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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.
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Central Florida Chapter Update
It has been a busy month at the Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail Association, I’m excited to share our recent activities and highlight some upcoming opportunities!
Brews for Views took place last Saturday at Deviant Wolf Brewery. We had a great time getting to know some fresh faces and catch up with old friends. Those who attended enjoyed beverages, good company, and a much-needed chance to unwind and connect with fellow trail enthusiasts.
Our full moon hike under a clear night sky at Econlockhatchee Sandhills was truly special. Exploring the trail by moonlight offered a unique way to experience Florida’s wilderness, and we’re looking forward to hosting more hikes like this in the future. Make sure to join out Meetup page for new hikes when they are posted!
Although turnout was low, The Family Campout at Moss Park was a fantastic weekend filled with laughter and camaraderie. Families shared a delicious cast iron cobbler, carved a pumpkin with the Florida Trail logo, and enjoyed a weekend unplugged from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It was a joy to see everyone come together for such a memorable experience.
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The Central Florida Fire Fest (Seen on our feature photo) was a fantastic day of learning, fun, and celebrating Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday! After the fire demonstration, our chapter hosted a a group hike, embracing the opportunity to share our love of Florida’s natural spaces. Events like this remind us how fire plays a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and protecting our trails.
If you follow our social media pages, you may have seen that our chapter recently had the honor of being featured on Spectrum News 13! The story highlighted the work we’re doing to protect and promote the Florida National Scenic Trail while fostering a sense of community among trail enthusiasts. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out online—it’s a great showcase of our chapter’s efforts!
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At our next meeting, we’ll have 10 signed copies of the Florida Trail Guide for sale. Each book is signed by Sandra Friend and Chris Stevens. They are available for $25, with $10 of each sale going directly to our chapter. Cash only, so come prepared! This will be a great stocking stuffer for your favorite hiker to prepare for their upcoming thru or section hike.
A round of applause for Rob Rogers on the release of his inspiring book, Finding My Way Home. Rob’s story is one of grit, healing, and discovering the solace of the trails. It’s a powerful reminder of how nature can be our greatest ally, and it’s a must-read for anyone who feels the call of the wild.
Pam Hoepner, our amazing chapter secretary, is stepping down. She’s been the glue keeping our meetings running smoothly (and keeping me on track!). Now, we’re looking for someone to step into her shoes. No experience necessary, but if you know Robert’s Rules of Order, you’ll have a head start. Here’s your chance to make a difference!
Whether it’s hiking, volunteering, or simply connecting with others who share your passion, there’s always a way to get involved. Let’s keep exploring, protecting, and loving the wild side of Florida together.
Happy Hiking!
Chelsey Stevens
Chair, Central Florida Chapter
Florida Trail Association
*Please note: we will not be at leu gardens for December to make room for their Christmas display—fair enough, we suppose! We’re scouting a new location, so stay tuned to our website, Meetup, and social media for updates.
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Guest Speaker: Bonnie Philip
Central Florida Chapter General Meeting - November 21st
Join us for our monthly meeting at Leu Gardens! We'll kick off with some social time at 6:30pm, so feel free to bring a snack to share with the group. The presentation will start at 7:00pm.
This month's speaker, Bonnie Philip is an active environmental advocate dedicated to organizing and sharing cleanup events across Florida. Through her ongoing efforts, Bonnie connects communities with meaningful opportunities to preserve and beautify our natural spaces. A regular contributor to our chapter's Facebook page, she highlights various cleanup events throughout the state, inviting everyone to take part in the stewardship of Florida’s unique ecosystems. Join us on November 21 to hear from Bonnie about the impact of these efforts and how you can get involved in upcoming cleanups!
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The Ice Age Trail and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway: A Tranquil Escape to Glacier Carved River Country
By Rob Rogers
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The Florida Trail is one of three national scenic trails located entirely within a single state. Another is Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and its western terminus is located along the St. Croix River separating Wisconsin from Minnesota and meanders through the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. It is also only one-hour’s drive from Minneapolis. I did an out-and-back 11-mile one-night backpacking trip there on October 24th through 25th during a trip to scout a University of Minnesota football game for the Florida Citrus Bowl, and I definitely recommend backpacking or canoeing there if you ever visit the Twin Cities.
The Ice Age Trail was established in 1980 and stretches 1,200 miles across Wisconsin from the St. Croix River to Lake Michigan. It was established to preserve unique landscapes and ecosystems created when the last glaciers retreated from Wisconsin 10,000 years ago. It is marked with yellow blazes, and portions of the Ice Age Trail are near most of Wisconsin’s major cities, including Milwaukee and Madison. The western terminus near Minneapolis is located in the northwest corner of Wisconsin and offers the added bonus of the forested St. Croix River. Like the Florida Trail, the Ice Age Trail is also well-blazed and maintained by an association of dedicated volunteers, one of whom was kind enough to drive me to my preferred trailhead from the state park where I chose to park my rental car.
Formed when glacial Lake Diluth catastrophically failed during the most recent ice age and sent torrents of boulder-strewn meltwater cutting a valley south through billion-year-old volcanic basalt, the portion of the St. Croix River in the National Scenic Riverway is best known as a destination for kayakers, canoers, and fisherman who spend summer weeks coasting down the St. Croix’s peaceful currents and staying at riverside campsites. Many of those campsites can be reached only by water, and the area seems to have been relatively overlooked by backpackers. But the westernmost 9 miles of the Ice Age Trail pass through this portion of the National Scenic Riverway, and I was lucky enough to stay at the campsite beside the river in Lions Park, just 8 miles from where the western end of the Ice Age Trail begins.
Fall is a breathtaking time to be on the Ice Age Trail, as the fall colors were in full bloom and the temperatures were cool enough to deter mosquitos, although I’d recommend going a bit earlier before it gets so cold and before so many leaves fall. And although I had to wait out several hours of rain on the night of my arrival after setting up camp, the sky was blanketed with stars when I woke up for an early a.m. restroom break, and the gorgeous sunrise beside the glassy river and its dusting of morning fog was intoxicating, despite morning temperatures in the 30s. The campsite was small and quaint and not set back from the trail (a local jogger and another dog walker passed by my tent and said hello as I had breakfast), but it sits at the water’s edge—even the sign for the campsite faces the river and away from the trail. The campsite also has an uncovered drop toilet and a sturdy picnic table and fire ring and is free to use on a first-come-first-serve basis. There was ample space there for several tents beside the river.
The campsite is 7.3 miles up the Ice Age Trail from the interpretive center of Interstate Park (called “Interstate” because it straddles the river in both Wisconsin and Minnesota (it has nothing to do with highways), and Interstate Park lies just south of St. Croix Falls, a gateway town for the Ice Age Trail. Because my flight landed in Minneapolis around noon and no overnight parking was available close enough to my campsite, I chose to park overnight at Interstate Park and had planned to take an Uber to a trailhead 3 ½ miles from camp, hike in to camp before sunset, then hike the 7.3 miles back to my car at Interstate Park the next morning. Although I learned upon arriving that St. Croix Falls is “too small for Uber,” a friendly volunteer at Interstate Park named Carol, also a member of Ice Age Trail Alliance, was nice enough to drive me through town to my preferred trailhead and even gave me trail tips and weather updates.
The portion of the Ice Age Trail running along the river itself stretches approximately one mile south of the campsite, and then continues one mile north, before turning inland and joining a road. The trail is well maintained with sturdy bridges and boardwalks over wet stretches south of the campsite (toward the western terminus), then ranges up and down boulder strewn forested canyons in nature preserves and beside farms, before eventually skirting the woods beside the town of St. Croix Falls and eventually spending approximately two miles on neighborhood roads. This stretch also offers a taste of hills and surprised me with almost 750 feet of elevation gain in the 7.3-mile hike out. I saw one deer on the trail, but I apparently arrived too late or too early for waterfowl.
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I also skipped most of the steep last 0.7-mile stretch of the Ice Age Trail inside Interstate Park and instead drove from the interpretive center to a parking lot about ¼ of a mile uphill from the Ice Age Trail’s western terminus, at a breathtaking cliff overlooking the St. Croix River. Pictured above, the western terminus looks down on the Dalles of St. Croix, a narrow canyon where the St. Croix makes a sharp 90-degree turn and where the world’s largest log jam occurred in 1886. For those looking for a somewhat easy one-night backpacking or canoeing trip in forested northern river country near Minneapolis, this stretch of the Ice Age Trail is definitely worth a visit.
Excellent trail information can be found at the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s website at www.iceagetrail.org. According to the website, overnight parking along this section of the Ice Age Trail is limited to Interstate Park’s interpretive center through payment of the park’s $11 admission fee from an automated machine at the park’s entrance, so an out-and-back from Interstate Park is the best option if you’re solo backpacking or otherwise have only one vehicle. Don’t count on being able to find a ride when you get there. The small town of St. Croix Falls is quaint and pretty but has little to offer visitors other than antique shops and a few small-town stores and restaurants on the town’s main street. 3 Arrows Coffee Co., located along the Ice Age Trail one half-mile from Interstate Park, serves delicious grilled cheese and other sandwiches, sweets, and coffee and welcomes backpackers with indoor and outdoor seating. I bought camp fuel and last-minute supplies at an REI in Minneapolis and recommend purchasing any supplies before you arrive at St. Croix Falls.
Rob Rogers is the author of Finding My Way Home: Fighting Depression Backpacking in Central Florida
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Recognize this Central Florida Chapter location on the cover? | |
Highlighted Hike of the Month! | |
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Econ Sandhills Night Hike
Night hiking is a particularly interesting endeavor any time of the month, although especially so under a full moon. Our guided hike of the month took place at the Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area this month, on Saturday the 16th, which happened to be a super moon, the last super moon of the year. A super moon only occurs a few times a year, when the moon is closest in orbit to the earth.
Nearly two dozen folks came out for a walk in the woods, where the moonlight was so bright that it cast shadows on the trail. The aptly named Econ Sandhills did not disappoint, with stark white sugar sand pathways that shone brightly under the night sky. This conservation area is also stunning in the daytime, showcasing sandhill, scrub, and floodplain forest communities.
Finding public lands that are accessible at night can be a challenge however, as many are only open from dawn until dusk. In general, water management district properties allow 24 hour access. In Central Florida, the St. Johns Water Management District offers the Econ Sandhills, Hal Scott Preserve, Lake Jesup, Lake Monroe, Palm Bluff, and Buck Lake properties, some of which also offer free camping.
We plan to host more night hikes soon, stay tuned for upcoming events!
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Another Section Hike Completed on the AT
David "Sea Level" Magness
For those who don’t know me, I am the program coordinator for the Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail Association. I have day-hiked 120 miles of the Central Florida and Central Florida West section of the FT, but I am also checking off sections of the Appalachian Trail – 1 week at a time! This fall, I went out on my 3rd section hike and planned a trip from Front Royal, VA northbound (NOBO) to Harpers Ferry, WV – a total of 53 trail miles. Little did I know, but Hurricane Helene would be devastating the area near the AT 200-300 trail miles south of me.
I flew into DC and took the metro to stay with a friend overnight. In the morning, I took the metro to Union Station and took the Megabus (Virginia Breeze) to Front Royal. Because of the rain, I booked a hiker hostel, Mountain Home Bed and Breakfast, which had fancy rooms for the typical B&B guests, and a hiker bunk room for us dirty stinky folks. While there, I arranged a slack packing day (just a day pack while the shuttle driver holds your gear) for the 1st (7.5 miles) and 2nd (12.9 miles) days. While at the Mountain Home, I met a couple other section hikers – some good ‘ole boys from Mississippi – and we had a nice time swapping stories from the trail.
On day 3, I continued north with a full pack and this was the hardest day of hiking I had ever done! I was on a section nicknamed the roller coaster because every time I went up, I came right back down. That day, I put in 14.5 miles, 42,000 steps, 3800 feet of climbing (and descending), and my Garmin watch estimated that I burnt 5500 calories. Not a bad diet plan! That night, I got to stay at a famous hiker hostel – Bear’s Den. They have the “hiker special” – a bed, a shower, an oven pizza, and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s for $40. When I mentioned that dairy and I do not get along, the volunteer caretakers found some hamburgers for me and a mango sorbet. Needless to say, three burgers and pint of sorbet were inhaled in about 5 minutes!
Day 4 was 8.9 miles and started with the final couple miles of the roller coaster and ended at another must-see stop at the Blackburn Trail Center with its volunteer caretaker, Chris Marshburn, a retired lawyer who adopts the trail center and its hikers each season. This place was open for a few hikers and me to grab some chips, soda, and charge my devices. The final day I felt great and strong and took care of 12.6 miles in 5 hours with a net downward hike into Harpers Ferry where a bed, shower, and laundry were waiting for me at the Quality Inn just off of the trail.
The next morning, I woke up in time to grab breakfast at the hotel, head to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy office to take my famous picture with the sign out front and walk down to the Amtrak train station. As luck would have it, I ran into my Mississippians waiting for the same train to DC as we were all flying out on the same afternoon. Every time I’m on an Amtrak train, I question why we subject ourselves to air travel. Plugs, Wi-Fi, no middle seats – the lap of luxury. The guys and I swapped info so we can plan our next section hike the three of us, and we all flew home to our families.
The FT and the AT are different trails that both have their merits. I love living near the FT and helping to maintain it for future generations. I love being able to spend some time away and push myself physically to climb the never-ending ups and down of the AT. I am lucky enough to be able to log miles on both of these beautiful National Scenic Trails.
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Activities
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Trail Maintenance
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Discovering exciting events has never been easier! Our engaging activities and Trail Maintenance events are posted and shared exclusively on Meetup.
Due to their overwhelming popularity, spots fill up swiftly. To ensure you never miss out on the latest updates and happenings, we kindly request all members to join our Meetup community. Stay informed and be part of the fun!
Send us a message or email to sign up for our work hike email list. We provide important details the week of and day before each work party, including location to meet and time.
December 2024
December 4: Little Big Econ State Forest work hike
December 11: Seminole Ranch Conservation Area work hike
December 18: Charles H Bronson State Forest work hike
December 21: Savage Christmas Creek Preserve work hike
January 2025
January 2: Charles H Bronson State Forest work hike
January 9 – 12: Indian River Chapter Work Party – Three Lakes WMA
January 18,19: Indian River Chapter – Tosohatchee WMA
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FTA Cycle Trip, Central Regional Rail Trail
Bill Turman
On October 5th, nine adventurous cyclists met at the Lake Monroe Park at the Spring to Spring Trailhead. Stuart Dropkin co-lead the activity as part of his work to become a Activity Leader, and it is great to have a second leader overseeing the activity.
We cycled north to the Gemini Springs North Trailhead, and then proceeded over 17-92 and then proceeded north up to Blue Springs State Park. We stopped to walk around the park and see manatees in the spring run. We then mounted our bicycles and begin our return. When we got to Highbanks Road, we left trail and rode down to the Swamp House Grill Restaurant and enjoyed lunch. We then completed our ride back down to the Lake Monroe Trailhead and our vehicles. The total distance pedaled was around 24 miles total. We had outstanding weather, a great day and excellent company!
Congratulations to Stuart Dropkin, who has now been certified as a FTA Activity Leader!
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FTA Kayak Trip, Mosquito Lagoon
Bill Turman
On November 16, four adventurous paddlers met at the kayak launch at the Riverbreeze Park, Oak Hill, FL. The weather report said that winds would be up, but instead we had clear skies and the wind was very manageable. We proceeded to travel across the intercoastal waterway, past Orange Island, weaving our way through the islands and waterways, through the Shipyard Island canoe route over to the other side of the lagoon. We then stopped at JB’s Fish Camp for a great lunch of fish sandwiches and cold beverages. We then traveled south to Turtle Mound, where we landed and walked to the top of the mound, providing a spectacular 360-degree view of the lagoon and ocean. We then paddled back across the lagoon, with the wind helping us on the way back to the park and our vehicles.
We all had a great day on the water with a great group of adventurers, saw a bunch of dolphins and manatees and would not have traded it for anything!
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Upcoming Backpacking Trip in Withlachoochee State Forest!
Are you a backpacker who would like to gain a little experience, hopefully see some wildlife, see a new location, as well as have some fun? Come join us for a weekend backpacking trip in the Withlacoochee State Forest, Croom Tract. This was one of the locations where I did some of my first hiking and backpacking after moving to Florida in the early 1990’s. Croom is unique in
that it contains loop trails allowing for weekend trips starting and ending at the same location. It is also a very scenic section with topography including hills (elevation changes) and old mines.
Also, there is a water source along the trail near the campsite, so you do not need to cache water prior to the trip or carry a significant amount of water.
We will meet on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM at either the Silver Lake Recreation Area TH parking area or at a parking area along the Croom Rital Road near where the trail crosses the road (this is due to the trail being closed allowing travel under the I-75 bridge.) On Saturday,
we will backpack the High Water Trail, Silver Lake Connector, B Loop north and the A Loop to the west campsite near Tucker Hill Fire Tower (water is available), a total of 8 to 9 miles, where
we will set up camp and spend the night. On Sunday, we will backpack the B Loop, B-C Loop, B Loop, Silver Lake Connector, and the High Water Trail, returning to the trailhead, a total of 6 to 7 miles.
Ensure that you have good fitting shoes or boots, comfortable backpack, lightweight tent,
sleeping bag, suitable clothing, as well as other items, flashlight, etc. You are responsible for
you food and cooking gear for Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast and lunch.
Bring suitable backpack meals that can be prepared using only your backpack stoves. If you do
not have all of the necessary equipment, myself or another participant may have extra gear
that you can borrow. Let me know as early as possible prior to the trip.
There is a $2.00 / person / day fee for Forest Use. You will need to pay this on-line prior to the
trip. Small game hunting season is open, which should not be an issue, but it would be good to
where something bright anyway.
Event will take place December 14th and 15th.
Contact Activity Leader Bill Turman for more info:
407-413-2950, HokieBill@bellsouth.net
This trip will be advertised on Meetup in the coming week.
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Black Hammock Wilderness Area
Black Hammock is a bit of Old Florida in Oviedo, with a trail showcasing a delightfully long boardwalk and a loop through scrub habitats above Lake Jesup.
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31st Annual 2025 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 will be 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
Jan. 8, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 1
Wekiwa Springs SP - Springs Loop
Jan. 15, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 2
Ocala NF/ Alexander Springs - Florida Trail
Jan. 22, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 3
Ocala NF/ Florida Trail - Juniper Wilderness
Jan. 29, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 4
Ocala NF/ Buck Lake Loop & Florida Trail
Feb. 5, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 5
Withlacoochee SF/ Croom Loop A
Feb. 12, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 6
Withlacoochee SF/ Citrus South Loop C
Feb. 18, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 7
FWC/ Chinsegut Conservation Area - FT
Feb. 26, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 8
Withlacoochee SF/ Citrus A Loop
Mar. 5, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 9
Rice Creek Conservation Area/Florida Trail
Mar. 12, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 10
Caravelle Ranch WMA
Mar. 19, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 11
Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve
Mar. 26, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 12
ONF-St. Francis Trail
THURSDAY PADDLES - Start at 9:00 AM
Jan. 9, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 1
Wekiva River - SP to Katie’s Landing
Jan. 16, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 2
Alexander Spring Run
Jan. 23, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 3
Juniper Springs Run
Jan. 30, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 4
Blue Creek to St Johns River
Feb. 6, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 5
Withlacoochee River
Feb. 13, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 6
Chasshowitzka River
Feb. 20, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 7
Withlacoochee River
Feb. 27, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 8
Rainbow River
Mar. 6, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 9
Ocklawaha River
Mar. 13, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 10
Deep Creek to St Johns River
Mar. 20, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 11
Spruce Creek
Mar. 27, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 12
St Francis Dead River
For additional details, including exact locations, times, and preparations,
please contact the hike leader, Rachael Augspurg,
at lourayfl@mac.com or by text at 352-552-0626.
We look forward to having you join us for these wonderful outdoor adventures!
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THANKSGIVING 2024
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
November 28 - December 1
Join us for a memorable Thanksgiving weekend at Paynes Prairie! Whether you're staying for the entire weekend or just visiting for a day, there’s something for everyone.
Camping Options:
- Make your own campground reservations at Florida State Parks Reservations.
- Reservations are currently full, but tent camping accommodations may be available—please reach out if interested.
- If you're hoping to camp with an RV, keep an eye on the reservation site for cancellations.
Activities Include:
Hiking, biking, paddling, and plenty of fun for all ages!
Contact Sue at sue.carroll6@gmail.com for questions
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41st ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE CAMPOUT
Friday, December 27, 2024 - Wednesday January 1, 2025
Celebrate New Year's Eve with FTA friends at the Doe Lake Campground in the Ocala National Forest. Arrive after noon on Friday Dec. 27th and checkout by 11:00 AM on Wednesday Jan.1st. This is a group camp reserved for our group only.
There will be scheduled hiking and paddling activities in addition to group shared dinners, evening programs and campfires.
Cost is $15 per person per night 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 or 352 552 0626
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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 Maintenance Coordinator
Stephen Grieger - Membership Coordinator
Kelley Galvin - Treasurer
Doug Kucklick - Outreach Coordinator
Chris Stevens - Media Coordinator
Pam Hoepner - Secretary
Bill Turman - Activity Coordinator
David Magness - 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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Central Florida Chapter Activity Leaders
Bill Turman, Activity Coordinator
One of the most important areas of the FTA and the Central Florida Chapter are the on-going stream of enjoyable and exciting Activities. These give our members the opportunities to experience and hopefully learn from the outdoors, whether hiking, backpacking, kayaking, cycling or a multitude of other activities. Participation in these activities also allows our guests to experience the FTA, get to know our members, enjoy themselves and hopefully this will result in them joining the FTA. This is only possible through the dedicated
work of our FTA Activity Leaders.
Our current group of certified Activity Leaders are as follows:
- Rachael Augspurg
- Mary Slater Linn
- Ron Aube
- Tom Regan
- Jerry Rogers
- Kelley Galvin
- Chelsey Stevens
- Joan Jarvis
- Erica Johnson
- Steve Grieger
- Russ Klette
- Judy Minter
- Bill Turman
- Chris Stevens
- Jim Krell
- Jackie Warren
- David Magness
- Stuart Dropkin
In-Process:
- Jeanne Panciera (In-Training, 1 of 2 Co-Led)
- Kristen Gilbert (In-Training, 1 of 2 Co-Led)
Being an Activity Leader is an excellent way to get involved, conduct exciting activities (whether a couple hour hike or a multi-day expedition), meet a lot of great people, while expounding the value and benefits of the Florida Trail Association. We really need you to step up and get involved. If you would like to become a Certified FTA Activity Leader (AL), please contact me: Bill Turman, 407-413-2950 or HokieBill@bellsouth.net
We willwork to get the process started. To become an AL, you will need to co-lead two activities, working with and learning from two
different current Activity Leaders. We also hold training sessions from time to time to allow you to build upon your initial training.
Looking forward to growing the list of Certified FTA Activity Leaders, with hopefully including your name.
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Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you enjoy engaging in outreach activities that promote environmental awareness and sustainability? If so, we invite you to join our team of dedicated volunteers for upcoming Outreach events this spring! | |
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Sign Up for Our Volunteer List!
If you're interested in participating and receiving updates about future Outreach events, please forward your name and email address to
Rue Nilson at rumagoo@embarqmail.com and Doug Kucklick at dkucklick@cfl.rr.com
Let's come together to create meaningful change and build a brighter, more sustainable future for all!
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