CLICK HERE FOR full size National Trails Day 2012 flyer

CLICK HERE FOR full size National Trails Day 2012 flyer

May 5 Saturday P/L
St. George Island State Park Hike
This will be a 5-mile hike on St. George Barrier Island, which is a jewel, with miles of undeveloped beaches providing the perfect setting for hiking and nature appreciation. Few parks offer better opportunities for shelling. Sea turtles and shore birds such as the snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer and willet nest in the park during the summer. Located off US 98, 10 miles southeast of Eastpoint, at 1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island. Co-leader Karen Berkley. Limit 12 participants. To reserve your place and get car pool information and meeting time, contact Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 griffindd@aol.com

May 8 Tuesday P/L
Meeting Program: “A.T. Adventures.”
Join speaker Thomas Lynch as he discusses his 2009 Appalachian Trail thruhike that he completed with his hound dog, Rufus. Thomas will share pictures and tales from the trail. Get his tips and advice for those interested in thruhiking either alone or with a dog. We’ll be sure to save time for Q&A. Location: Early Learning Coalition, Suite 70, Northwood Centre, 1851 N Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tallahassee. Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Information: Holly Parker (850) 567-3393 hollyep@gmail.com

May 12 Saturday P/L
Wade Tract Birding Hike
This popular natural history and birding hike will visit one of the best remaining examples of old-growth long leaf pine/wire grass forests left in the U.S. Jim Cox, noted research ornithologist with Tall Timbers Research Station, will provide commentary and hopes to band red-cockaded woodpecker chicks. Contribution to support Wade Tract research is requested. Limit 24 people. To reserve your place, contact Kent Wimmer (850) 528-5261 kwimmer@floridatrail.org

May 19 Saturday P/M
Torreya State Park Fun Hike
Hike the River Bluff-Torreya loop trail. View the Apalachicola River, its floodplain, mixed hardwood forest, and longleaf pine woods. The terrain is hilly but much of the trail is shady. Bring lunch, plenty of water, and insect repellant. Meet at 7:00 a.m. in Tallahassee to car pool. Limit 12 participants. To reserve your place call Jerry Herting (850) 878-3426

May 20 Sunday P/L
Ecofina Creek Paddle
Join us on a cool refreshing paddle on the springs section of Econfina Creek in Bay County. Econfina Creek
is one of the most outstanding waterways in the state. With most of its banks and recharge area in public ownership, paddling down the creek is truly a wild experience, with few signs of human habitation and an abundance of wildlife and native vegetation. You must provide your own boat and equipment. Co-leader:
John Laney. To sign up, call leader: Gwen Beatty (850) 539-6027

May 26 Saturday P/L
Leon Sinks Under-40 Hike!
Calling all hikers under age 40! Hike approximately 4.25 miles at Leon Sinks and get to know other young hikers in your area. This unique trail takes you by sinkholes, natural bridges, and even a disappearing stream! To sign up and get car pool information and meeting time, contact Holly Parker (850) 567-3393 hollyep@gmail.com

Aucilla Trail Highlighted

WFSU-TV’s Dimension’s program aired a story in April 2012 about the Florida National Scenic Trail through the Aucilla Sinks and along the Aucilla River.  You can watch it on the internet at http://wfsu.org/blog-coastal-health/?p=3828.  Interviewed for this program were Kent Wimmer, FTA members Gary and Barbara Hudson, Megan Eno of the US Forest Service and Morgan Wilbur of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The program shows the Florida Trail as it winds around the area’s scenic and usual geologic features where the Aucilla River disappears and reappears in sinks hole and river runs.  We also recognized the volunteers of the Florida Trail Association and our partnerships with the Commission and the USFS that are necessary to create and maintain this segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

In November of 2011, WFSU-TV aired a program about the FNST in the Cathedral of Palms in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and along the Sopchoppy River in Apalachicola National Forest which can be viewed at: http://wfsu.org/blog-coastal-health/?paged=3.

March 24-25, 2012
Osceola National Forest
Open to FTA members, Florida Trail maintainers, and FT land managers only.
Limit 8 per class, so sign up soon!
Students must hold a B cert level in Bucking and Limbing or have previously completed a Felling class.
For class details, click HERE
For registration details, click HERE

You can now order Steve Sheridan’s book, Florida Any Way You Can: The First Thru-Hike of the Florida Trail, and a Cross-Florida Canoe Trip, online at MyPrintOnline.

To link to the Florida Trail Association’s  website and listen to a podcast of radio interviews with Steve, made during his thru-hike,  click here.

To link to the Florida Trail Association’s website and purchase Steve’s book, click here.

Trail books author Sandra Friend attended the January 2012 party celebrating the Chapter’s 30th Anniversary and wrote about it on one of her websites.  Click here to read it.

For a copy of the handout for the evening’s program, click here.

A few photos of the evening:

April 7  Saturday  P/M   Apalachee Ambles:  ANFE 5 The final hike in the Apalachee Ambles series is 8.8 miles from the Oak Park Bridge Trailhead to the Carraway Cutoff Trailhead off of US 319. Those wanting a shorter hike of 3.4 miles can sign up for the option to leave the hike at FR 321. Co-leaders are George Weaver and Carol Skuthan. Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 r_graham@lycos.com.

April 10 Tuesday  Meeting Program:  “The Bird is the Word!”  Florida’s public and private lands provide habitat for more than 500 bird species! Join the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to learn about the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail and get to know the basics of birding. Find out what species live in our neck of the woods and how you can locate them.  Inormation: Linda Patton 850-668-4334.

April 13-15  Fri-Sat  M/M-S  MEMBERS ONLY  Econfina Creek Campout and Hike Camp at the Walsingham Bridge primitive campsite and hike the 10-mile trail along Econfina Creek from Scott Road to Walsingham Bridge on Saturday. This is a very scenic trail with interesting suspension bridges, springs, a waterfall, and mountain laurel. The hike will be at a slow pace with lots of breaks. Other opportunities include a 2-mile hike along the creek south of the campsite, visits to nearby steepheads, and canoeing. Bring meals and enough potable water for the weekend. Limit 10 people. Co-led by Barbara Donner. Sign up by 4/11. Tom Rish (850) 656-6661 tomrish@comcast.net.

April 21  Saturday  P/L  Wakulla Wildlife Festival Fun and educational activities for the whole family. The Apalachee Chapter will sponsor an information table on the grounds of Wakulla Springs State Park. Volunteers are needed to help at the table, and also enjoy the festival. Call for more information. Limit 5 people. Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com.

April 28 Saturday M/L   MEMBERS ONLY CPR Course 8:30-12:00 & Basic First Aid 13:00-16:30, 325 John Knox Rd., Suite F-100, Tallahas­see, FL This course will cover CPR and Basic First Aid. Participants may choose to stay for one or both ses­sions. If you have a current CPR card and would like to re-certify, please contact the instructor in advance. You may not need to participate in the full session. To register, contact Megan Eno at (850) 523-8579 or meno02@fs.fed.us.

PLEASE NOTE: The Florida National Scenic Trail and other forest trails are part of the natural environment. Rough, uneven, and/or slippery surfaces, protruding roots, encroaching vegetation, fallen branches, mud and water, insects and other wildlife, irritating plants and other hazards may be present. Wear boots and use caution. If you question whether a hike is within your ability, contact the Activity Leader.  Guidelines for activity participants can be found at http://apalachee.floridatrail.org/guidelines-for-activity-participants/

March 3  Saturday  P/S  Apalachee Ambles:  ANFE 2 (Annual Bradwell Bay Wilderness Swamp Stomp) Slog about 8 miles in the heart of the Apalachicola National Forest, through one of the largest swamp forests in Florida. Rated by BACKPACKER magazine as one of the 10 toughest hikes in the USA. If there’s been recent rain, expect wading in ankle-to-waist-deep water for over half the hike. Bring lunch, hiking sticks/poles, and extra dry clothes and shoes. Old, but sturdy, boots recommended. Co-leaders are Holly Davenport and Carol Skuthan. Kent Wimmer (850) 523-8576  kwimmer@floridatrail.org.

March 4  Sunday  P/L  Family Nature Trail Hike Children welcomed on this hike of the Coon Bottom Loop nature trail at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. They can learn about the trail’s natural features from the brand new educational/interpretive signage. Easy 1.5-mile hike. The hike will be co-led by Ben Poston. Linda Patton (850) 668-4334.

March 10  Saturday  P/L  Apalachee Ambles:  ANFE 3 Hike through the eastern portion of the Bradwell Bay Wilderness, from the Monkey Creek Trailhead to the Sopchoppy River Trailhead, a distance of 6.2 miles. Co-leaders are Howard Pardue and Barry Haber. Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 r_graham@lycos.com.

March 10 & 11  Sat-Sun  P/M  New River Canoe & Kayak Trip Paddle the New River in Liberty and Franklin Counties from Rd 22 Sumatra to Pope Place in Tate’s Hell State Forest. We will meet in Sumatra and then go to the landing to unload gear and work out the shuttle to begin a 2-day adventure through Tate’s Hell. Bring sleeping gear, food, and water for the trip. Limit 12 people. Ronny Traylor (850) 643-5517 ronnytraylor@gmail.com.

March 13 Tuesday  Meeting Program:  “What the Heck is a Geocache?” Lynda Tiefel, president of the Tallahassee Area Geocachers, gives us an introduction to geocaching- a high tech treasure hunt! Lynda has found almost 2000 geocaches, a number of which were hidden along the Florida Trail. Find out how you can become a geocacher and try your hand at locating a “cache” around the Florida Trail office!   Information:  Linda Patton850-668-4334.

March 24  Saturday  P/M   Apalachee Ambles:  ANFE 4 Come for a hike along the Sopchoppy River with an opportunity to see (and photograph) wild azaleas in bloom. Participants will also receive a printed list of other flowering trees and shrubs likely to be encountered. The hike is 5 miles in length and a car shuttle will be arranged to allow for a one-way trip (north to south). Including time for a lunch break, the hike will take approximately 3 hours. Co-leaders are Barbara Donner and Karen Berkley. George Weaver (850) 510-3288 weaver@psy.fsu.edu.

March 24  Saturday  P/L  Leon Sinks Geological Area Hike See native azaleas and dogwoods in bloom. The interpretive 4.25-mile trail winds through scenic and varied terrain, including major sinks, a natural bridge, a disappearing stream, and gum swamps. There is a trailhead fee per vehicle, so call for carpooling arrangements. Limit 15 people. Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com.

March 30-April 1  Fri-Sun  P/L   Florida Trail Days and Annual Conference Details in the FOOTPRINT or online at www.floridatrail.org.

PLEASE NOTE: The Florida National Scenic Trail and other forest trails are part of the natural environment. Rough, uneven, and/or slippery surfaces, protruding roots, encroaching vegetation, fallen branches, mud and water, insects and other wildlife, irritating plants and other hazards may be present. Wear boots and use caution. If you question whether a hike is within your ability, contact the Activity Leader.  Guidelines for activity participants can be found at http://apalachee.floridatrail.org/guidelines-for-activity-participants

February 4  Saturday  P/S  Apalachee Ambles:  ANFW 2 A 10.8 mile hike in the Apalachicola National Forest from Camel Lake campground to Vilas Trailhead at FR 120. Those wanting a shorter hike of 4.3 miles can sign up for the option to leave the hike at FR 108E. Meet at Camel Lake at 8:00 and depart by 8:30 EST. Day pack, food and water for the day. Co-leaders are Gwen Beatty and Tom Rish. Ronny Traylor (850) 643-5517 ronnytraylor@gmail.com.

February 9  Thursday Apalachicola National Forest Trail Care In support of Apalachee Ambles.  Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612  totenold49@aol.com

February 11 Saturday  Apalachicola National Forest Trail Care In support of Apalachee Ambles, Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612  totenold49@aol.com

February 12  Sunday  P/S  Apalachee Ambles:  ANFW 3 Hike in the Apalachicola National Forest from Vilas Trailhead at FR 120 to FR 175. The 9.1- mile trail crosses through the western portion of the Apalachicola National Forest and meanders through and around many large pine palmetto flatwoods separated by titi and cypress swamps. Segments of the trail are some of the most remote in Florida and offer a wide variety of flora and fauna year-round. Those wanting a shorter hike of 4.9 miles can sign up for the option to leave the hike at FR 107B. Trail may be knee-deep in water following heavy rains. Wear safety orange since this will be during hunting season.  Be prepared and bring a change of clothes for a comfortable ride home! Bring a simple lunch item to share – we’re going “pot-luck” on the trail! Co-leaders are Gwen Beatty and Tom Rish. Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103.

February 14 Tuesday  Meeting Program:  “Wilderness and Back-country First Aid” Join Megan Eno for a refresher course on the essentials of Wilderness First Aid. Brush up on life-saving skills and participate in hands-on demonstrations. Stay safe on the trail this hiking season! [also Chapter Elections]  Information: Linda Patton 850-668-4334.

February 16  Thursday Apalachicola National Forest Trail Care In support of Apalachee Ambles.  Terry Tenold, (850) 877-1612, totenold49@aol.com

February 23  Thursday Apalachicola National Forest Trail Care In support of Apalachee Ambles.  Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com

February 25  Saturday  P/M  Apalachee Ambles:  ANFE 1 The first Amble in the eastern section of the Apalachicola National Forest will be a 7.2-mile  hike from Porter Lake Campground to the Bradwell Bay West Trailhead, including a side trip to the historic Langston Homestead house. Co-leaders are Dale Allen and Dawn Griffin. Sign up by 2/23. Dawn Brown (850) 668-0091 dbrown1948@embarqmail.com.

February 18  Saturday ** DATE CHANGED TO: FEBRUARY 26 SUNDAY ** P/S  Apalachee Ambles:  ANFW 4 A 10.1-mile hike in the Apalachicola National Forest from FR 175 to Porter Lake Campground. Those wanting a shorter hike of 5.4 miles can sign up for the option to leave the hike at CR 67 (Indian Creek).  Wear safety orange since this will be during hunting season.  Co-leaders are Gwen Beatty and Barry Haber. Mike Tucker (850) 545-3489 tuckems@hotmail.com.

February 28  Tuesday  Activities Planning Meeting    MEMBERS ONLY Held at the U.S. Forest Service Bldg. F at 6:00 P.M. Open to all members who would like to participate. Please contact Barbara Donner by February 27th if you plan to attend and whether you would like pizza. (850) 514-4284 donner@hap­pydogtails.com.

PLEASE NOTE: The Florida National Scenic Trail and other forest trails are part of the natural environment. Rough, uneven, and/or slippery surfaces, protruding roots, encroaching vegetation, fallen branches, mud and water, insects and other wildlife, irritating plants and other hazards may be present. Wear boots and use caution. If you question whether a hike is within your ability, contact the Activity Leader.  Guidelines for activity participants can be found at http://apalachee.floridatrail.org/guidelines-for-activity-participants