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HEAT Florida Junior Ranger February Adventure
Where: General James A. Van Fleet State Trail (about 40 minutes from Valrico)
7683 Berkley Road
Polk City, Florida 33968
When: Friday February 19th
10am Core Activity #6 How Can We Stay Safe?
10:30am Hike or Bike Trail
12pm Picnic Lunch
The General James A. Van Fleet State Trail is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails and is one of Florida's most rural, paved rail-trails. Also designated as a National Recreation Trail®, the Van Fleet State Trail runs through the Green Swamp, the headwaters for some of Florida's most popular paddling destinations including the Withlacoochee, Hillsborough and Peace rivers. Landscapes include the river swamp, bottomland forest, pine flatwoods, former citrus lands and cattle ranches. With only one curve in its 29.2 miles, you can choose to go slow and view the wildlife or enjoy it at a brisk pace. An equestrian trail parallels the length of the paved path. The trail has excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially between Green Pond Road and Bay Lake Road.
The trail has a paved surface ideal for bicycling. Because it traverses through mostly natural areas, there is ample opportunity go slow and view the wildlife or enjoy it at a brisk pace. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water with you. The only potable water sources are at the Polk City, Green Pond and Mable trail heads. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
The Green Swamp provides a great place to view wildlife such as white-tail deer, alligator, raccoon, opossum, snakes and turtles just to name a few. A variety of birds can also be seen such as American bald eagle, osprey and barred owl. Please give the animals "right of way" and remember that it is unlawful and dangerous to feed any of the wildlife. Taking pictures from a safe distance is always encouraged.
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