Heartland Chapter Florida Trail Association

🟧 Are you a SWAMPER, a LOPPER or a MOWER -- and need some outdoor exercise❓ 🧡 Join your fellow Heartland VOLUNTEERS back on the Florida National Scenic Trail in Green Swamp East for a Work Party on 11/10/25 from Rockridge Trailhead to Mott Hammock Campsite! 🟠 Meet at 7:45am at Rockridge Road Trailhead on Monday the 10th to sign in with Activity Leaders and to finalize crews & responsibilities. 🔶

🟧 The very important "TAIL GATE TALK" at Rockridge Trailhead will include Crew Assignments of mowing, lopping & swamping for each of Monday's 3 separate sections -- to be performed by 3 different crews. 🔸Arrangements for shuttling of each crew to their specific sites will be established at the trailhead, followed by a crucial SAFETY TALK.

🌞 If you're NEW to trail maintenance, Heartland's Public Relations Chair — Sue2 — and our Activity Leaders will train you for SUCCESS! 💥

🌴 To stay SAFE during the Work Party, you should wear CLOSED TOED & STURDY SHOES or BOOTS and 👖LONG PANTS. 🥼 Long sleeves, gloves🧤 and BUG SPRAY are also recommended. 💦 Please bring at least 2 liters of water & some energy-filled snacks in a comfortable backpack. 🔆 Loppers and ear protection will be provided by Heartland. 👂 If you have them, please also bring hard hats ⛑ and eye protection -- sunglasses or prescription glasses are fine. 😎

❌ 11/1/25 update: THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL*‼️*
⚠️ There are 0 spots remaining for this valuable two-day WFA class, hosted by FTA Heartland at TENOROC❗️ ⏰ Training will run from 8am to 3:30pm both days, and will include CPR certification and Wilderness First Aid (classroom time & field practice). 🤓 Our super instructor for the weekend is KARL BYERS, longtime medical professional, FTA volunteer and Board Member. 🤩

📌 Secure your spot with the $50 fee -- which will be converted to a full one-year's MEMBERSHIP in the Florida Trail Association upon completion of Sunday's class on November 16‼️ 💲 Either 1️⃣ bring your $50 to an upcoming Heartland event (11/1/25 ....) OR 2️⃣ contact us under COMMENTS for DETAILS to mail your money directly to Heartland's Treasurer Monika Hoerl 📨 Please note that Heartland must receive the $50 payment in advance to confirm a seat & materials for your WFA training. 💲 FYI: Our chapter is not currently set up for auto-pay or credit cards.

🔆 Please pack your own lunch with beverages for both days. If you have any QUESTIONS, reply under COMMENTS, or to hl@floridatrail.org 📲 Heartland CARES about all our people out on the trails‼️

🟧 SWAMPERS, LOPPERS & MOWERS are needed once again in Green Swamp East on the Florida National Scenic Trail❗️ Join another great Work Party on 11/17/25, starting from STANLEY FISH HOLE -- a popular area for fisherman and hikers alike‼️

🟠 Meet at 7:45am at Rockridge Road Trailhead on Monday the 17th to sign in with Activity Leaders and to finalize crews & responsibilities. 🔶 A priority will be mowing, with loppers & swampers assigned to special areas on the trail.

🟧 The big "TAIL GATE TALK" at Rockridge Trailhead will include Crew Assignments of mowing, lopping & swamping for each of Monday's 2 separate sections -- to be performed by 2 different crews. 🔸Following an important SAFETY REVIEW at the trailhead, arrangements will be established for shuttling each crew to their specific sites.

🌞 If you're NEW to trail maintenance, Heartland's Public Relations Chair and our Activity Leaders will train you to be a WINNER! 💥

🌴 To stay SAFE during the Work Party, you should wear CLOSED TOED & STURDY SHOES or BOOTS and 👖LONG PANTS. 🥼 Long sleeves, gloves🧤 and BUG SPRAY are also recommended. 💦 Please bring at least 2 liters of water & some energy-filled snacks in a comfortable backpack. 🔆 Loppers and ear protection will be provided by Heartland. 👂 If you have them, please also bring hard hats ⛑ and eye protection -- sunglasses or prescription glasses are fine. 😎

Come join us to hike at Lake Louisa State Park. This hike does have a limit so PLEASE do not sign up unless you definitely plan to come. If you change your mind, please change your RSVP to allow people on the waitlist to be able to do this hike.

There is an entry fee to enter the park. This hike is estimated to be the distance to be around 7 miles. Lake Louisa is not a hard place to hike but you do need to be in reasonable condition. My pace is 2 - 2.5 mph. It's not a walk & it's not a run. I will start check-in at 8:30, to start the hike promptly at 9:00. Please allow enough time to get from the Park entrance to the Playground and Beach parking lot. We will start the hike at the kiosk. There is some shade, but mostly open.The bathrooms are back open.

MUST BRING WATER and wear sturdy shoes (no barefoot or flip flops). Hat, snacks, sunscreen, and insect protection are advised.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Being a member of this Meetup group is not the same as being a PAID member in the Florida Trail Association (FTA). Membership in the FTA helps us in our efforts to build, protect and promote the Florida National Scenic Trail. Information on joining FTA is available at
https://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-difference/become-a-member/

This is a Heartland Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) hiking activity opened to the public. FTA membership is not required to participate.

We will be meeting at the parking lot for the beach and playground. I will be parked in the area by the bathroom. After paying at the ranger station, go a little more than a mile before taking the right hand turn to the beach. (look for small sign) . Shortly before that intersection, there will be a road on the left leading to cabins. It is a little more than a mile and a half before you reach the area in the parking lot by the bathroom.

Here is a link to the trail map that also gives information on park roads. You can also get a copy from the ranger that will give more information about the park.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Hiking%20Trail%20Map%20Brochure-01-2020%20%28002%29.pdf