Mar 7  Saturday P/S 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 we’ve had rain, expect wading in ankle-to-waist-deep water for over half the hike. Bring lunch, hiking sticks, and extra dry clothes and shoes.  Old, but sturdy, boots recommended.  Kent Wimmer 850-523-8576 kwimmer@fs.fed.us

March 10 Tuesday Apalachee Chapter Meeting Program: “Hiking in New Mexico’s Fabulously Diverse Backcountry.” Will Sheftall presents six trips to the Sangre deCristo Mtns. (Pecos Wilderness, Carson NF), Gila Wilderness (Gila NF), Sacramento Mtns. (Lincoln NF), Guadalupe Mtns. (Guadalupe NP, TX), and Davis Mtns. (TX) — one of The Nature Conservancy’s “Last Great Places.” 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.

Mar 13-14 Fri. – Sat. P/M Paddling Trip–New River, Liberty and Franklin Counties. Paddle New River from Rd 22 Sumatra to Pope Place in Tate’s Hell State Forest. Bring sleeping gear, food, and water for the trip. Limit 12 people.  Ronny Traylor 850-643-5517 ronnytraylor@gmail.com

Mar 14 Saturday P/L Florida National Scenic Trail. View native azaleas and other blooming wildflowers on the FNST along the Sopchoppy River in the Apalachicola National Forest.  Limit 15 people. Galen Moses 850-926-9476.

Mar 21 Saturday P/L Leon Sinks Geological Area Hike. The trail winds through scenic and varied terrain, including major sinks, a natural bridge, and a disappearing stream. Trailhead parking fee–call for car-pooling arrangements. Limit 15 people. Terry Tenold 850-877-1612 totenold49@aol.com

Mar 22 Sunday P/M Apalachicola Bluffs & Ravines Preserve near Bristol. Enjoy a spring hike along the 3.5-mi. loop trail that is biologically unique to Florida. Bring snacks, water, and perhaps a hiking stick to assist with steep terrain. Limit 12 people. Car pool from Tallahassee. Connie Betterley 850-294-6302 cjbetterley @msn.com

Mar 27-29 Fri.–Sun. Florida Hiking Festival & 2009 Annual Meeting & Conference. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs, Florida. More information can be found on page 4 of the Spring newsletter and at http://www.floridatrail.org/News/Latest-News/2009-FHF-1st.html

All activities are free unless otherwise noted.
Codes:
“P” Public welcome to participate
“M” Limited to FTA members only
“L” Leisurely
“M” Moderately difficult
“S” Strenuous

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.