for awhile (less than a year) but stopped - the range closed.

A new range opened up recently. Do recurve strings have a life? Do they naturally degrade over time (even w/out use)? Or just primarily with use?

Based on usage, I think I've got a good 1-2 years worth of life left. But not sure about degradation over time just sitting there (it's been about 2 years or more).

Safe to use or should I just start off with new strings? Not sure if I'm going to keep it up (new range is pretty expensive - so maybe just keep some basic skills up - go once a month or so).

Following, as my daughter has been taking archery lessons & I'm wanting to give it a shot as well.

Not sure if relevant, but has the bow been strung the whole time it's been idle?
I noticed a few guys at the archery range unstringing their recurves as they were leaving the line.

Unless it's visibly damaged, I would not worry about it. Add some fresh wax and let them fly. Maybe measure the brace height to see if there has been any stretch. If the brace height is too low, add a twist or two to the string.

Thanks. I’ll use the strings as visually they seem fine.

I take off the strings after each session. I have ILF style bows so it gets taken down after each session.