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The Florida Trail Association develops, maintains, protects, and promotes a network of hiking trails throughout the state, including the unique Florida National Scenic Trail.
Together with our partners we provide opportunities for the public to hike, engage in outdoor recreation, participate in environmental education, and contribute to meaningful volunteer work.
| | Central Florida Chapter Update | |
Hello Central Florida Chapter—
What a difference a few weeks can make! The weather has finally started to cooperate—cooler mornings, a light breeze, and that first hint of fall in the air. The trails are still a bit damp in places, but they’re alive with color and activity again, and it’s wonderful to see so many of you back outside enjoying them.
Now, to address the big topic on everyone’s mind: the ongoing government shutdown. Unfortunately, this means our work on sections of the Florida National Scenic Trail is temporarily paused. The good news is that we’re still able to maintain other local trails, including those at Wekiwa Springs State Park. To volunteer there, you’ll need to be registered with the Florida State Parks volunteer system—please reach out if you’d like help getting started.
We also have several of our members participating in chainsaw training this week—always great to see our crew sharpening their skills (literally and figuratively!) so we’ll be ready to jump back in when the time comes.
On a personal note, this will be my final year as Chapter Chair and will wrap up in May 2026. This role has been a joy and an honor. I’m stepping back to give a little more time to my family, but I’m not going far—I’m excited to stay connected on the trail and in our natural spaces.
Huge gratitude to our volunteers and Activity Leaders—your energy is what keeps this community vibrant. It’s been awesome to see more hikes, paddles, rides, and family-friendly outings popping up
on the calendar. New leaders, co-leads, and behind-the-scenes helpers: thank you.
Merch alert! We’re finalizing chapter gear so you can wear your Central Florida pride on and off trail. Look for a t-shirt, sun hoodie, and ladies tank top coming soon—watch our socials for the release!
Thank you for showing up, pitching in, and bringing new friends along. Cooler mornings are here—let’s make the most of them, together.
Chelsey Stevens
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📅 Thursday, October 16, 2025
🕡 6:30 PM – Social Time | 7:00 PM – Presentation Begins
📍 Leu Gardens – Magnolia Room
1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL
🍎 Bring a snack to share and join us for an evening of community, conservation, and storytelling.
🌿 Featured Speaker
Kristin Anderson
Born and raised in wild Florida, Kristin is a lifelong nature enthusiast with a deep-rooted passion for conservation. With a background in Florida Ecology and hands-on experience in urban ecological restoration, she is dedicated to protecting the REAL Florida. Kristin believes in the power of community and works to inspire others to connect with nature and each other through education, advocacy, and outdoor engagement.
📖 About the Organization:
Join us for an engaging presentation from Conservation Florida on the vital work of land conservation in Florida. We’ll explore the Florida Wildlife Corridor, what it is, why it matters, and how strategic land acquisitions are preserving critical habitats. You’ll learn about the diverse and sometimes unexpected partners that make conservation possible, from working ranches and agricultural lands to the Department of Defense. We’ll also discuss the legal tools behind conservation efforts and the essential role of partnerships in protecting Florida’s water, wildlife, and wild places for generations to come.
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Highlighted Hike of the Month
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Historic Ethel Trail
While not obvious at first glance, Rock Springs Run State Reserve was once home to a railroad stop on the historic Sanford – Lake Eustis Railway. Known as Ethel, this pioneer settlement had a store, school, and a post office. Established in the 1860’s, the town started to drift into obscurity by the 1920’s, until remnants of the cemetery were accidentally discovered by a park service volunteer in 2008.
With the help of researchers and volunteers, the park now features a 1.4-mile loop trail with dozens of interpretive signs describing the long-gone community and people who lived there. The trail follows wide access roads for the most part, passing the cemetery and picnic benches along the way. Admission is $3.00 a vehicle, and while seasonal hunting occurs in this park, it is not allowed in the section this trail traverses. Each year in October, the Wekiva Wilderness Trust puts together an event known as Haunted Historic Ethel. This year, it will be on Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th.
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Bike Ride on the West Orange Trail
God smiled on the Florida Trail Association on Saturday, October 11th.
The bike ride from the Apopka-Vineland Trailhead to downtown Winter Garden was attended by eight riders. The day started overcast with light sprinkles but the sun shined through at about the 10 am start.
We were able to avoid the rain throughout the entire round trip ride, including our stopover at the Hangry Bison for a lunch break!
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Camping on the Kissimmee River
When: October 25, 2025, 11:30 AM
Activity Leader: Mary-Slater Linn
FTA scored camping permits along the Kissimmee River, south of Lake Kissimmee at S-65 locks and 21 miles east of Lake Wales on FL-60. This is primitive camping (no running water). Chuckwagon Campsite is a free campground offered by South Florida Water Management District. It is located within the KICCO (Kissimmee Cattle Company) Wildlife Management Area. This particular campsite is suitable only for cars, vans, and pickups-no RVs allowed.
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Anclote Key State Preserve Kayaking Trip
When: October 25, 9:30 AM
Activity Leader: Bill Turman (Cell) 407-413-2950, (email) HokieBill@bellsouth.net
Anclote Key Preserve State Park is accessible only by boat and is located a couple of miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs in the Gulf. The park is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American oystercatcher, bald eagle and piping plover. A picturesque 1887 lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the southern end of the island. We will meet at the Anclote River Park boat ramp or small beach at 9:30.
We will then paddle out the Anclote River, and across the 2 to 3 miles of open water of the Gulf to Anclote Key. Depending on the weather and marine conditions we may circumnavigate the island. We will land on the south end of the island and explore the old Lighthouse, as well as look for wildlife and birds. We will eat a light lunch on the island. We will then return across the bay back to the park. This will be a paddle of around 8 to 12 miles total, depending on whether we paddle around the island.
Please note that this is kayak paddling in the gulf and water conditions can change during the day. You should feel comfortable in open water away from land, have suitable equipment (spray skirts, bailing equipment for sit-in boats) and know how to operate your boats. In August it will be hot and sunny and there will be little shade, so appropriate clothing and hats is recommended along with sunscreen. Bring plenty of water to drink.
After the paddle, we will stop in a Tarpon Springs (famous for old Florida Greek sponge diving history) at a local restaurant for an early dinner.
For more information and to sign-up for this activity, go to the meet-up site. As always, if you sign up for this trip and then for some reason need to cancel, please be courteous and do so as early as possible to allow the wait-list people to sign up and go on the trip.
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Pontoon Boat ride on the Kissimmee River
When: November 8, 9:00 AM
Activity Leader: Mary-Slater Linn
Join FTA as we take a pontoon boat ride on the Kissimmee River with Florida Atlantic University Riverwoods Field Laboratory. Participants get a first-hand view of the restoration project, illustrating the inter-disciplinary nature of environmental science and management.
Learn about the watershed as we explore the biological habitats of the river, see the birds, gators and fish and learn about the river's hydrology and engineering structures. Optional science projects are offered such as aquatic water sampling. Or, just come for the ride! This is a 4 hr trip includes stops to also explore some natural areas . Cost: $25.00 per person
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Family Hike to the Econ River
When: November 13, 2025, Meet at 8:30 AM
Activity Leader: Jim Krell
Open to all age groups. Membership not required but encouraged. No Dogs. Where: Econ River Wilderness Area, Southeast of Oviedo, 3795 Old Lockwood Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765
The trail on this site consists of a main loop trail blazed in red (approx. 2.2 miles). A round trip from the entrance to the river and back takes approximately 1.5 hours, longer if you stop to enjoy the scenery. Portions of the trail may be flooded during the wet season. Some areas have recently been controlled-burned.
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Kayak Trip – Hontoon Island
When: November 28, 2025, Meet at 9:00 AM
Activity Leader: Bill Turman (Cell) 407-413-2950
(email) HokieBill@bellsouth.net
We will meet at the French Avenue Boat Ramp, on West French Avenue, west of Orange City, FL (by Blue Springs SP) at 9:00 AM. You should see my “Bright Red” 2021 Ford F150 Pick-up at the launching area.
This counterclockwise trip around Hontoon Island is about 10 miles round trip, and should take around 4 to 5 hours. From the launch at the French Avenue Boat Ramp, we will paddle north up the St. Johns River to Lake Beresford on to Hontoon Island State Park and then Hontoon Ferry.
We then turn south down the
Hontoon Dead River and/or the Snake Creek, to return back into the St. Johns and then paddle north back up to the boat ramp. This is a Holiday Friday, so there will be some power boats going up and down the St. Johns River.
You should have a good seaworthy boat (kayak) and equipment and know how to utilize them.
Bring plenty of water, bug repellent, sun screen, as well as a lunch or snacks.
This activity is for FTA Members only.
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Florida Trail Maintenance is on Hold
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, maintenance on the Florida National Scenic Trail is currently paused. Our planned bridge build at Mills Creek was scheduled to take place the week of October 6th, and has been pushed to next spring. We will share dates when they become available.
Fortunately, our maintenance schedule lined up closely with the planned work hike dates at Wekiwa Springs State Park, which is not part of the FNST. Volunteers worked at the park on the first and eighth of this month, and we will finish up next Wednesday the 15th. Head out to the park and check out the freshly mowed hiking trails!
Our 2025-2026 Trail Maintenance Schedule
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32nd Annual Winter Series!
Join us for our annual Winter Wednesday Hikes and Thursday Paddles. Each event is numbered for your convenience and scheduled to allow you to explore the unique beauty of Central Florida's natural landscapes. These activities are perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and enjoys exploring with others.
The Winter Wednesday hikes are listed in the Footpath and past participants will be notified by email but they will not be on Meetup.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the leader
Rachael Augspurg lourayfl@mac.com or text 352-552-0626
WEDNESDAY HIKES - Start at 9:30 AM
Week 1. Jan 7 - Black Bear Conservation Area TH loop trail
Week 2. Jan 14 - FT/Marshall Swamp- CR 314 TH- out & back
Week 3. Jan 21 - Hillsborough River- FT/ loop inside the State Park
Week 4. Jan 28 - Richloam River Trail- Lacoochee Rd, FT/SB to Highbanks
Week 5. Feb 4 - Withlacoochee River Park loop trail
Week 6. Feb 11 - FT/Green Swamp West- SR 471, FT/NB out & back
Week 7. Feb 18 - FT/Green Swamp East- SR 471, FT/SB out & back
Week 8. Feb 25 - Hike WSF/Croom River Trail- Silver Lk TH, FT/SB out & back
Week 9. Mar 4 - Hike WSF/Croom River Trail- SR 50 TH, FT/NB out & back
Week 10. Mar 11 - Hike Silver Springs State Park, Picnic Shelter to springs & back.
Week 11. Mar 18 - Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Reserve Loop
Week 12. Mar 25 - ONF/ St. Francis: Loop Trail & “End-of-Series” Pot-Luck Picnic
THURSDAY PADDLES - Start at 9:00 AM
Week 1. Jan 8 - SSF/Blackwater Creek- Bridge launch upstream & back
Week 2. Jan 15 - Ocklawaha River- Rays Wayside to Gores Landing
Week 3. Jan 22 - Hillsborough River- John B. Sargent Park to Trout Creek Creek
Week 4. Jan 29 - Withlacoochee River- Lacoochee launch to Peterson Park/US 98
Week 5. Feb 5 - Withlacoochee River- Green Swamp launch, upstream & back
Week 6. Feb 12- Withlacoochee River- Peterson Park/US 98 to River Junction
Week 7. Feb 19 - Alafia River- SR 35/ Alderman’s Ford to Lithia Springs
Week 8. Feb 26 -Withlacoochee River- Silver Lake to Nobleton
Week 9. Mar. 5 - Hall River/Homosassa Rivers upstream & back.
Week 10. Mar 12- Silver River- Silver Springs to Ray’s Wayside
Week 11. Mar 19- Spruce Creek - Cracker Landing to US A1A
Week 12. Mar 26 - Blackwater Creek, Wekiva River, St Johns to Highbanks
Winter Series Camping
Wk-1. Jan 6 - No Camping
Wk-2. Jan 13 & 14 -ONF/Lakeshore Group Camp - showers, no elec..reserved
Wk-3. Jan 20 & 21 -Hillsborough River State Pk - showers/ electric
Wk-4. Jan 27 & 28 -Withlacoochee River Pk -showers/elect, all sites reserved for us
Wk-5. Feb 3 & 4 - Withlacoochee River Pk - showers/elect, all sites reserved for us
Wk-6. Feb 10 & 11 - Withlacoochee River Pk - showers/elect, all sites reserved for us
Wk-7. Feb 17 & 18 - Colt Creek State State Forest - showers/electric
Wk-8. Feb 24 & 25 - Withlacoochee SF/Cypress Glen - showers/electric
Wk-9. Mar 3 & 4 - Withlacoochee SF/Cypress Glen -showers/ electric
Wk-10. Mar 10 &11 - ONF/Fore Lake Rec Area - showers/no electric
Wk-11. Mar 17 &18 - Tiger Bay Bennett Camp - Primitive…all sites reserved for us
Wk-12. Mar 24 & 25 - River Forest Group Camp - showers/no electric…reserved
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🍂 2025 Thanksgiving Campout 🍂
Wednesday, November 26 – Sunday, November 30, 2025
📍 Blue Spring State Park – Orange City
Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend outdoors with fellow FTA friends at Blue Spring State Park! This joint campout between the Highlanders and Central Florida Chapters is open to all FTA members.
Check in anytime on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and check out by 11:00 AM on Sunday, Nov. 30. The group campsite is reserved exclusively for our members.
Enjoy a long weekend filled with hiking, paddling, biking, boat tours of the St. Johns River, and of course, manatee viewing.
Group fun includes:
🍽 Potluck dinners on Thursday and Friday at the reserved pavilion
🔥 Informal campfire on Wednesday evening for early arrivals
Cost: Standard park and camping fees apply. Campsites and cabins can be reserved directly through Florida State Parks — reservations are open now, and we recommend booking early as the park fills up quickly!
THIS MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT IS FOR FTA MEMBERS WHO PAY DUES TO THE STATE ORGANIZATION & THEIR GUESTS
📩 For more information, contact: Mary-Slater Linn 📧 sierraclub01@yahoo.com 📞 407-701-6475
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41st ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE CAMPOUT
Monday, December 29, 2025 - Friday January 2, 2026
Celebrate New Year's Eve with FTA friends at the Doe Lake Campground in the Ocala National Forest. Check in anytime on Monday Dec. 29th and check out by 11:00 AM on Friday Jan. 2nd. This is a group camp reserved for our group only. There will be scheduled hiking and paddling activities in addition to group dinners, evening programs and campfires.
Cost is $15 per person per night (under 18-free) due upon arrival. Those under age 18 camp free. No reservations necessary.
THIS MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT IS FOR FTA MEMBERS WHO PAY DUES TO THE STATE ORGANIZATION & THEIR GUESTS
📩 For more information contact leader. 📧 Rachael Augspurg - lourayfl@mac.com 📞 352-552-0626
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🎄 Save the Date: Seasonal Hikers’ Get-Together
📅 Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 6:30 PM
📍 Geneva Wilderness Area Pavilion & Nature Center
3485 N. CR 426, Geneva, FL 32732
Mark your calendars for our annual Seasonal Hikers’ Get-Together — an evening of food, friendship, and celebration as we wrap up another incredible year on the Florida Trail! 🌲
We’re thrilled to welcome Tisha McCombs, Executive Director of the Florida Trail Association, as our guest speaker. Tisha will share stories from her journey in trail leadership and her passion for protecting and connecting America’s public lands.
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This festive gathering will include a potluck dinner (sign-up coming soon!) and plenty of time to connect with fellow hikers, volunteers, and friends of the trail. We’ll be gathering under the pavilion and will also have access to the Nature Center for a cozy evening of community and celebration.
Stay tuned for more details — including potluck sign-up and activities — in our December newsletter!
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Tiger Creek Preserve North
Take a step back in time while navigating the rolling terrain of impeccably preserved ancient islands along the Creek Bluff and Highlands Loops on the Lake Wales Ridge.
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🌟 Ready to Lead the Way?
As the trail comes alive with fall wildflowers and cooler breezes, it’s the perfect time to turn your passion for hiking into something even more impactful—becoming a Certified Activity Leader with the Central Florida Chapter.
Our trail community thrives because of the volunteers who step up, lace up, and lead the way. If you’ve ever thought, “I could do that”—you can. And we’re here to help you every step of the way.
🥾 It’s easier than you think:
To become certified, simply co-lead two different activities with two different certified leaders. This shadowing experience is a great way to build confidence and learn the ropes in a low-pressure, supportive environment.
🤝 Team up with current leaders:
Many of our Activity Leaders have upcoming hikes and would love a helping hand. Whether you’re interested in weekend treks, beginner-friendly walks, or rugged backwoods adventures—there’s a space for you.
📞 Let’s get you started:
Reach out to our Activity Leader Coordinator, Bill Turman, at 407-413-2950 or email HokieBill@bellsouth.net. He’ll connect you with upcoming opportunities and answer any questions you may have.
✅ Certified Activity Leaders:
Rachael Augspurg
Ron Aube
Stuart Dropkin
Kristen Gilbert
Kelley Galvin
Erica Johnson
Ned James
Jim Krell
Elda Larche
Mary-Slater Linn
David Magness
Tom Regan
Jerry Rogers
Chelsey Stevens
Chris Stevens
Bill Turman
🌱 Whether you want to give back, grow your leadership skills, or just share your love of the outdoors with others, becoming an Activity Leader is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. Let’s hit the trail—together.
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10% off all regularly priced clothing, footwear, and gear
Offer limited & some exclusions apply
Travel Country Outfitters supports Florida Trail Members Simply show proof of membership at the register
www.travelcountry.com 407-831-0777
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Chelsey Stevens - Chapter Chair
Jerry Rogers - Trail Coordinator
David Magness - Membership Coordinator
Kelley Galvin - Treasurer
Doug Kucklick - Outreach Coordinator
Chris Stevens - Media Coordinator
Vacant - Secretary
Bill Turman - Activity Coordinator
Mary-Slater Linn - Program Coordinator
Media Committee
Rob Rogers
Outreach Committee
Rue Nilson
Stuart Dropkin
Roxane Abelow
Hospitality
Rue Nilson
Jean Williamson
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Join Our Committees!
Interested in getting more involved without the commitment of a leadership position? We're excited to announce the formation of committees to support our leadership roles, and we're seeking enthusiastic volunteers. Initially, we're focusing on the following committees, with plans to expand to additional roles in the future:
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Media Committee: This team will manage social media, share photos, write articles, and coordinate contributions from others.
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Outreach Committee: Members will help set up and staff tables at various outreach events.
If you're interested in joining one of these committees, please don't hesitate to reach out to us!
We hope everyone enjoys a cool and safe summer. Thank you for your dedication to our community and for taking the time to connect with your leadership team. Have a wonderful season!
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📬 Note on Newsletter Distribution
We’re excited to share that our chapter membership is growing — and that’s a great thing! To ensure we’re able to continue sharing updates with our active members, we’ve begun the process of removing individuals from our email list who are not current members of the Florida Trail Association.
Due to the limitations of our current email platform, we’re capped at 500 subscribers. As much as we’d love to send the newsletter to everyone, the cost and platform restrictions make it unsustainable.
If your membership has lapsed, this newsletter may no longer arrive in your inbox — but you can still access it anytime on our website and social media pages.
Want to keep receiving updates by email? Simply renew your membership and we’ll gladly add you back to the list!
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