Black Bear Chapter FTA General Meeting at Tomoka State Park

• What we'll do:

Please join us at the FTA Black Bear Chapter GENERAL MEETING at Tomoka State Park. Mark Voykovic from the US Forest Service near Ocala will be our guest speaker who will discuss the hurricane damage in Ocala National Forest, the Florida Trail as well as other efforts and ongoing activities.

In addition to Mark we will have reports from our Trail Maintenance committee, Finance, Christmas party and other camping and hikes we are planning for the near future.

HOW TO GET HERE

Once you get to the park ranger station at the entrance let them know that you are attending the FTA trail work and they will waive the entry fee. Once you pass the ranger station go another approx. 0.6 miles to Recreation Hall on your right where we will have our General meeting starting at 6:00 PM and a social before at 5:30 with a few snacks and drinks.

;Plenty of free parking in front of building.

"Welcome to Tomoka State Park----
Native Americans once dwelt here, living off fish-filled lagoons. Today, these waters are popular for canoeing, boating, and fishing. The park protects a variety of wildlife habitats and endangered species, such as the West Indian manatee. Tomoka is a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 160 species sighted, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Visitors can stroll a one-half mile nature trail through a hardwood hammock that was once an indigo field for an 18th century British landowner. A boat ramp gives boaters and canoeists access to the river. The Park Store offers snacks, camping supplies, and canoe rentals. For overnight stays, the park has full-facility campsites and youth camping."

The group camp site is a area set off from the rest of the "paid" camping area where they have bathrooms and showers. There is no hook ups for RV's in the group camp site. There is a clean water source however for drinking and cooking. Camping for us in the beautiful and expansive group camp site is free during work party activities which we will schedule in the new year.

Thank you and Happy Hiking!!!

PS
If you are new to our group this will be the perfect way to get to know us and start your planning to join us on our many upcoming activities!!