FNST Trail Maintenance

Skillset: Hike, Work

Details:
We will be clearing brush, lopping and hand sawing along with scraping and painting blazes. Two areas near the trailhead will also be cleared by power brush cutter. The trail could be wet or have standing water if there is recent rain. A majority of the trail is open overhead.

The Maintenance will be conducted in “teams”, no one will go off alone. There are 2 sections close to the trailhead for individuals who prefer not to work through the swamps. “Fern Area” is approximately 1.3 miles down the swamp buggy road and is approximately .75 miles long; another section approximately .25 miles down the swamp buggy trail and is approximately .5 miles long. Stronger hikers will continue to Ivy Camp approximately 3.6 miles down the trail, clear Ivy Camp and start trail maintenance working north.

What to Bring:
Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirt, hat and gloves. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, weather-relevant clothing/gear, along with plenty of fluids (minimum 2L), snacks and lunch food for multiple hours of work. Something to sit on too. As far as shoes are concerned, we will be walking through water and mud, hiking boots are not necessary – most of us wear older tennis shoes. You may want to bring extra socks.
If you have: handheld loppers, tree trimming hand saws, hard hats or safety glasses please bring them. I will also have ones to use.

Activity Level: Moderate ~ Strenuous

Links: I-75 MM63 Rest Area Big Cypress Access

Location: I-75 Rest Area MM63 – Southside Trailhead, continue through the Rest Area Parking lot to the east, turn right toward the Fire Station and head toward the kiosk on the far east end. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, stop in the rest area before continuing to trailhead parking lot.

An RSVP is required for participation in all Alligator Amblers' activities. An RSVP ensures that there is space available for you. Those who have not responded will be turned away from the activity.

Alligator Amblers (http://amblers.floridatrail.org/)
Florida Trail Association (http://www.floridatrail.org/)
Amblers on Meetup (https://www.meetup.com/Alligator-Amblers/)