Welcome to the Friday Waypoint where you'll find the latest updates about opportunities & activities with the Florida Trail Association.

Last weekend, we hosted a collaborative volunteer work party led by the Florida Trail Association's Next Generation Coalition and Girls Who Hike FL. Three dedicated crews joined forces to tackle diverse projects, including basic trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and the construction of a puncheon-style bridge. The highlight of the weekend was that we eliminated one mile of roadwalk by cutting a short new section of the Florida Trail! We even got the chance to see the first-ever thru-hiker step foot on the freshly mowed path.

The event captured the collective passion for outdoor stewardship and served as a platform for women to connect and empower each other through shared experiences in the outdoors. The camaraderie and enthusiasm of the participants were palpable, making the weekend a success!

We'd like to give a special thanks to the Tropical Trekkers for providing equipment, showing us the ropes and setting up our projects.

As we reflect on this inspiring weekend, we look forward to more collaborative events in the future. We're so grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and the spirit of camaraderie that defines these impactful events. Here's to more adventures, connections, and trailblazing accomplishments on the horizon! 

Capture the beauty of the Sunshine State in the 2025 Florida Trail Calendar Photo Contest! 🌴📸 Show off your photography skills and submit your best shot for a chance to be featured in next year's calendar.

The photo should show the Florida Trail or a view from the Florida Trail. If people are visible in the photo they should be candid (posed shots cannot be considered). Although we appreciate close-ups of flowers and insects, those that don't capture the essence of the 'Florida Trail!' may be admired but won't be chosen for selection.

Winners of this contest will be notified by March 31, 2024. They will be featured in the Official Calendar of the Florida Trail Association, and will receive 3 copies of the calendar and a framed photo of their winning submission!

For contest details and to submit a photo, visit the link below.

*By submitting photos to the 2025 Florida Calendar Photo Contest, you retain the rights to your works while granting the Florida Trail Association unrestricted and royalty-free use of your images. The association reserves the right to use, reproduce, and distribute submitted photos for future marketing, promotional, and informational purposes without compensation. Rest assured, your talent will help showcase the beauty of Florida and support our mission.