THE BLAZE
APALACHEE CHAPTER
FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
SPRING 2009
Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 PM in Building F, Suite 100 (U.S. Forest Service), the first building on the right as you enter Woodcrest Office Park at 325 John Knox Road, Tallahassee. The meeting room is ground level at the east end of Building F. Look for the Florida Trail signs at wooden door. For more information, contact Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 or Linda Patton (850) 668-4334. Meetings are open to the public.
January 13 “Colorful Peru.” Ken and Virginia Loewe will present highlights of their introduction to the resilient cultures and hospitable habitants of an ancient land, where stone-age ruins contrast with the current floating villages of Lake Titicaca and the shanty towns of modern-day Lima. The presentation will also feature their venture into the amazing Amazon rainforest with its unusual tree-top trails.
February 10 “Nokuse Plantation and its Gopher Tortoises.” The FNST now passes through a portion of Nokuse Plantation--a 48,000 acre private preserve with a goal of restoring natural communities to their pre-European- settlement conditions. “Turtle” Bob Walker will tell us about this restoration effort and the approximately 500 wild gopher tortoises on the property, along with the relocation of over 1800 tortoises rescued from development sites where they would otherwise have been buried by developers with “incidental take” permits.
March 10 “Hiking in New Mexico's Fabulously Diverse Backcountry.” Will Sheftall presents six trips to the Sangre deCristo Mtns. (Pecos Wilderness, Carson NF), Gila Wilderness (Gila NF), Sacramento Mtns. (Lincoln NF), Guadalupe Mtns. (Guadalupe NP, TX), and Davis Mtns. (TX) -- one of The Nature Conservancy's "Last Great Places."
April 14 “Backpacking Equipment Show-and-Tell.” Our chapter’s backpacking members will display their back-packs, tents/hammocks, sleeping bags/pads, cooking gear, etc. and will be available to talk to you about their gear.
Those interested in an activity should contact the listed leader at least a full day prior to the event. Dress appropriately for our unpredictable weather and the woods – wearing layers and hiking footwear is recommended. Always bring water, and possibly snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. Most activities continue as scheduled, even if the weather is less than ideal. An adult chaperon must accompany children. Codes: “P” – Public welcome to participate; “M”Limited to FTA members only; “L”Leisurely; “M”Moderatelydifficult; “S”Strenuous.
2
Jan 10 Saturday P/M
Trekking with Richard
This will be a hike into the Apalachicola National Forest, from US 319 to FR 321. Dress for the weather, bring lunch, water and bug spray. The hike is about 4 miles. Richard Graham 850-878-3616
Jan 13 Tuesday
Apalachee Chapter Meeting
Program:
“Colorful Peru”
Jan 24 Saturday P/M
Apalachicola Ravines and River Floodplain Winter Hike
A winter hike though woods roads and ravines along the Apalachicola and the floodplain. A different hiking experience on non-groomed trails and uneven ground. We will look for giant tupelo trees. Wear sturdy shoes/boots and bring water, lunch, a hiking stick, bug spray and dress for the weather. Meeting in Tallahassee at 8 a.m. to carpool. Limited to 15. Howard Pardue
850-523-8525.
Feb 7 Saturday P/S
Torreya Challenge
We will hike 10 miles up and down hilly terrain, primarily through hardwood forest with many impressive trees and picturesque creek crossings. Carry water, lunch, and perhaps a hiking stick.
Meet at 7 a.m. in Tallahassee to carpool. Jerry Herting 850-878-3426
Feb 8 Sunday P/L Aucilla Sinks Hike
Hike 4 miles along the sinks south of Goose Pasture Road. Bring a lunch. Barbara Donner 850-514-4284 or 245-8453
Feb 10 Tuesday
Apalachee Chapter Meeting
Program:
“Nokuse Plantation and its Gopher Tortoises”
Feb 14 Saturday P/M
Trekking with Richard
This will be a hike into the Apalachicola National Forest, from FR 321 to Oak Park Bridge. Dress for the weather, bring lunch, water and bug spray. The hike is about
4 miles. Richard Graham 850-878-3616
Feb 17 Tuesday
Activities Planning Meeting
6 p.m. US Forest Service Bldg F
David Harris 850-284-9967
Feb 20-22 Fri - Sat P/M Torreya State Park Trail Rerouting
Help reroute portions of the River Bluff Trail to reduce erosion. Ronny
Traylor will explain trail construction techniques. Work on Saturday and Sunday or come for a single day. Shared camp sites available Friday and Saturday
nights; bring your own tent. Sign up early to allow for camping and food
arrangements. (Limit: 12 campers). Jerry Herting 850-878-3426
Feb 28 Saturday P/L
Nokuse Plantation
Automobile tour showcasing the research, restoration, education, and gopher tortoise relocation activities at Nokuse Plantation, with short walks on the Florida Trail and to other points of interest. Bring a trail lunch. Approx. 250-mile round- trip from Tallahassee. This is a follow-up to our February 10th program. Limit 15 people. Linda Patton 850-668-4334
Mar 7 Saturday P/S
Annual Bradwell Bay Wilderness Swamp Stomp
Slog about 8 miles, in the heart of the Apalachicola National Forest, through one of the largest swamp forests in Florida. Rated by BACKPACKER magazine as one of the 10 toughest hikes in the USA. If we’ve had rain, expect wading in ankle-to-waist-deep water for over half the hike. Bring lunch, hiking sticks, and extra dry clothes and shoes. Old, but sturdy, boots recommended. Kent Wimmer 850- 523-8576
March 10 Tuesday
Apalachee Chapter Meeting
Program:
“Hiking in New Mexico's
Fabulously Diverse Backcountry.”
Volunteer
Vote
( See page 5)
3
Mar 13-14 Fri. – Sat. P/M Paddling Trip--New River, Liberty and Franklin County
Paddle New River from Rd 22 Sumatra to Pope Place in Tate’s Hell State Forest. Bring sleeping gear, food, and water for the trip. Limit 12 people. Ronny Traylor 850-643-5517
Mar 14 Saturday P/L
Florida National Scenic Trail
View native azaleas and other blooming wildflowers on the FNST along the Sopchoppy River in the Apalachicola National Forest. Limit 15. Galen Moses 850-926-9476
Mar 21 Saturday P/L
Leon Sinks Geological Area Hike
The trail winds through scenic and varied terrain, including major sinks, a natural bridge, and a disappearing stream. Trailhead parking fee--call for car-pooling arrangements. Limit 15. Terry Tenold 850-877-1612
Mar 22 Sunday P/M Apalachicola Bluffs Ravines Preserve near Bristol
Enjoy a spring hike along the 3.5-mi. loop trail that is biologically unique to Florida. Bring snacks, water, and perhaps a hiking stick to assist with steep terrain. Limit 12 . Car pool from Tallahassee. Connie people. Betterley 850-294-6302
cjbetterley @msn.com
Mar 27-29 Fri. – Sun.
Florida Hiking Festival & 2009 Annual Meeting & Conference Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs, Florida. More information on page 4 and at http://www.floridatrail.org/News/
Latest-News/2009-FHF-1st.html
Apr 4-5 Sat. – Sun. P/L
Cape St. George Island
Educational overnight field trip to Little Cape St. George Island. We’ll take a boat ride out to the island off the coast of Apalachicola and enjoy an afternoon trolling the bay waters to see what we can find. We’ll spend the night at the Marshall house on the island and take a walking tour of the island before we head back home Sunday afternoon. Bring your fishing pole. Limit 17 people. Call early to sign up. Gwen Beatty 850-942-7165
Apr 4 Saturday P/L
Wakulla Springs Birding and Wildlife Festival
The Apalachee Chapter will sponsor an information table at the Wakulla Birding and Wildlife Festival. Volunteers are needed to help at the table for 1 or 2 hours, then enjoy the festival. Call for more information or to volunteer. Terry
Tenold 850-877-1612
Apr 10-11 Fri. - Sat. P/L Camel Lake Campout
Camp out at Camel Lake and hike to trail head at Hwy 12. Meet at Camel Lake by 5 p.m., camp, visit and hike next morning. Limit 12 people. Ronny Traylor 850-643-5517
Apr 14 Tuesday
Apalachee Chapter Meeting
Program:
“Backpacking Equipment & Gear”
Apr 18 Saturday P/M
Munson Hills Trail Hike
Hike this multi-use trail 7.5 miles through the scenic Munson Hills in the NE corner of the Apalachicola National Forest. Travel through a longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem interspersed with ponds and wetlands. Limit 15. Terry Tenold 850-877-1612 totenold49@aolcom
Apr 25 Saturday P/L
Phipps Park Botany Tour
Spring botany tour at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. Emphasis on tree identification. Chuck Goodheart, botanist and urban forester now with Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Dept., will be our guide. We will car-caravan through the park, with short walks to areas of interest. Limit 24 people. Linda Patton 850-668-4334
Apr 26 Sunday P/M
Aucilla River Hike
Hike8miles along theriver northof Goose Pasture Road. Bring a lunch. Limit 15 people. Barbara Donner 850-514-4284 or 850-245-8453
3
NEW TRAILS OPEN IN WAKULLA STATE FOREST
3
Area hikers have some new trails to explore with the opening of a trail system in the Wakulla State Forest, located in northern Wakulla County off SR 267 (Bloxham Cutoff). The system includes hiking-only trail segments along with multi-use trails for horses/hikers/bikers and woods roads, but no motorized vehicles are allowed.
The Nemours hiking trail is a 1.75-mile loop that winds through a pine/hardwood forest, pine plantation and a hardwood/cypress slough. The Double Springs multi-use trail is a 4.5-mile loop that passes near the major feature of the forest, a small, but pristine set of springs. In addition, there are 19 miles of service roads within the tract.
Wakulla State Forest consists of the main tract of more than 4,000 acres in Wakulla County and a smaller tract of 73 acres in southern Leon County. The forest has been managed since 1999 by the Florida Division of Forestry using a multiple-use concept, which balances environmental, recreational and resource-use needs. Emphasis is given to the preservation of water quality by protecting the underground conduits that supply Wakulla Springs, along with ecosystem restoration and outdoor recreation.
The forest is currently a Wildlife Management Area open to regulated hunting under the direction of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which only permits a primitive hunt and archery/muzzle-loading hunting on selected days during deer season. Modern shotgun use is allowed during spring turkey season. Hunting dates and a trail map are posted at a kiosk next to the entrance parking lot. There is a picnic pavilion at the site, but no water or other facilities.
To reach the forest from West Tallahassee, take Crawfordville Highway (US 319) south from Capitol Circle to Wakulla Springs Road (SR 61) and go about seven miles to the intersection with Bloxham Cutoff (SR 267). Turn left and go east two miles to the entrance at Rosa Shingles Road. From the east,
take Woodville Highway (SR 363) south to the intersection with SR 267. Turn right and go west three miles to the entrance. For additional information, visit the Division of Forestry web site at http://www.fl-dof.com
CELEBRATE TRAIL VOLUNTEERS
AT FLORIDA HIKING FESTIVAL
Plans are under way for a fun and educational slate of activities and workshops at the Florida Hiking Festival & 2009 Annual Meeting & FTA Conference, March 27-29, in White Springs. We’re celebrating Florida Trail volunteers so don’t miss this special event.
Among other opportunities, you’ll learn about efforts being made to protect the trail, educate volunteers in the use of trail tools and safety, and proper trail maintenance techniques. Seminars will cover Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, backpacking techniques and gear, how to plan annual or special events and hikes, exploring the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, a craft workshop, and much more.
Plan to join a group of hikers and explore or rediscover the Suwannee River on the Florida Trail. New sections of trail are open thanks to on-going efforts to protect the trail. Bring your canoe/kayak, and, of course, your hiking boots and walking stick.
Be sure to join us Saturday night when the Cross Creek Cloggers will entertain us with their traditional American rhythmic dance accompanied by the old-time music of Lloyd Baldwin and Friends. Bring the children! Special activities are planned for them—the next generation of trail maintainers.
On-line registration will begin in early January. We’re “going green” so instead of mailing a flyer and registration form, all registrations will be through the Florida Trail website. A reminder postcard will be mailed to members in January with instructions on how to register for this exciting event. There’s something for everyone, so come prepared to enjoy spring in this lovely Florida Trail Gateway Community.
3
CAST YOUR VOTE AT FEBRUARY ELECTIONS
3
The Apalachee Chapter will hold elections at the February 10 chapter meeting. All members in good standing are urged to attend. A quorum of 10 chapter members is needed at the meeting to make the elections official. Officer positions that will be up for election are Chapter Chair and Trails Coordinator. Chapter officers serve a term of two years and are limited to two full consecutive terms under Chapter Guidelines.
The Chapter Chair serves as the executive officer of the chapter, and presides at the meetings of the membership and at the Chapter Coordinating Committee. In addition, the Chapter Chair is the chapter’s representative to the Chapter Council of the FTA, and attends quarterly meetings of the Chapter Council and the board of directors of the Association.
The Trails Coordinator is responsible for the development and maintenance of trails that are within the chapter’s scope of activity, especially the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST). In addition, the Trails Coordinator nominates section leaders to the VP for Trails of the FTA, performs duties as provided in the Trails Manual for the Florida Trail System, and attends meetings of the Trails Committee of the Association.
The incumbents for the above chapter officer positions, Richard Graham as Chapter Chair, and Terry Tenold as Trails Coordinator, have both served two consecutive terms, and therefore, cannot run for those respective offices again.
There are also non-elective coordinating positions for the chapter, which are appointed at the discretion of the Chapter Chair. Although none are currently vacant, since the last elections, the positions of Programs Coordinator and Publicity Coordinator (including the maintenance of the chapter website) have been filled by Linda Patton, who has done a marvelous job getting interesting speakers and programs for our chapter meetings for the past few years. But she would like to step down from this post at this time. Duties include coordinating with scheduled presenters, obtaining biographical information, and introducing speakers at chapter meetings. Linda has many ideas for future programs and she would gladly share them with the new Programs Coordinator.