Florida Trail Association

Central Florida Chapter

Savage Christmas in July

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

August 2024

I hope everyone has (and still is) enjoying their summer. I'm delighted to introduce myself as the newly elected Chair of our Central Florida Chapter. As we step into the upcoming hiking and maintenance season together, I am filled with enthusiasm for the year ahead and am committed to making it a fantastic experience for all of us.

A warm welcome to Jim Krell, who has recently joined us as an activity leader. Jim has already co-led two remarkable hikes, showcasing his passion and expertise. These activities are just a glimpse of what we have planned, so stay tuned for more engaging outdoor adventures.

Looking ahead, we’ve published our maintenance schedule and the 2025 Winter Series of hikes and paddles. These events offer wonderful opportunities to connect with nature and each other, and I encourage everyone to get involved and enjoy what our beautiful region has to offer.

I’m excited to work together with all of you to foster a vibrant community and enrich our experiences on the trails. Here’s to a year of adventure, friendship, and memorable moments!

Chelsey Stevens 🚶‍♂️

BECOME A MEMBER

Our temporary Spirit Store is now open, offering a fantastic way to show your support for the Florida Trail! For every item purchased, $10 is donated directly to the chapter, helping to maintain and enhance this incredible resource for outdoor recreation. The shop is only open until the end of the month, so don’t miss out on this opportunity. After the store closes, items will be custom-made and shipped out during the week of September 9th. We’ve partnered with LVR Ink, a Gainesville-based company known for their expertise in custom apparel, design, and pop-up printing. They handle all aspects of order fulfillment, including receiving, processing, and delivery, which allows our dedicated volunteers to stay focused on what they do best—caring for the trail. Get your gear and make a difference today!

Chapter Meeting

Guest Speaker: Valerie Anderson

Join us for an inspiring evening with Valerie Anderson, a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and sustainability. Valerie is the Director of Communications and Programming for the Florida Native Plant Society and runs a GIS consulting business. She also serves as Chair of the Osceola Soil and Water Conservation District and President of Friends of Split Oak Forest. With an impressive academic background and extensive experience, Valerie will share her insights on preserving Florida's unique native plant species and more.

Location: Leu Gardens - Magnolia Room

6:30pm-7:00pm: Social time

7:00pm: Presentation begins

Guests are invited to bring a snack to share before the start of the meeting. We will also be having a 1/2 back raffle where you can purchase one ticket for $1 or six tickets for $5. The winner will receive 1/2 the pot! The raffle will conclude at the end of our meeting.

Next month's speaker: Stephen Stipkovits - Florida Forest Service

A seasoned Forester with the Florida Forest Service, Stephen has played a key role in developing resource management plans, implementing prescribed burns, and leading invasive species control programs.

If you have a special interest you would like to share, or suggestions for future speakers, please feel free to c lick here to Submit Monthly Chapter Presentation ideas!

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!

🌴Our Chapter Trail Maintenance kicks off in September!🌴

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.

Work Parties are hosted across the state by the Florida Trail Association. They include an area for free tent camping and breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sign up for these events in advance on the FTA website - https://floridatrail.galaxydigital.com/need/

September 2024

September 21: Mills Creek Woodlands work hike

September 25: Little Big Econ State Forest work hike

October 2024

October 2, 9, 16: Wekiwa Springs State Park work hike

October 19: Little Big Econ State Forest work hike

October 23: Charles H Bronson State Forest work hike

October 25–27: Indian River Chapter Work Party – Bull Creek WMA

October 30: Chuluota Wilderness Area work hike

November 2024

November 6: Seminole State Forest work hike

November 8,10: Indian River Chapter Work Party – Prairie Lakes WMA

November 13: Seminole State Forest work hike

November 16–20: Little Big Econ State Forest work hike

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

Visit our Meetup Page!

Highlighted Hike of the Month!

Pine Lily Preserve

An important link among a collection of adjoining conservation lands in eastern Orange County, Pine Lily Preserve protects over 400 acres in the Econlockhatchee River Watershed. The expansive pine prairies of Hal Scott Preserve to the south spill over into this smaller parcel, where a flower that lies dormant for most of the year gives the park its alluring name.

Starting at a Florida Trail kiosk next to the parking area, orange blazes lead eastward along a wide two-track trail bordered by a collection of various shrubs. The landscape changes rapidly while approaching a blue-blazed loop at the half-mile mark, where clustered saw palmettos cover an open flatwoods habitat dotted with pines bearing scorch marks from prescribed burns.

In late summer and early fall, pine lilies push long stalks above the dense understory to produce captivating coral-tinted blooms that stand in stark contrast to the surrounding sea of green. Following the blue trail for a half mile in a loop back to the orange blazes will provide the best opportunities to spot these showy flowers. The Florida Trail leads through the middle of the loop, stretching to the eastern side of the property, where it will eventually connect with Savage Christmas Creek Preserve to the north. From the parking area, orange blazes continue south into Hal Scott Preserve as part of an existing trail network that includes Long Branch Preserve to the west.

Meet Up!

(This event will be open to non members soon. Hike will be on August 24th, 9am)

Past Highlighted Hikes of the Month

Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore protects 58,000 acres of maritime hammocks, dunes, and coastline north of Cape Canaveral, a natural sandy cape that formed where ocean currents meet.

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!

Here are some exciting opportunities to get involved:

🌿 Volunteers Needed for Backyard Biodiversity Day!

Join us for Backyard Biodiversity Day, a fantastic celebration of Florida's unique flora and fauna, presented by the Florida Native Plant Society. Taking place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park, FL, this family-friendly event promises a day filled with informative presentations, interpretive hikes, native plant sales, kids' activities, and more!

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!

The O2O Expedition follows three veterans from different branches of the military as they embark on a 57-mile journey through the stunning Florida Wildlife Corridor, stretching from the Ocala to the Osceola National Forests. Over four days, they paddle the Ocklawaha River, bike, and hike segments of the Florida National Scenic Trail, showcasing the incredible health and wellness opportunities the Corridor offers. This film not only captures their adventurous spirit but also underscores the importance of preserving working lands, state lands, and military installations for statewide connectivity.

Watch Now!

Save The Date!

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!

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

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

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

Chapter Operating Procedures

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:

Media Committee: This team will manage social media, share photos, write articles, and coordinate contributions from others.
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!

cfchapter@floridatrail.org