Hello Fellow FTA Members and “Future” FTA Members,

The fall in Florida is in full swing, the temperature has dropped from the 90’s to the 80’s, the humidity has begun to drop a little, the leaves are beginning to change color and fall sort of, OK it is still pretty much like summer, but we can now see the upcoming months and the cooler weather, ushering in a great time to be in the outdoors and participating in activities in Florida.  I encourage you to get involved and do several things this fall.

Make it out to one of our Central Florida Chapter General Meetings at Leu Gardens or our alternative locations.  We will be having very interesting guest speakers and programs.  

Join us on one of our trail maintenance work days.  Jerry Rogers, our Trails Coordinator, does a great job of scheduling Wednesday and Saturday work days, so that we can maintain the trails which our chapter is responsible.  Whether you want to chainsaw, mow, lop or blaze, there is a job for you.

Participate in several of the outdoor activities advertised out in our Footpath newsletter and at the Meet-Up site.   Our Activity Leaders do a great job of planning and implementing interesting and varied activities (hiking, backpacking, kayaking, cycling, etc.) to allow you to experience nature, learn new things and enjoy the out-of-doors. We would love to be able to hose more activities in the future. If you would like to become an Activity Leader, and be able to conduct your own activities, we would love to have you.

Come on out to one of our public awareness activities which Doug Kucklick, our Outreach Coordinator, conducts.    The goal of this area is to increase public awareness and to educate on the significance and value of the Florida Trail system and hopefully get increased public involvement.

The previous discussion points are our commitment to you, the members and future members as defined in the Florida Trail Association “Mission”.   But you have an obligation, a commitment, as well.   If you find the programs and activities that the FTA provides valuable and important, and you want to do what you can to protect the Florida Trail, make it known and provide your support by:

·      Joining the Florida Trail Association, your monetary donation is greatly needed to continue the work.  Also, when we talk to our representatives, either federal, state or local, our membership number totals are important in our advocacy.

·      Please get involved, we need your participation, but we also invite you to take on leadership roles like an officer or activity leader.

·      If you are already a member of the FTA, please make sure that you renew your membership, as your monetary donation is still needed.  

·      If you can, please make an additional charitable contribution, either to the Florida Trail Association or to Our FTA Central Florida Chapter.   Whether we are purchasing new equipment to replace worn out items, interfacing with our trail partners or lobbying Congress, your contributions will be greatly valued and used wisely.

Working together and committed to our goal we can complete the Florida Trail and protect it for the future generations to enjoy.

Happy Trails!

Bill

A couple of thought provoking quotes:

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

Henry David Thoreau,

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!  Live the life you’ve imagined.”

Henry David Thoreau,