May 23, 2025

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

We’re excited to share that the Florida Trail Association (FTA) has been awarded a Rebuilding and Recovery Micro-Grant from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). This grant supports critical restoration efforts in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, and FTA is proud to be among the organizations selected for our role in restoring outdoor recreation access and infrastructure.

Grant funding will directly support four volunteer work parties focused on repairing storm-damaged sections of the Florida National Scenic Trail, including a 100-mile stretch from Twin Rivers State Forest to Osceola National Forest. These efforts are part of our continued work to ensure that the Florida Trail remains a safe, accessible, and cherished resource for all.

Hurricane recovery efforts in 2024 near Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Photos by Britt Moore

“Florida Trail Association is grateful to our partners at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable for supporting this important work to ensure that those seeking to enjoy the Florida Trail can once again do so safely and, in turn, continue bringing considerable economic impact to the local communities. Our work is also supported by our partners at the U.S. Forest Service and a multitude of other stakeholders, including local non-profits like the Suwannee Bicycle Association, school groups, and county-level departments, and we couldn’t do it without you and them.”

— Tisha McCombs, Executive Director, Florida Trail Association

Mountain bikers take a break in front of the new Florida Wildlife Corridor mural in the Gateway Community of White Springs. Photo by Garrett Hickman, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

Outdoor recreation is a powerful economic force in Florida, generating $57.8 billion annually, supporting thousands of jobs, and serving as a cornerstone of community well-being and tourism. Recovery efforts like this one help ensure that trails and access points remain open, safe, and inviting for residents and visitors alike.

We’re deeply thankful to ORR, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, and The VF Foundation for their investment in trail recovery and outdoor access. Congratulations to our fellow grantees who are also working to restore the landscapes and recreation assets that connect people to the outdoors across the Southeast.

Learn more about the Rebuilding and Recovery Micro-Grant Program and all award recipients at recreationroundtable.org/

Have a stunning shot from the Florida Trail? We want to see it! We're now accepting submissions for the 2026 Florida Trail Calendar, and we’re looking for images that showcase the beauty and diversity of the trail—from sweeping landscapes and serene trail views to close-ups of native plants and wildlife encounters.

Selected photos will be featured in the printed calendar, with full credit to the photographer.

🗓️ Submission deadline: Friday, June 14, 2025

📍 Limit 5 high-resolution images per person

Help us celebrate the places and moments that make the Florida Trail unforgettable.

👉 Submit your photos here

You’re Invited! Trail Accessibility Event at Prairie Creek Lodge

Join us on Saturday, June 7th, from 8 AM to 12 PM for a morning of family-friendly fun and adventure! Hosted by the Florida Trail Association, Alachua Conservation Trust, and Sportsability Alliance, this event is part of @AmericanHiking’s #NationalTrailsDay—a nationwide celebration of trails and the people who love them!

Together, we’ll enjoy the outdoors and work to leave the trails and the outdoor community better than we found them.

What to Expect:

• Explore the trail using EcoRover and Joëlette accessibility devices
• Connect with organizations working to make the outdoors accessible to all

Details:

• Location: Prairie Creek Lodge, 7204 County Road 234, Gainesville, FL 32641
• Accessible restrooms are available at the lodge
• The area around the lodge is soft grass, and the road leading to the lodge is a dirt road (accessible by regular cars)

Hike Options:

• 0.6-mile loop with scenic views of wetlands and hammocks
• A shorter option around the native plant garden area

EcoRover and Joëlette devices will be available on a rolling basis, with 30-minute time slots and a 15-minute buffer between trips.

To Participate:

• Pre-register to secure your time slot and select your preferred hike option (we’ll do our best to accommodate everyone)
• Walk-ins are welcome if you don’t register in advance
• If you plan to use the EcoRover or Joëlette, please bring a family member or buddy to assist with transfers
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We look forward to seeing you for a fun, inclusive, and impactful day outdoors!

In addition to participating in this event, you can take the National Trails Day® pledge and be entered for a chance to win one of four outdoor gear prize packages. You can also find other National Trails Day events near you at bit.ly/trails-day.