What we’re about
June 4th, 2021
This group is operated by the Florida Trail Association.
We are a community who love to get outdoors to hike, backpack, paddle, and give back by way of volunteer trail maintenance.
Joining this Meetup does not constitute membership in the FTA and unless specifically mentioned, you are not required to hold an FTA membership to participate. Events which are FTA Members Only will be clearly indicated.
The Suncoast Chapter serves over 500 FTA members in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. We maintain The Florida National Scenic Trail between US 98 north of Lakeland and Hernando. Find out more about the FTA Suncoast chapter at https://sites.google.com/floridatrail.org/suncoastfta/.
Within these boundaries we also maintain a section of the Florida Trail Western Corridor which encompasses the Citrus, Croom, Richloam Tracts within Withlacoochee State Forest, and Green Swamp West, as well as popular loop trails within these tracts.
https://floridatrail.org/maps-and-databook/
Trail systems that we also are responsible for include Hillsborough River State Park, Little Manatee State Park, Myakka River State Park, Potts Preserve, Upper Hillsborough WMA, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, and Withlacoochee River Park.
Our chapter regularly maintains over 200 miles of trail and offers recreational and volunteer work events throughout the region.
We work in cooperation with the US Forest Service, State Forest Service, SWFWMD, DEP, and other land managers to keep the Florida National Scenic Trail, the Western Corridor, and designated side trails open for recreational use.
We sponsor many events on non FTA designated land tracts, trail systems and waterways.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Certain risks are inherent in any Florida Trail Association, Inc (the "Association") activity. Each Association member, guest, or non-member participant agrees to accept personal responsibility for his or her safety, and the safety of minors accompanying such persons.
The Association cannot ensure the safety of any participants on hikes or activities. In participating in Association activities, each such person agrees to hold harmless and free from blame the Activity Leader(s) and the Association, its officers, directors, and members, for any accident, injury, or illness which might be sustained from participating in hikes or other Association activities. Neither the Association, Activity Leaders, nor landowners are in any way liable for any injury or illness I might sustain from participating in an Association activity.
By joining the Suncoast Chapter Meetup Group you are agreeing to the assumption of risk as stated above.
JOIN THE FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
http://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-differen...
Upcoming events
27
Trail Maintenance at Myakka State Park
Location not specified yetWe will be doing our trail maintenance at the park including trimming side growth, and painting blazes on trees. we will be doing approximately 5 -10 miles of trail. Please bring loppers and gloves if you have them. also plan on packing a lunch and some water for the day. Once we enter the back country, there will not be a way to get out early, so please plan to attend for the day.
There will be NO camping available for the work party.
When arriving at the park, tell the ranger you are volunteering with the FTA, and the entrance fee will be waived. we will be meeting at the parking lot on the right-hand side just after you enter the park.
Please call or text Adam at (941) 539-1336 with any questions.
Our other planned dates will be:
January 10th
February 7th
March 7th
April 4th
All participants are encouraged to join our non-profit organization, Florida Trail Association.
For more information on the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) and the Florida Trail Association (FTA) & how to join FTA:
**https://floridatrail.org**11 attendees
Orienteering Class
Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Rd, Brooksville, FL, USHistorically, being able to navigate using a compass was an essential skill for explorers. Today, modern GPS devices tend to take the place of traditional map and compass reading. Participants in this program will learn to read the topographical and physical features of a map, set a compass heading and pace out a distance. Once everyone is familiar with the compasses, they will have an opportunity to test their skill on a navigation course. This program is recommended for ages 12+.
The activities will include:
- Indoor PowerPoint presentation on navigation history, vocabulary, and compass use
- Practice setting a heading
- Outdoor practical; walk a square
- Outdoor skills test, navigational circle
Colleen Muylaert
Education Specialist
Chinsegut Conservation Center
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
23212 Lake Lindsey Road
Brooksville, FL 34601
352-754-6722
There will be an opportunity to hike after lunch. Watch for a separate Meetup event for Chinsegut Hike31 attendees
Morning Hike - Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park - 3.8 mile hike/ramble
Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL, USSunday 8:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
105 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL
Join me for a 3.8-mile hike with Florida Tail Association – Suncoast Chapter.
About/Details: We will meet at parking lot 8 area prior to 8:15AM near Shelter 5 which is next to parking lot 8.
Parking Lot 9 is a good option if Lot 8 is full.
The group will leave parking lot 8 area at 8:15AM and head towards orange blazed trail.
Restrooms are available off of the parking lot. We will walk the 3-mile orange blazed loop (total of 3.8 miles). The group will stop at the Grassy Lake Bird Blind for a water break.
Expect: Mostly shaded but some areas of sun. Some tall grass.
This is a very popular area for road biking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Challenges include deep sand, lack of shade, bugs and heat exposure. No water along the way. Bring water, sunscreen, a snack and good footwear. Dress according to the weather.
Come get acquainted with the FTA and enjoy a hike.
Phone number on day of hike: Melissa 727-207-3013
Please contact me if you have any medical question on your physical fitness for this event.
All participants are required to sign an "Assumption of Risk" form.
This form may be previewed at: https://floridatrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FTA-Assumption-of-Risk-March-30th-2022.pdf
All participants are encouraged to join our non-profit organization, Florida Trail Association.
For more information on the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) and the Florida Trail Association (FTA) & how to join FTA:
**https://floridatrail.org**6 attendees
Past events
1691
Group links
Organizers
Members
5,962
