September 4, 2025

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

Join us for a special National Public Lands Day Webinar on Thursday, Sept 25 at 6 PM ET.

The Florida Trail thrives because of people like you. 🌿

Our upcoming National Public Lands Day Webinar will show you how to get involved in protecting, promoting, and maintaining this important public resource.



With nearly 500 volunteers statewide, there’s a place for everyone in our trail community – from hands-on maintenance to outreach and event support.

What questions do you have about volunteering? Let us know via email, and we’ll answer them live during the webinar!

🥾After the webinar, celebrate NPLD by hiking a section of the trail near you! Use our interactive map to plan your route and don’t forget to share your photos – tag @FloridaTrail to be featured on our social media pages!

Register for the webinar now!

Questions or need help? Email volunteer@floridatrail.org

Join the Florida Trail Association’s Next Generation Coalition for a Volunteer Work Party in Ocala National Forest!

📍 Alexander Springs Recreation Area

📅 November 14–16 (arrive Friday after 4PM, work days Sat & Sun)

The Next Gen Coalition is a group of young leaders (ages 18–35) dedicated to welcoming the next generation of Florida Trail volunteers & hikers. This work party is your chance to:

✅ Learn trail maintenance skills (all tools, training, and PPE provided)

✅ Camp at Alexander Springs (meals provided Friday dinner–Sunday lunch)

✅ Meet fellow outdoor leaders and give back to the Florida Trail!

✅ Cool off in the springs after a day of trail work!

👟 Expect to hike 3–4 miles per day while helping maintain the trail. Bring camping gear, sturdy shoes, and day essentials. We’ll provide tools, training, and food. If you don't have the gear you need, please reach out to us and we will make sure you are outfitted.

💡 Space is limited—sign up today and be part of the next generation of Florida Trail leaders!

For questions, contact Jane Pollack at janep@floridatrail.org.

Calling all graphic artists, writers, and video editors looking for freelance/contract work! 

Florida Trail Association has several projects that we need help with. If you're looking to take on new work, either one-time projects or long-term, please use the link to let us know. Details on each project area are below.

• Graphic artists (art, graphics, merch design)- These are one-time projects where we'll pay a flat rate for a custom design for our use on various projects like volunteer recruitment, outreach initiatives, and fundraising.
• Graphic artists (publication layout and design)- This would be an ongoing contract for you to help us redesign our digital magazine, Footprint, and then do the layout every quarter.
• Writing- This would be an ongoing contract to help write content for our digital magazine, Footprint. Story topics, contacts, etc. would be provided, and you would write 3-5 stories each quarter on topics surrounding volunteer efforts, trail projects, etc.
• Video compilation- We collect thousands of photos and videos from volunteers doing great work on the trail and need someone to turn these into short videos showcasing the work being done around the state. All content would be provided, and the goal would be a series of 1-5 minute videos throughout the year.

Link to submit your information: https://bit.ly/FTAcontractwork

🌿 Want to Know What Our Partners Are Up To?

From community events to workshops and new program offerings, there's always something going on.

👉 Click here to see upcoming events and opportunities.

Are you hosting an event you'd like us to share?

📣 Fill out this form to share it with us!