Before signing up for an activity, please read the “Guidelines for Outing Participants.”

Aug. 12 Tue Apalachee Chapter Meeting Program: “Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.” Larry Thompson, a 54-year-old county Extension Office agent at the time, and his 26-year-old son, Matt, thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1996. They had no idea what they were getting into. “Old Swamper” and “Grasshopper” will discuss preparation for–and the mental and physical difficulty of–a long-distance hike and show images of the Trail and of the other backpackers they met that year. 7 p.m. at Woodcrest Office Park, 325 John Knox Rd., Bldg. F (first bldg. on the right). Look for Florida Trail signs on wooden door at east end of building. Free. Contact: Linda Patton 850-668-4334.

Aug. 17 Sun P/L Canoe/Kayak the Econfina. Are you looking for a great way to cool off on a hot summer day? Join us for a leisurely paddle on Econfina Creek. Don’t forget to bring snacks, plenty of water and sun protection. Afterward we will stop at the Apalachee Restaurant in Bristol for a late lunch/early dinner. Contact: Gwen Beatty 850-942-7165. Sorry, this paddle had to be cancelled.

July 8 Tue Apalachee Chapter Meeting Program: “Tracks & Scat: Is our Poop Fascination Hardwired?” Trackers, hunters and trappers of yore and primitive cultures depended on reading the woods for their survival. Will Sheftall, Natural Resources Agent for UF’s Leon County Extension Office, will give hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts a chance to ramp up their skills. Learn to identify animal tracks, scat, and other traces and signs found on our trails and woods roads. 7 p.m. at Woodcrest Office Park, 325 John Knox Rd., Bldg. F (first bldg. on the right). Look for Florida Trail signs on wooden door at east end of building. Free. Contact: Linda Patton 850-668-4334.

July 26 Sat P/L Slave Canal Paddle Trip. We’ll paddle 5 miles down the narrow, crystal-clear stream winding through a pristine swamp. The pace will be leisurely with refreshing dips in the cool water. Getting past fallen trees will require some maneuvering skill. Limit 12 canoes. Contact: Steve Haley 850-216-1764.