What we're about
The Heartland Chapter is one of 19 chapters for the Florida Trail Association. The FTA is a volunteer group that maintains the Florida National Scenic Trail, a 1500 mile thru hiking trail from Big Cypress to the Panhandle. The Heartland Chapter is responsible for the maintenance of the trail in Polk, Highlands, Hardee and Desoto counties. We also maintain several loop trails throughout Polk County. Visit us at www.HeartlandFTA.org (http://www.heartlandfta.org/) for more information about our chapter. Or go to www.floridatrail.org (http://www.floridatrail.org/) to learn more about the Florida Trail Association.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Becoming a member of this Meetup group is not to be assumed as becoming a member in the Florida Trail Association (FTA). FTA membership information is available at https://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-difference/become-a-member/ .
Upcoming events (4)
The blue loop trail, starting at Picnic Lake is a lovely 2 mile somewhat hilly trail.
We will leave promptly at 8:15 to get back in time for the chapter meeting.
Don't forget water, and good shoes.
I'll stop at the Welcome Center at 7:30 , and give them your names This way you do not have to pay. From there it is about another mile driving on Tenoroc Mine Road to get to Picnic Lake.
If you come on your own there is a $ 3.00 entrance fee.
- monika H.
- Laura L
- Linda O.
- 11 attendees
Join us for the March 2023 Chapter meeting. We will meet at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area, Picnic Pavilion, in Lakeland.
Directions: Take Tenoroc Mine Road off North Combee Road to the Welcome booth. Indicate that you are attending the Heartland Chapter meeting. Continue straight for about 1/2 mile to the left turn to Picnic Lake. There will be a sign posted. The parking is opposite the Pavilion. Modern bathrooms are available.
We will be catching up on recent activities, trail conditions and options for trail work and summer activities. We will also be electing a new Chapter Chair and Secretary. If you are interested in either of these positions come prepared to present your qualifications.
Bring a lunch for after the meeting.
Note: Chapter Meetings are open to members and non-members.
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- Jan W.
- B Wayne F.
- Laura L
- 10 attendees
This is a Heartland Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) hiking activity open to the public. FTA membership is not required to participate. Membership in the Florida Trail Association helps us in our efforts to build, protect and promote the Florida National Scenic Trail. For FTA membership information please visit https://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-difference/become-a-member/
LOCATION: Circle B Bar Reserve; 4399 Winter Lake Road (SR 540); Lakeland, FL 33803. For Google maps use Polk’s Nature Discovery Center, Discovery Drive, Lakeland, FL. Meet in the Nature Center parking lot.
DESCRIPTION: This is a moderately paced hike (not a walk!) with lots of opportunity to observe wildlife. Approximately 4 miles in length but route depends on conditions of trails and any closures.
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THIS LOCATION.
Please, no children under 10.
Info including link to trail map and info on trail closures:
http://polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve#panel1
BRING OR WEAR: Hiking shoes, brimmed hat, water, sun, and insect
protection. Cameras and binoculars are welcomed.
- Jan W.
- Eileen
- madhu
- 24 attendees
This is a Heartland Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) hiking activity open to the public. FTA membership is not required to participate. Membership in the Florida Trail Association helps us in our efforts to build, protect and promote the Florida National Scenic Trail. For FTA membership information please visit https://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-difference/become-a-member/
LOCATION: Circle B Bar Reserve; 4399 Winter Lake Road (SR 540); Lakeland, FL 33803. For Google maps use Polk’s Nature Discovery Center, Discovery Drive, Lakeland, FL. Meet in the Nature Center parking lot.
DESCRIPTION: This is a moderately paced hike (not a walk!) with lots of opportunity to observe wildlife. Approximately 4 miles in length but route depends on conditions of trails and any closures.
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THIS LOCATION.
Please, no children under 10.
Info including link to trail map and info on trail closures:
http://polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve#panel1
BRING OR WEAR: Hiking shoes, brimmed hat, water, sun, and insect
protection. Cameras and binoculars are welcomed.
- Jan W.
- Dorothy
- Kat
- 19 attendees
Past events (775)
- Linda O.
- Barney E.
- Debbie
- 8 attendees