January 24, 2012
Ordering Steve Sheridan’s book about the first FNST thruhike
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.
January 20, 2012
Our 30th Anniversary – January 2012 program
January 15, 2012
Activities – April 2012
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/
Activities – March 2012
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
Activities – February 2012
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 18 Saturday 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 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 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
January 14, 2012
Activities – January 2012
January 7 Saturday Apalachicola National Forest Trail Care In support of Apalachee Ambles. Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 r_graham@lycos.com.
January 8 Sunday P/M Dog Hike at Bear Creek Has your dog gained some extra pounds from the holidays? Come work it off the fun way. Hike the 1.8-mile Ravine Loop Trail first, and then if your dog is up for more, hike another 3 miles on the Bear Creek Loop Trail. Dogs must be kept on a 6’ or less leash. Bring poop bags and water for your dog. No need to sign up, just show up at the trailhead at noon. The Bear Creek Tract trailhead is located in the Lake Talquin State Forest on SR 267 between SR 20 and US 90. Contact Barbara Donner if you have questions. (850) 514-4284.
January 10 Tuesday Meeting Program: “30th Anniversary Kickoff with The Florida Trail’s First Thru-Hiker” Twenty two years after being recognized as the first person to hike the Florida Trail in one concerted effort, Steve Sheridan has finished and published his experiences in “Florida Any Way You Can.” Steve will kick off the Apalachee Chapter’s 30th Anniversary with a presentation and discussion of his experiences while becoming The Florida Trail’s first thru-hiker! Information: Linda Patton 850-668-4334.
January 12 Thursday Apalachicola National Forest Trail Care In support of Apalachee Ambles. Terry Tenold, (850) 877-1612, totenold49@aol.com
January 15 Sunday P/M St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge Hike Apalachee–Panhandle Chapters joint activity to day hike on the fabulous St. Vincent NWR in Franklin County. St. Vincent is an undeveloped barrier island just offshore from the mouth of the Apalachicola River in the Gulf of Mexico. Bring lunch and plenty of water (in a daypack) and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for hiking. We will be hiking within the several different habitat types including the beach – always hiking at a comfortable pace! We will be taking the St. Vincent Island Shuttle Services to cross Indian Pass – cost is $10.00 per person for round-trip transportation. Bring a simple lunch item to share – we’re going “pot-luck” on the trail! Limit 30 people. Apalachee co-leaders are Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 Griffindd@aol.com and Tom Rish (850) 656-6661 tomrish@comcast.net and Panhandle leader is Rick Tutunick grandmaearth@gmail.com.
January 21 Saturday Apalachicola National Forest Trail Care In support of Apalachee Ambles. Terry Tenold, (850) 877-1612, totenold49@aol.com
January 21 Saturday P/M Phipps Park Invasive Plants Hike Learn about invasive plants and help eradicate them on a portion of Phipps Park! Join Leon County Master Gardener Gary Griffin for a hike and workday on the Coon Bottom Loop trail at 9:00 a.m. Gary will help identify invasive plants and teach us how to properly remove them. After the hike and workday, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. Shovels and plastic bags will be provided. Wear appropriate attire; bring bug spray, gloves, water and lunch. Limit 15 people. Holly Davenport (850) 567-3393.
January 26 Thursday Apalachicola National Forest Trail Care In support of Apalachee Ambles. Terry Tenold, (850) 877-1612, totenold49@aol.com
January 28 Saturday P/M Apalachee Ambles: ANFW 1 The first Amble in the western section of the Apalachicola National Forest will be a hike from the Savannah Trailhead to CR 12 and back, then past the west junction of the Chain of Lakes Trail and on to Camel Lake Campground, for a total of 6 miles. Co-leaders are Holly Davenport and Linda Patton. Cathy Briggs (850) 567-0506 cbriggs@nettally.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
January 5, 2012
Panhandle Outdoors LIVE 2012 Excursions
FOR OUR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION:
PANHANDLE OUTDOORS LIVE 2012
UF Natural Resource Extension Agents in NW Florida are excited to announce the roll-out of Panhandle Outdoors LIVE!
Join us for a series of 10 guided field excursions we are planning and will be leading. Explore and learn about the role of water in creating our ecological outdoor wonderland that IS the true Florida Panhandle… outdoors and LIVE!.
We will show you many unique natural areas on conservation lands throughout northwest Florida. We will be your guides to the Panhandle’s signature aquatic resources and the plant and animal communities they support.
Excursions begin in January 2012 and run monthly through November 2012. Registration is per field trip, so you can choose to attend as many as you wish.
For dates and places, see the flyer. CLICK HERE FOR FLYER
Then for all the details, go to our registration site http://panhandleoutdoorslive2012.eventbrite.com
Depending on Time Zone location, trips run as follows: trips in Eastern locations run 10:30 am-5:00 pm Eastern time; trips in Central locations run 9:30 am-4:00 pm Central time. The differential is purposeful: to facilitate traveling across the Panhandle without spending a night, for those who want to sign up for the series.
Trips vary in requiring moderate walking, hiking, swimming and/or paddling. Lunch, park entry fees and rentals are included in the cost of $30 per excursion. To ensure a quality experience, space is strictly limited, so register early!
All excursion sites are special places, most are protected, many are unique in the Southeast US, and some have global significance.
The Florida Panhandle boasts a diversity of landscape features resulting from uncommon combinations of underlying rock, elevation, groundwater and surface waters. This diversity of water-dominated landscape features has allowed hotspots of high biodiversity to evolve and flourish here. How familiar are you with these world-renowned natural resources right here in our own backyard?
Please help us spread the word about this educational opportunity, to those you know who might be interested. And particularly to those with whom you could carpool… thanks! Now go to: http://panhandleoutdoorslive2012.eventbrite.com to register.
August 27, 2011
Activities – December 2011
December 3 Saturday P/L Apalachee Ambles: SMNWR 8. Hike four and a half miles from the Pinhook River out to US 98 along tram roads and puncheon, and possibly through water at the end of the hike. We’ll celebrate completion of the Refuge hikes at the Riverside Café in St. Marks. Co-leaders are Barbara Donner and Holly Davenport. Linda Patton (850) 668-4334.
December 10 Saturday P/M River Bluff Trail Care, Torreya State Park. Help maintain the River Bluff Trail. We’ll clip back vegetation and remove fallen limbs, and enjoy being out in the woods. Bring water and lunch. We will meet at 7:30 a.m. in Tallahassee for carpooling. Limit 6 people. Jerry Herting (850) 878-3426.
December 10 Saturday P/L Leon Sinks Hike, Apalachicola National Forest. Enjoy one or more of the three trails that run through this park– Sinkhole Trail, Crossover Trail, and Gum Swamp Trail. There is a $2 parking fee per vehicle at the trailhead. Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 griffindd@aol.com.
December 11 Sunday P/L Apalachee Ambles: Aucilla 1. Hike 5 miles from the River Sink north of Goose Pasture Road to the south trailhead. Explore the series of sinks and rises of the Aucilla River as you walk through hardwood hammock and pine flatwoods. Sign up by 12/9. Leader: Barbara Donner. Co-leaders are Tom Rish and Wendy Dial. Contact Tom Rish to sign up (850) 656-6661 tomrish@comcast.net.
December 13 Tuesday M/L “Annual Apalachee Chapter Holiday Party.” Celebrate the season by joining our holiday potluck and gift exchange. Bring a dish to share (ham and turkey provided by the Chapter) and a wrapped gift to participate in the exchange. The gift should be trail or outdoors related if possible, and can be purchased-but-inexpensive, a white elephant, or hand-made. If you’re feeling extra festive, write a short poem/limerick describing the gift.
December 18 Sunday P/M Apalachee Ambles: Aucilla 2. Hike 7.5 miles along the river from the north trailhead near CR 14 to River Sink where the river goes underground. Enjoy the autumn colors of the cypress and hardwoods along the banks. We will have lunch at the rapids–one of the few in Florida. Sign up by 12/16. Co-leaders are Tom Rish and Dawn Griffin. Barbara Donner (850) 514-4284 donner@happydogtails.com.
December 31 Saturday P/L Annual Phipps Park Holiday Hike. Close out 2011 with a hike at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park in Tallahassee and then toast the New Year with lunch at the Oak Hammock. Linda Patton (850) 668-4334.
All activities are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
CHAPTER MEETINGS are held the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 PM in Building F, Suite 100 (U.S. Forest Service), the first building on the right as you enter Woodcrest Office Park at 325 John Knox Road, Tallahassee. The meeting room is ground level at the east end of Building F. Look for the Florida Trail signs at wooden door. For more information, contact Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 or Linda Patton (850) 668-4334. Meetings are open to the public.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Please read the GUIDELINES FOR OUTING PARTICIPANTS before signing up for an activity. This will make for a better outing experience for all concerned.
Click here for a copy of the Guidelines.
“P” Public welcome to participate / “M” Limited to FTA members only
“L” Leisurely / “M” Moderately difficult / “S” Strenuous
Activities – November 2011
November 3 & 4 Thurs & Friday P/M Econfina Creek Water Management Area Backpack & Campout. Backpack 18 miles on the Econfina Creek section of the FNST. Plan on 8-10 miles each day. Camp 1 night. Limit 6 people. Mike Tucker (850) 545-3489 tuckems@hotmail.com.
November 5 Saturday P/S Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. Enjoy the 3.75 mile, round-trip, self-guided trail that takes you through an enchanting area that local legend claims is the original Garden of Eden. Beginning in longleaf pine/wiregrass uplands, the trail soon skirts the top of a dramatic steephead, descends steeply through the slope forest to cross a steephead stream and then ascends the slope forest through sandhills. The trail eventually opens to a spectacular view at Alum Bluff. At 135 feet above the Apalachicola River, Alum Bluff is the largest natural geological exposure in Florida. Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 griffindd@aol.com.
November 5 Saturday P/L Wade Tract Birding Hike. This popular hike will take you into one of the best remaining examples of old-growth longleaf pine/wiregrass forests left in the U.S. Jim Cox, noted ornithologist with Tall Timbers Research Station, will provide commentary and show us a red-cockaded woodpecker colony. Contribution of $10/person requested. Limit 24 people. Kent Wimmer (850) 523-8576 kwimmer@floridatrail.org.
November 6 Sunday P/M Apalachee Ambles: SMNWR 4. Shuttle cars and hike almost 10 miles from Wakulla Beach Rd. (FR 201) past the Sawdust Mound and the Thompson House field office, into the woods beside US 98 and down the St. Marks bike path to St. Marks. For those wanting a shorter hike of 4.4 miles, sign up for the option to leave the hike at the Thompson House. Meet at the Capital City Bank on South Monroe Street across from the Fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m. to carpool. Bring a lunch and fluids. Co-leaders are Kent Wimmer and George Weaver. Dale Allen (850) 656-8050 wm.dale.allen@gmail.com.
November 8 Tuesday P/L Meeting Program: “Invasion of the Exotic Plants!” You don’t have to look far to realize that invasive exotic plants are taking over our neighborhoods and public lands. Identification and eradication of these species is a must if we are to preserve the botanical integrity of our roadsides, wetland areas and uplands. Join Leon County Master Gardener Gary Griffin for a discussion of what you can do to help rid our trails (and your yards!) of these unwanted plants. Information: Holly Davenport (850) 567-3393.
November 12 Saturday P/M Apalachee Ambles: SMNWR 5. We’ll start in the town of St. Marks, take a boat across the river and hike 6.7 miles to the trail junction with Lighthouse Rd. in the Refuge. Hike includes a side trip to the ghost town of Port Leon. Port Leon was a town and deep water port built in the 1840’s, but was abandoned after a hurricane in 1848. Fee required for boat transportation and entry of shuttle cars into SMNWR. Co-leaders are Barbara Donner and Bob Daniels. Dawn Brown (850) 668-0091 after 10/01.
November 10 Saturday P/M Apalachicola National Forest Trail Care. Help clear about 3 miles of the Florida Trail and repaint blazes from US 329 to Langston House. Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 r_graham@lycos.com.
November 19 Saturday P/M Torreya Challenge Trail Care, Torreya State Park. Help maintain the Torreya Challenge Trail. Mostly, we’ll clip back vegetation and remove fallen limbs as we walk through the woods. Bring water and lunch. We will meet at 7:30 a.m. in Tallahassee for carpooling. Jerry Herting (850) 878-3426.
November 19 Saturday P/M Apalachee Ambles: SMNWR 6. Hike 9.9 miles from Lighthouse Rd. along the FNST on the levees with lovely views of the wildlife ponds, marshes and the coastline of the Big Bend. Hike back around the Stoney Bayou. For those wanting a shorter hike of 5 miles, sign up for the option to shuttle and leave the hike at the Main Levee. Co-leaders are Gwen Beatty and Barry Haber. Mike Tucker (850) 545-3489 tuckems@hotmail.com.
November 26 Saturday P/L Apalachee Ambles: SMNWR 7. Hike the FNST “Pinhook Swamp Stomp,” about 5 miles, from the main levee to the Pinhook River. Co-leaders are Gwen Beatty and Barry Haber. Leader: Kent Wimmer (850) 523-8576 kwimmer@floridatrail.org.
All activities are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
CHAPTER MEETINGS are held the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 PM in Building F, Suite 100 (U.S. Forest Service), the first building on the right as you enter Woodcrest Office Park at 325 John Knox Road, Tallahassee. The meeting room is ground level at the east end of Building F. Look for the Florida Trail signs at wooden door. For more information, contact Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 or Linda Patton (850) 668-4334. Meetings are open to the public.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Please read the GUIDELINES FOR OUTING PARTICIPANTS before signing up for an activity. This will make for a better outing experience for all concerned. Click here for a copy of the Guidelines.
“P” Public welcome to participate / “M” Limited to FTA members only
“L” Leisurely / “M” Moderately difficult / “S” Strenuous
Activities – October 2011
October 1 Saturday P/M Apalachicola National Forest Trail Care. Help clear about 3 miles of the Florida Trail and repaint blazes from FR 321 to Oak Park Bridge. Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 r_graham@lycos.com.
October 1 Saturday P/L Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park – Lake & Ravine Trails. Let’s enjoy some fall color and tackle both the trails totaling 5 miles. Fee: park admission. The park has formal gardens, two lakes and a series of trails, all on former plantation lands at the foot of the Red Hills district. Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 griffindd@aol.com.
October 8 Saturday P/L Apalachee Ambles: SMNWR 1. We’ll shuttle cars and begin ambling at the western boundary of the Refuge, hiking just over three miles from the Carraway Cutoff trailhead at Medart to the Greenhouse Rd. trailhead. Then we’ll head for lunch at a local restaurant. Co-leaders are Wendy Dial and Dawn Brown. Leader: Linda Patton (850) 668-4334.
October 11 Tuesday P/L Meeting Program: “Hiking and Backpacking in Central and South America.” Benjamin and Johanna Poston will describe their hiking and backpacking travel adventures through scenic Central and South America. They will present a photographic tour and share stories about their favorite trails to active volcanoes, cloud forests, waterfalls, ancient ruins and Andean mountaintops. We’ll also be presenting our annual Chapter awards, so be sure to join us!
October 15 Saturday P/M Apalachee Ambles: SMNWR 2. Hike close to 9 miles from the Greenhouse Rd. trailhead to Shell Point Rd. (CR 367). Includes the short blue-blazed trail to Marsh Point, with a scenic view over the salt marshes to the Gulf of Mexico. Co-leaders are Dawn Griffin and Bob Daniels. Leader: Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com.
October 21-23 Fri-Sun P(M)/L Pine Log Gathering. This is an annual event hosted by the Panhandle and Choctawhatchee Chapters at Pine Log State Forest. All north Florida chapters are invited and they would like to see more attendance from our chapter. The group campsite is reserved and dinners are provided for a donation. Individual electric hookup campsites are available also (first come basis). Plan to come out to visit our neighbors and have some great activities and food. Contact Tom Daniel at perdidotcd@aol.com or Ron Peterson at ronaldspeterson@comcast.net to sign up.
October 25 Tuesday M/L Activities Planning Meeting. 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 October 24th if you plan to attend and whether you would like pizza. (850) 514-4284 donner@happydogtails.com.
October 29 Saturday P/L Sopchoppy River Hike. Come for a hike along the Sopchoppy River. 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. Limit 15 people. George Weaver (850) 510-3288 weaver@psy.fsu.edu.
October 30 Sunday P/L Apalachee Ambles: SMNWR 3. After shuttling cars, hike 6.3 miles from Shell Pt. Rd. (CR 367) to Wakulla Beach Rd. (FR 201), taking the side trail to Shepherd Springs and passing through the Cathedral of Palms. Meet at the Capital City Bank on South Monroe Street across from the Fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m. to carpool. Bring a lunch and fluids. Co-leaders are Bob Daniels and Dawn Brown. Leader: Dale Allen (850) 656-8050 wm.dale.allen@gmail.com.
All activities are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
CHAPTER MEETINGS are held the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 PM in Building F, Suite 100 (U.S. Forest Service), the first building on the right as you enter Woodcrest Office Park at 325 John Knox Road, Tallahassee. The meeting room is ground level at the east end of Building F. Look for the Florida Trail signs at wooden door. For more information, contact Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 or Linda Patton (850) 668-4334. Meetings are open to the public.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Please read the GUIDELINES FOR OUTING PARTICIPANTS before signing up for an activity. This will make for a better outing experience for all concerned.
Click here for a copy of the Guidelines.
“P” Public welcome to participate / “M” Limited to FTA members only
“L” Leisurely / “M” Moderately difficult / “S” Strenuous