Florida Trail Association

Central Florida Chapter

THE FOOTPATH NEWSLETTER

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.

FLORIDATRAIL.ORG

May 2024

The Central Florida Chapter Trail Crew has been especially busy this season! We wrapped up our 2023-2024 trail maintenance by putting the finishing touches on a bridge project near the Flagler Trail in the Little Big Econ State Forest.

Without the hard work and dedication of volunteers who came out to construct these walkways across numerous tributaries to the Econ, the trail would eventually be inaccessible to the public. If you haven't seen them yet, head out to the Econ and take a hike on the Kolokee Loop trail that starts and ends at the Barr Street Trailhead.

As the summer heat and humidity sets in, our chapter takes a break for a few months before hosting our first meeting of the "year" in August. Our last meeting will be this month on the 16th at Wekiwa Springs State Park. We'll get together for a cookout, potluck, and good times at the Sinkhole Pavillion, hope to see you there!

Stay tuned to our Meetup page for outdoor activities throughout the summer.

BECOME A MEMBER

Chapter Operating Procedures

Allow us to introduce ourselves!

As our season winds down, we'd like to take a moment to reintroduce ourselves. Whether you see us at meetings, trail maintenance events, or various activities, you might not know your leadership team as well as you'd like. Let's get to know each other better!

1 - Bill Turman – Currently Chairman

Nominated as Activity Coordinator and Past President

Hailing from Charlottesville, Virginia, Bill spent many years in Virginia before moving to Oviedo in 1990. As an Engineering Manager with Westinghouse Electric and Siemens Power, he developed power plant product lines and managed projects worldwide. Bill has been an FTA member since 1991 and has served as Chapter Chairman for a decade. Now stepping down from that role, he'll remain as Past Chair and potentially take on the role of Activity Coordinator. Bill is deeply involved in trail activities, including backpacking, kayaking, and bicycling. As a trail worker since 2013, he maintains equipment and designs trail bridges. In his retirement, Bill travels in his small camper, aiming to visit all National Parks.

2 - Jerry Rogers – Trail Coordinator

A Florida native from Fort Lauderdale, Jerry worked as a power plant foreman for Florida Power and Light for 30 years before retiring. He's been an FTA member for seven years and actively participates in maintenance activities across the state. Known for his passion for trail work, Jerry and his crew can efficiently construct new bridges. He enjoys section hiking in Florida and California.

3 - Kelley Galvin – Treasurer

A native of Orlando, Kelley has seen the city evolve over the years. As a government attorney, she worked in criminal prosecution and child protection. Kelley has been an FTA member for five years and is now in her second year as Treasurer for Central Florida. She engages in trail maintenance, day, and section hiking on the FNST, AT, PCT, and AT. Kelley enjoys reading books and science magazines, as well as watching science fiction.

4 - Steve Griger – Membership Coordinator

Steve moved to Florida in 1978 and has been involved with FTA for five years. As an employee of a family-owned printing business, Steve designs and prints Central Florida's handouts and business cards. He participates in trail maintenance and often recruits his trail running group to help. In his spare time, Steve enjoys trail running, paddle 0000boarding, surfing, camping, and reading.

5 - Chelsey Stevens – Currently Media Coordinator

Nominated as Chairman

Chelsey, originally from Richland, Washington, relocated to Florida in the 1980s before moving to Oregon in her twenties. However, the sunshine lured her back to Florida after four years. For her "Real Job" she works as a project manager at an electrical engineering firm. Chelsey has been an FTA member since 2017, joining after her now-husband, Chris, gifted her a membership. Chelsey has excelled in her past role as Program Coordinator and current newsletter editor/media coordinator. She also contributes to state-level events and the state board. Chelsey is a dedicated mother of three and a creative soul, dabbling in art, playing the ukulele, and exploring various hobbies.

6 - Doug Kucklick – Outreach Coordinator

Doug grew up in several places, including Ohio, Phoenix, France, and the Philippines, eventually settling in Orlando in 1956. Before retiring in 2000, he worked in various library IT roles. An FTA member since 2008, Doug focuses on outreach activities across Central Florida. He actively attends board and chapter meetings and is known for his passion for sharing information about FTA. His other community involvement includes being a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, foster parent, and long-time volunteer.

7 - Pam Hoepner – Secretary

Pam grew up on a farm in Iowa and moved to Orlando in 1970. She spent 13 years working for her husband’s engineering and land surveying business before joining SunTrust Banks for nearly 30 years. Now retired, Pam stays busy with her third year as Secretary. She rejoined FTA in 2020 and helps with trail maintenance and hikes. For leisure, she enjoys scrapbooking, junk journaling, and hiking various sections of the AT.

8 - Chris Stevens – Currently Vice President

Nominated as Media Coordinator

Born in Clearwater, FL, Chris grew up in Orlando and later moved to Massachusetts, returning to Florida in 1990. He is an outdoor writer, focusing on articles for Florida Hikes and providing updates for the Florida Trail section of the FarOut hiking app. An FTA member since 2017, Chris is involved in trail maintenance, meetings, hikes, paddles, and outreach events. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, native plants, and conservation activism.

9 - David Magness – Program Coordinator

David, originally from Wisconsin, relocated to Florida for medical school and returned after his residency. As a family physician, he serves as Medical Director for the Center for Living Well at Walt Disney World. An FTA member for five years, David section hikes the Florida Trail and supports trail maintenance. He volunteers as a Cub Scout leader and plays saxophone in Lake Nona Arts.

Our Dedicated Hospitality Team

Jean and her assistant, Ruth (Rue) Nilson, are indispensable members of our community. At each monthly meeting, they welcome attendees at the sign-in table, manage the Half-Back Raffle, and provide refreshments to keep everyone energized and connected.

Jean Williams – Hospitality

Jean grew up in Washington, D.C., moved to Florida in 1983. As a financial systems analyst, she honed her skills in managing details—a talent she brings to her 26 years with the FTA. Jean loves any beach, any book, and the challenge of nurturing roses to bloom.

Ruth (Rue) Nilson – Hospitality (Assistant)

Originally from New Jersey, moved to Florida in 1982. After retiring as a software analyst supporting hospital laboratory software, Rue joined the FTA in 2010. In addition to assisting Jean with hospitality, she volunteers at outreach events and enjoys discovering new places in her spare time.

We also have an open position for Historian, and we welcome anyone interested to reach out. Thank you for getting to know your leadership team better!

Chapter Events

Monthly Chapter Meeting

Florida Trail Chapter Meeting & Cookout

Date: May 16th Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Wekiwa Springs State Park, Sinkhole Pavilion

No Fee, Must use the secret password: "I am here for the Florida Trail Meeting"

Join us for our final chapter meeting before the summer hiatus! As many people go on vacation and the weather heats up in Florida, we take a break during the summer months. Let’s come together one last time before then to connect with fellow Florida Trail enthusiasts, share trail stories, and enjoy a cookout in the beautiful setting of Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Event Details:

Cookout: We'll provide hamburgers and hot dogs. Feel free to bring a side dish and/or desserts to share.

Click here for the side dish sign up link!
Meet and Greet: Connect with fellow hikers and trail maintainers while enjoying the feast amongst friends.
Chapter Meeting: We will discuss end-of-season news and hold a vote on leadership changes. This includes the following proposed positions:

Vote on Leadership Changes:

Bill Turman: Stepping down as Chapter Chair after 10 years, aiming to become our Activity Coordinator.
Chelsey Stevens: Currently the Media Coordinator, running for Chapter Chair.
Chris Stevens: Current Vice Chair, running for Media Coordinator.
Kelley Galvin: Treasurer (continuing in this position).
Pam Hoepner: Secretary (continuing in this position).
Jerry Rogers: Trail Coordinator (continuing in this position).
David Magness: Programs Coordinator (continuing in this position).
Doug Kucklick: Outreach Coordinator (continuing in this position).
Stephen Grieger: Membership Coordinator (continuing in this position).
Jean and Rue: Chapter Hospitality Coordinators (continuing in this position).

Learn more about our leadership roles here!

What to Bring:

A side dish and/or desserts to share.
A chair if you have one though benches are available.

Please RSVP via our below Meetup link if you plan to attend so we can ensure we have enough food for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the end of another great season!

Activities

Trail Maintenance

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!

Visit our Meetup Page!

Please note that Trail Maintenance events will be taking a hiatus over the summer months to avoid heat related illnesses and will resume as temperatures cool.

Highlighted Hike of the Month!

Lake Jessup Conservation Area East Tract

Maintained by the St. John’s River Water Management District, Lake Jessup Conservation Area protects over 5,000 acres surrounding its namesake lake. The East Tract is one of three public access points, and one of two that features a marked trail system. Starting at the end of a road in Black Hammock, trails in this portion of the conservation area explore shady hammocks along the southern shore of the lake.

Diamond shaped markers wind through a forest of tall palms and stately live oaks draped with Spanish moss. A wide pathway leads away from the parking area towards the swampy floodplain, reaching the loop portion of the route in about a half mile. Turning to the left at the loop, the wide trail continues to the east, reaching a tall wooden tower on the shoreline at the northernmost point. Taking a right at the intersection, the path skirts around a small pond and becomes narrower as it meanders through a subtropical jungle to the observation tower.

Either way, an out and back exploration of the trail is around a two-mile round trip over undulating terrain and under a generous amount of tree cover. As is the case with all SJRWMD recreation lands, public access is allowed 24 hours a day, so visitors don’t have to worry about rushing back to the trailhead by sunset. Because the St. John’s River and its numerous lakes are subject to seasonal flooding, it may be best to skip over this trail after a heavy rain event.

Past Highlighted Hikes of the Month

Lake Harney Wilderness Area

With an outstanding accessible observation tower offering a panorama of the St. Johns River floodplain, Lake Harney Wilderness is a must-see for birders and photographers.

Take a Hike!

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!