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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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Chairside Chat
Bill Turman, Chapter Chair
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Chairside Chat
By Bill Turman, Chapter Chair
Hello Fellow FTA Members and “Future” FTA Members,
Fall is moving full speed towards Winter, meaning that we are working to wrap up our trail maintenance activities and move into the prime camping and hiking season. I believe that the winter is the best season to be in Florida and partake of the outdoor activities, with the temperatures, humidity and especially the bugs are dropping.
Jerry Rogers (Trails Coordinator) has our trail maintenance activities in high gear with trail work scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you are interested in participating, we still have a couple of work days remaining. The recent significant rains have set us back in certain wet locations. On November 13, we completed the 24 feet long LBESF white trail bridge, which replaced the prior one that floated away in Hurricane Ian last year, which allowed the trail to be reopened.
We just had the annual Chapter Thanksgiving Campout at Tillis Hill CG, in the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. We had a great time eating, camping, eating, hiking, eating, paddling, eating, cycling, eating. You get the point, we center everything around a great turkey dinner and left overs, nobody goes home hungry.
The New Year’s campout is also quickly approaching at Doe Lake Group Campground. The Annual Winter Wednesday Hikes will be starting after the New Year and continue for more than a dozen weeks. And the Activity Leaders are working hard to plan and lead hiking trips, kayak trips, bicycling trips, etc.
We have a great Christmas Chapter General Meeting planned on December 21 at the UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County facility in Sanford. We had to relocate due to Leu Gardens having their Christmas festival of lights. It will include a pot luck dinner, prizes and a silent auction of some great backpacking gear. Come on out for a great time!.
Lastly, with the calendar year winding down and the holidays approaching, please consider an additional charitable contribution to the Florida Trail Association or our FTA Central Florida Chapter. We could really use your additional financial support. We are currently planning on purchasing a replacement DR Brushcutter mower at the end of the season. Whether purchasing new equipment, interfacing with our trail partners or lobbying Congress, your contributions will be greatly valued and used wisely.
Thank you again and have a great holiday season!
Happy Trails!
Bill
A couple of thought-provoking quotes:
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
― Dr. Seuss
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
― Mae West
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
― Oscar Wilde
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
― Albert Einstein
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
― Anne Frank
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FTA Central Florida Chapter Ballcaps
Final Sales Run!
Bill Turman
The Central Florida Chapter ballcaps have been on sale since 2020, but are coming to an end, as I am running out of the original run of 300 patches. I have made around 40 new ballcaps. They are the Orange Mesh Design which everybody seemed to really like. They seemed to hold up better and not fade as quickly. They will be on sale to “Members Only” starting now until they run out. The price is $15.00 per hat, with the proceeds after covering materials costs being donated to the Chapter.
GET YOURS QUICK BEFORE THEY ARE ALL GONE!
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In November, David Magness was elected as Programs Coordinator!
Our chapter still has openings for an Activity Chair and Historian.
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Contemplates Easement Release in Split Oak Proposal, Stirring Debate on Conservation and Development
On December 5th, 2023 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider releasing their easements on Split Oak Forest in addition to releasing the 100 acres of the park south of the road back to Osceola County without restrictions regarding conservation. FWC has been doing a job managing the property for both rare plant and animal species and for public recreation and has an obligation to the public to protect Split Oak from development. CFX and Osceola County are hinging their arguments on the assertion that the 1,500 acres low-quality land that is not only inaccessible to the public but would be adjacent to the toll road is improving the conservation value of Split Oak Forest. The Orange County BCC board voted to stop supporting the alignment of the Osceola Parkway Extension through Split Oak Forest, aligning themselves with their charter.
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Join the Discussion: Attend FWC Meeting on December 5th to Voice Your Opinions on Split Oak Proposal and Easement Release
The meeting is at the Hyatt Regency Orlando on International Drive. We have a fund to reimburse you for parking. There's a garage attached to the hotel, they'll validate your ticket at the meeting to reduce it to $15.
Arrive at or before 8:30 to sign up to speak. We, as a group, will be restricted to one hour. We will also likely be time limited by individuals, perhaps as little as one minute, but more likely 2-3 minutes. If you plan to provide something written to the commissioners the day of the meeting, print out eleven copies and hand them to the clerk.
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A Look Back on Our
Trailblazing Adventures
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FTA Kayak Trip, Mosquito Lagoon
By Bill Turman
On November 4, five adventurous paddlers met on a breezy, overcast day at the kayak launch at the Riverbreeze Park, Oak Hill, FL. 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 back to the park and our vehicles.
The weather was challenging, with the wind gusts, making it challenging to paddle against the wind and waves, but we all had a great day on the water, with a great group of adventurers and would not have traded it for anything!
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FTA Kayak Trip, Hontoon Island
By Bill Turman
We had a great group of around 25 campers who descended on Tillis Hill on November 22 to 26 for great food, friendship and activities. The weather was a little cool and overcast, with some rain, but it did not dampen our spirits or limit what we did.
We kicked off the food festivities on Thanksgiving dinner including turkey and the fixings, Friday with left-overs, and a Saturday Tube-fest with hot dogs and brats. Nobody went home hungry.
We had several activities during the trip including kayaking on the Halls River and Homosassa River Springs (Manatees), and the Chassahowitzka River, as well a several great hikes, and some of us also went to the Weeki Wachee SP to attend the Mermaid Show.
The trip was great, and hopefully everyone made a memory or two.
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LBESF White Trail Bridge Replacement Project, September 12 and November 13
By Bill Turman
Our most recent project was to replace the previous white trail bridge that floated away during Hurricane Ian, with a new 24 foot span bridge.
On Tuesday, September 12, a small crew worked at the Snow Hill State Forest Office to fabricate and label the wood pieces for the bridge, in preparation for hauling it out to the bridge site. This transport was delayed due to rain. In the meantime, the old bridge was demolished and the waste hauled out.
On this bridge build, the Florida State Forest Personnel transported all of the lumber out to the bridge site. Thanks to them for all of their help!
Monday, November 13, our crew met at Barr Street and drove to the staging area and hiked to the bridge site carrying our tools and the bridge hardware. We then proceeded in building the 24 foot span bridge in around 6 hours. We are definitely getting more efficient at building these structures.
I can not say how pleased I am with the performance of all who participated in this project. We now have a beautiful strong bridge which will provide a safe water crossing for the public for many years to come.
AGAIN, THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME OUT AND HELPED, JOB WELL DONE!
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Hiking Split Oak Forest
A live oak tree more than 200 years old is the centerpiece of Split Oak Forest, a 2,000-acre prairie and scrub preserve near Orlando, home to families of sandhill cranes.
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We are thrilled to extend our warmest invitation to the Seasonal Hiker's Get Together, a celebration of camaraderie and adventure taking place on December 21, 2023 at 6:30pm. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, let us gather together to share stories, laughter, and a delicious feast that will warm our hearts.
Although our chapter typically gathers at Lou Gardens each month, last year we selected another venue and opted to jazz up the event for the holidays. Please join us at the Seminole County IFAS extension office at 250 W. County Home Road
Sanford, FL 32773
But wait, there's more! We're turning up the heat with a silent auction featuring lightly used, top-tier hiking gear. Some folks will leave this event as the proud owner of a Zpack Nero, Arctic Blast, or a Six Moon Ultralight tent!
We're excited to continue our tradition of holding a potluck dinner for this annual meeting. To make this gathering special, we invite each guest to sign up and bring a dish from our provided list. Whether it's a comforting winter stew, a delightful dessert, or a tasty vegetarian option, your culinary contribution will enhance the festive spirit. Please respond promptly so we can create a diverse smorgasbord that caters to everyone's taste buds.
Let us come together to celebrate the magic of the season, forge new friendships, and relish in the joys of hiking in our beautiful state. RSVP by December 15, 2023, and let the countdown to this festive event begin!
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Activities
&
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!
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Highlighted Hike of the Month
Split Oak Forest
Named after a majestic live oak that continues to thrive after splitting in half from centuries of wear, Split Oak Forest showcases a rich variety of Florida’s natural habitats. Purchased in 1994 by Orange and Osceola Counties as part of a mitigation program, the property protects dozens of threatened species including the gopher tortoise. A network of trails has been established across the park, including a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The North / South Loop trail circles a large portion of the vast landscapes, traversing many of the park’s ecosystems from the various upland communities to the unique matrix of different wetlands. A side spur known as the Lake Loop intersects the main trail on the north end, featuring a pair of overlooks at the water’s edge, and the park’s namesake tree.
Although disconnected from the rest of the continuous Florida National Scenic Trail, a four-mile portion of the trail runs through Split Oak. Using a section of the North / South Loop, the orange-blazed Florida Trail starts at the southern border of the park and exits on the northeast corner before continuing through adjacent Moss Park. Part of a future major reroute, this section will eventually string the trail together with Triple N Ranch, Lake Lizzie, Moss Park, Crosby Island Marsh, Hal Scott, Pine Lily, and Savage Christmas Creek.
In 2020, voters of Orange and Osceola county voted on a ballot amendment by overwhelming majority (86%) to protect Split Oak and maintain the land in its entirety as conservation land. Despite this, it has been under threat for an expansion of the Osceola Parkway toll road to run directly through the forest. Alternative routes for the toll road have been proposed, and still the Florida Communities Trust and county commissioners approved the building of the toll road through Split Oak Forest in April of 2022. This measure goes directly against the will of the voters, and the Florida state constitution when it comes to conservation land protections.
Advocates for Split Oak have been fighting the road since 2017, and support for Split Oak has been gaining traction as of late. On November 28, 2023, Orange County Commissioners voted to no longer support the toll road expansion through Split Oak. On Tuesday, December 5th, the Florida Wildlife Commission is meeting to discuss the possibility of releasing its easement in Osceola County.
If we want to preserve this vital conservation land - and all conservation land in Florida - for our wildlife, our ecology, and our beautiful trails, it is important to continue to put pressure on FWC and Osceola County Commissioners going forward to protect Split Oak.
Please visit https://friendsofsplitoak.org/ to learn more about Split Oak and to join the fight, and be sure to sign the Florida Wildlife Federation petition.
Photo Credit:
2. David Wegman
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Exclusive Future Activities
Explore activities not posted on our Meetup Site
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40th ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE CAMPOUT
Thursday, December 28, 2023 - Tuesday January 2, 2024
Celebrate New Year's Eve with FTA friends at the Doe Lake Campground in the Ocala National Forest. Arrive after 3:00 PM on Thursday Dec. 28th and checkout by 11:00 AM on Tuesday 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 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
352 552 0626, lourayfl@mac.com
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2024 WINTER HIKE WEDNESDAY
& THURSDAY PADDLE SERIES
This will be the 30th year the Central Florida Chapter has scheduled the Winter Wednesday Hike Series with hikes each week during January, February & March. This year most of the twelve day-hikes will take place along the Western Corridor of the FLORIDA NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL.
The series will begin in the Ocala National Forest, progress south to the Green Swamp Wilderness Area and finish with the last three hikes in the Orlando area. All the hikes are on the FT and are approximately 8 miles out & back with shorter options available.
Also, on Thursday of each week there will be a paddle trip nearby on one of Central Florida’s many beautiful rivers.
There is joy in doing things with a group so consider joining this mid-week group for one or all of the scheduled hikes and paddles trips.
These activities will not be posted on Meetup.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the leader -
Rachael Augspurg lourayfl@mac.com or text 352-552-0626
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WEDNESDAY HIKES - 9:30 AM
Jan. 10 /9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 1 -Ocala NF/ Western Corridor
- CR 316 to FR 09 & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
Jan. 17/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 2 - Ocala NF/ Western Corridor
-Eaton TH to CR 314 & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
Jan. 24/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 3 - Ocala NF/ Western Corridor
- SR 40 to CR 145 & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
Jan. 31/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 4 - Withlacoochee SF/Croom
- Croom River Trail out & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
Feb. 7/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 5 - Withlacoochee SF/Richloam
- Fire tower to Lacoochee Grade & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
Feb. 14/9:30 AM - 4 Winter Wednesday Hike 6 - Withlacoochee SF/Croom
- Hog Island Trail to Iron Bridge/back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
Feb. 21/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 7 - Withlacoochee SF/Richloam
- Richloam River Trail out & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
Feb. 28/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 8 - Withlacoochee River Park
- River Trail loop in the county park. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
March 6 /9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 9 - Green Swamp West Wilderness Area
- River Road entrance gate. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
March 13/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 10 - Seminole State Forest
- The Florida Trail and Blueberry Trail. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
March 20/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 11 - CH Bronson State Forest
- Culpepper River Trail. 8 mile hike with shorter options.
March 27/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 12 - Wekiwa Springs State Park
-Loop Trail 8 mile hike with shorter options &“End-of-Series” Picnic.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the leader -
Rachael Augspurg lourayfl@mac.com or text 352-552-0626
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THURSDAY PADDLES - 9:00 AM
Jan. 11, 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 1 - Ocklawaha River
- Rodman Dam to SR 19 bridge
Jan. 18/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 2 - Ocklawaha River
- Gore’s Landing to Eureka West Landing
Jan. 25/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 3 - Silver River
- Silver Springs State Park launch to Ray’s Landing
Feb. 1/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 4 - Withlacoochee River
- Nobleton City Park launch to SR 48
Feb. 8/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 5 - Withlacoochee River
- SR 98 County Park launch to River Junction
Feb. 15/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 6 - Withlocoochee River
- River Junction launch to Hog Island
Feb. 22/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 7 - Withlacoochee River
- Lacoochee launch to SR 98 bridge
Feb. 29/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 8 - Hillsborough River
- Sergeants launch to Trout Creek ramp
Mar. 8/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 9 - Alafia River
- Alderman’s Ford launch to Lithia Springs
Mar. 15/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 10 - Blackwater Creek
- Sand Road bridge launch to Iron bridge & back
Mar. 22/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 11 - Econlockhatchee River
- CR 419 bridge to Snowhill Road bridge.
Mar. 27/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 12 - Rock Springs Run
- Kelly Park launch to Wekiva Springs State Park
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the leader -
Rachael Augspurg lourayfl@mac.com or text 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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