SECTION LEADERS FNST: ANF WEST Al Ingle (850) 509-1162 FNST: ANF EAST Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 FNST: ST. MARKS Dale Allen (850) 656-8050 FNST: AUCILLA VACANT FT. BRADEN TRACT Howard Pardue (850) 386-1494 ELINOR KLAPP-PHIPPS PARK Dawn Brown (850) 668-0091 TORREYA STATE PARK Jerry Herting (850) 878-3426 MEETING PROGRAMS October 13 “Brendan Biggs: Trekking in the Solo Khumbu.” Join Brendan as he shares his experience of trekking in one of the world’s highest and most breath- taking places, the Everest region in Nepal. Find out what it’s like to travel the foot- paths, and journey with him as he recounts his adventures and shares his photos. November 10 “Hiking the Camino de Santiago.” The Camino is a 2000 year old pilgrimage trail over mountain ranges and through the countryside and cities of northern Spain. In Summer 2014, Gregg and Morgan Patterson made the 500-mile trek, starting in St Jean Pied de Port, France and ending 38 days later in Santiago, Spain. This was a spiritual quest for Morgan; Gregg went along for the athletic challenge. Then something happened, which they will share when they speak. Traveling with all their possessions in their backpacks they stayed mostly at hostels, breaking bread with people from all over the world. During their presentation they will share the physical and mental challenges, and the life lessons learned on the Camino. December 8 “Holiday Party & Potluck.” Celebrate the season by joining our annual holiday potluck and gift exchange. Bring a dish to share (turkey/ham provided by the Chapter) and a wrapped gift to participate in the exchange. The gift should be trail or outdoors related if possible, and can be purchased-but- inexpensive, a white elephant, or hand-made. If you’re feeling extra festive, write a short poem or limerick describing the gift! NEW and RETURNING MEMBERS May 2015 - July 2015 Zilpah Boyd, Machelle Campbell, Bryan Desloge, Ka- ren Lehnert & Richard Long, Erin O’Connell, Stewart Parsons, Glenda Rabby, Zana Raybon, Laura Rush, Bill Snyder, Joseph Sullivan, Linda & Kenny Walker, Wendy Young AS OF 8/1/15: 263 memberships / 343 members CONTENTS 1........Programs / People 2-4....September-December Activities 4-5.....Articles From the Chair YOU are Needed! Yes, You CAN Recycle That!! Go GREEN (get the Blaze by pdf) 6........FTA Membership Form Dawn Brown(850)668-0091 or Liz Sparks (850)570-5950. Meetings are open to the public. FALL 2015 CHAPTER OFFICERS CHAIR Dawn Brown (850) 668-0091 [email protected]VICE-CHAIR Al Ingle (850) 509-1162 [email protected]TREASURER Elizabeth Slack (850) 320-2760 [email protected]MEMBERSHIP Lori Gilbertson (850) 420-0132 [email protected]TRAILS COORDINATOR Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 [email protected]ACTIVITIES Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 [email protected]PROGRAMS Liz Sparks (850) 570-5950 [email protected]PUBLICITY/WEBSITE/VOL. HRS. Linda Patton (850) 668-4334 [email protected]NEWSLETTER VACANT Meet the new forest supervisor of the National Forests in Florida. Kelly Russell reported to her new position in Tallahassee on April 6, 2015. "I am very excited about returning to Florida and working with the people there," she said. Russell is a native of Alabama and grew up in Panama City, Fla. She earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from Wesleyan College, went into the Peace Corps for two years, then attended graduate school in Fisheries at Auburn University. The Forest Service hired her in 1985 as a fisheries biologist & she worked in Talladega and Montgomery, Ala., the Francis Marion and Sumter Nat’l. Forests in SC; and Atlanta. In 2002 she went to the Ouachita Nat’l. Forest as district ranger; in 2009 to the Klamath Nat’l. Forest in Yreka, Cal. as deputy forest supervisor; then the Gila Nat’l. Forest in Silver City, N.M. as forest supervisor for four years. She has also worked in the Washington Office on a variety of assignments.
Transcript
SUMMER 2015
SECTION LEADERS FNST: ANF WEST Al Ingle (850) 509-1162 FNST: ANF EAST Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 FNST: ST. MARKS Dale Allen (850) 656-8050 FNST: AUCILLA VACANT FT. BRADEN TRACT Howard Pardue (850) 386-1494 ELINOR KLAPP-PHIPPS PARK Dawn Brown (850) 668-0091 TORREYA STATE PARK Jerry Herting (850) 878-3426
MEETING PROGRAMS
October 13 “Brendan Biggs: Trekking in the Solo Khumbu.” Join Brendan as he shares his experience of trekking in one of the world’s highest and most breath-taking places, the Everest region in Nepal. Find out what it’s like to travel the foot-paths, and journey with him as he recounts his adventures and shares his photos.
November 10 “Hiking the Camino de Santiago.” The Camino is a 2000 year old pilgrimage trail over mountain ranges and through the countryside and cities of northern Spain. In Summer 2014, Gregg and Morgan Patterson made the 500-mile trek, starting in St Jean Pied de Port, France and ending 38 days later in Santiago, Spain. This was a spiritual quest for Morgan; Gregg went along for the athletic challenge. Then something happened, which they will share when they speak. Traveling with all their possessions in their backpacks they stayed mostly at hostels, breaking bread with people from all over the world. During their presentation they will share the physical and mental challenges, and the life lessons learned on the Camino.
December 8 “Holiday Party & Potluck.” Celebrate the season by joining our annual holiday potluck and gift exchange. Bring a dish to share (turkey/ham provided by the Chapter) and a wrapped gift to participate in the exchange. The gift should be trail or outdoors related if possible, and can be purchased-but-inexpensive, a white elephant, or hand-made. If you’re feeling extra festive, write a short poem or limerick describing the gift!
NEW and RETURNING MEMBERS
May 2015 - July 2015
Zilpah Boyd, Machelle Campbell, Bryan Desloge, Ka-ren Lehnert & Richard Long, Erin O’Connell, Stewart Parsons, Glenda Rabby, Zana Raybon, Laura Rush, Bill Snyder, Joseph Sullivan, Linda & Kenny Walker, Wendy Young
AS OF 8/1/15: 263 memberships / 343 members
CONTENTS
1........Programs / People 2-4....September-December Activities 4-5.....Articles From the Chair YOU are Needed! Yes, You CAN Recycle That!! Go GREEN (get the Blaze by pdf)
6........FTA Membership Form
Dawn Brown(850)668-0091 or Liz Sparks (850)570-5950.
Meet the new forest supervisor of the National Forests in Florida. Kelly Russell reported to her new position in Tallahassee on April 6, 2015. "I am very excited about returning to Florida and working with the people there," she said. Russell is a native of Alabama and grew up in Panama City, Fla. She earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from Wesleyan College, went into the Peace Corps for two years, then attended graduate school in Fisheries at Auburn University. The Forest Service hired her in 1985 as a fisheries biologist & she worked in Talladega and Montgomery, Ala., the Francis Marion and Sumter Nat’l. Forests in SC; and Atlanta. In 2002 she went to the Ouachita Nat’l. Forest as district ranger; in 2009 to the Klamath Nat’l. Forest in Yreka, Cal. as deputy forest supervisor; then the Gila Nat’l. Forest in Silver City, N.M. as forest supervisor for four years. She has also worked in the Washington Office on a variety of assignments.
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PLEASE NOTE: The Florida National Scenic Trail and other forest trails are part of the natural environment. Rough, une-ven, and/or slippery surfaces, protruding roots, encroaching vegetation, fallen branches, mud and water, insects and other wildlife, irritating plants and other hazards may be present. Wear boots and use caution. If you question whether a hike is within your ability, contact the Activity Leader. For more information go to www.apalachee.floridatrail.org and click on “Guidelines for Activity Participants.”
ACTIVITY LEADERS
Dale Allen Gwen Beatty Karen Berkley Cathy Briggs Louis Brooks Dawn Brown Ray Cade
Bob Daniels Wendy Dial
Lori Gilbertson Richard Graham Dawn Griffin Barry Haber Jerry Herting Al Ingle Melanie Knapp
John Laney Howard Pardue
Holly Parker Linda Patton Adrienne Ruhl Gary Sisco Ronny Traylor Mike Tucker Carol Watkins
George Weaver Kent Wimmer
FALL 2015 FTA Regional volunteer work parties & trainings are at http://www.floridatrail.org/volunteer/volunteeropportunities
Sept. 12 Sat. P/L “A Walk in the Woods.” Join our group to attend an afternoon showing of this movie starring Robert Red-ford and Nick Nolte, based on Bill Bryson’s best-selling book about his Appalachian Trail hike. RSVP on our Meetup site or contact Linda Patton (850) 668-4334 [email protected]
Sept. 19 Sat. P/L Kolomoki Mounds State Park: Day Hike, Museum Visit & Picnic. In Blakely, GA, 90 mi. from Tallahas-see. Limit 25 people. Rain Date Sunday 9/20. Contact Carol Watkins-Babcock (313) 319-9463 [email protected] or Melanie Knapp (850) 339-8830 [email protected]
Sept. 26 Sat. P/L Hikes for Tykes: Tree Leaf Rubbings. Phipps Park. Limit 10 families. Contact Mike Tucker (850) 545-3489 [email protected] or Ashley Hopkins (850) 339-3488 [email protected]
Oct. 2 Fri. P/L Sunset-Over-Wakulla Paddle. Start the week-end right with an after work sunset paddle on the Wakulla River. We’ll put in at the upper bridge and paddle down to the City of St. Marks. We plan to be off the river before dark so we can head over to one of the local restaurants for dinner. Contact Gary Sisco (850) 545-4776 [email protected] or Gwen
Oct. 4 Sun. P/M Apalachicola National Forest–West Trail Care. Clearing brush, lopping limbs and repainting blazes. Contact Al Ingle 850-509-1162 [email protected]
Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26 Mon. P/S Monday Brisk Walks. Meet at Thornton Trailhead on the Miccosukee Greenway. Be ready to walk at 5:30 p.m. sharp with others who want to exercise, elimi-nate stress and meet interesting people! We will maintain an approx. 3.2 mph pace, nonstop for 4-8 mi. (depending upon day-light). Bring flashlight/headlight and water. Dress in layers. See trailhead meeting location map and RSVP on our Meetup site or contact Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 [email protected]
October 7, 14, 21 & 18 Wed. P/S Wednesday Brisk Walks. Meet at the restroom area in the parking lot at Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, 4900 Heritage Park Blvd. (off Conner Blvd.). Be ready to walk at 5:30 p.m. sharp with others who want to exercise, de-stress and socialize with interesting people! We will maintain an approx. 3.2 mph pace, nonstop, for about 4 mi., taking different routes: to Tom Brown Park, over the pedestrian bridge to J.R. Alford Greenway, up and down the fishing fingers, or a new route around the sparkling lake. Great views of lakes and wildlife. Bring flashlight/headlight and water. Dress in layers. See trailhead meeting location map and RSVP on our Meetup site or contact Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 [email protected]
Oct. 10 Sat. P/M-S Seek and Destroy Invasive Plants! 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Tallahassee’s Optimist Park. Get great exercise with hands-on education during these monthly events co-organized by the City of Tallahassee and local chapters of the FTA, Florida Native Plant Society, NW Fla. Water Mgmt. District, and The Nature Conservancy. During a short hike, participants will first learn from experts about (and how to identify) invasive plants, particularly Coral Ardisia; then help remove many pounds of them. Lunch provided! Bring water, bug spray, gloves, and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. Tools provided. Contact Ka-ren Berkley (850) 570-5740 [email protected] or Eric Mason (850) 509-5746 ericmason @talgov.com
Oct. 10 Sat. M/L FTA Board Meeting. 8 am-5 pm in Tampa. Observe the governing process of our organization. FTA mem-bers only. Contact FTA Office for details: 1-877-445-3352
Oct. 13 Tue. P/L Chapter Meeting: “Brendan Biggs: Trekking in the Solo Khumbu.”
Oct. 17 Sat. P/M Apalachicola National Forest-East Trail Care. Clearing brush, lopping limbs and repainting blazes. Lim-it: 10 people. Contact Richard Graham (850) 878-3616 [email protected]
Oct. 17 Sat. P/L Junior Trail Trekkers “Mini-Naturalists in the Making.” This family and child friendly hike will give your little naturalists a chance to try out their interpretive skills! As we hike the lush trails of City of Tallahassee’s Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, each child will have the chance to point out something they like or notice and the group will stop to hear what they have to share. This is a great opportunity to boost children’s self-confidence and allow them to hear what others have to share. All ages welcome; parent or guardian required to accompany child. Trail is not stroller suitable – baby wearing is encouraged.
Leisurely (L) = 1-2 mph walking pace (Ex.: 10/24) Moderate (M) = 2-3 mph walking pace (Ex.: 10/25) Strenuous (S) = 3-4+ mph walking pace (Ex.: 10/5)
Your membership in the Florida Trail Association helps make our activities open and accessible to everyone. If you are a member, thank you! If you are not a member, please consider making a donation to the FTA at outings you attend. Give your donation to the hike leader. Or join the FTA today: http://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-difference/become-a-member
Oct. 17 Sat. M/L FTA Chapter Council Meeting. Council members from chapters around the state discuss issues com-mon to us all. FTA members only. For meeting place and time contact Howard Pardue [email protected] (850) 567-2078.
Oct. 18 Sun. P/M-S St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Hike. This series of hikes is designed primarily for hikers who would like to increase their endurance on the trail. We will start with an 8-mi. hike and gradually increase to 12-14 mi. by the end of winter. We will hike over flat ground and maintain a relatively brisk pace. Bring water and trail snacks for several hours. This activity is appropriate for anyone wishing to train for a pack hike or power walking a half marathon race. Bring your pack loaded with 50-60% final load. Contact Dawn Brown (850) 545-0351 [email protected]
Oct. 22-26 Thur.-Mon. P/S 40-Mile Appala-chian Trail Section Hike. Hike 40.2 mi., from Dick's Creek Gap/US 76 (Hiawassee, GA) to Winding Stair Gap/US 64 (Franklin, NC). We will leave Tallahassee at 8:00 a.m. on Thurs-day, Oct. 22nd and arrive in Hiawassee about 3 p.m., where we plan to spend the first night at Top of Georgia Hostel (http://www.topofgeorgiahostel.com). The final day, Monday, Oct. 26th we will end sometime dur-ing the day and head back to Tallahassee. Details and miles hiked each day and shel-ters/campsites for each evening will be deter-mined the week before the hike by those who sign up. Limit: 10 people. Contact John Laney (850) 879-0168 [email protected]
Oct. 24 Sat. P/M Bear Creek Forest Decennial Celebration. Join the Florida Forest Service at the 10 year anniversary cele-bration of Bear Creek Forest Educational Center starting at 9 a.m. Details: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/62236/1417654/FINAL-BCEF_EVENT_ITINEARY_ MailoutVersion_082115_CPE_TTGedits.pdf Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring what you need for a walk in the woods. FTA members will host an information table and lead one or more guided hikes. If you need more information about the event, contact Howard Pardue [email protected] (850) 567-2078 or Tom Gilpin of the Florida Forest Service at (850) 627-9064.
Oct. 24 Sat. P/L “Birds and Brunch” Fun Hike. Gather at sunrise (8 a.m.) to observe migrating birds in tranquil Lake Es-ther at San Luis City Park located at 1313 San Luis Road in Tal-lahassee. Then we will take a leisurely 2-3 mi. hike on the park trails. Following the hike we’ll enjoy a scrumptious brunch at Woodchuck’s Café! Limit: 14 people. Contact Melanie Knapp (850) 339-8830 [email protected]
Oct. 25 Sun. P/M Miccosukee Greenway “A Walk on the Mile(s) Side!” Choose to walk 7 mi., 10 mi. or the entire 14 mi. of the Miccosukee Greenway: Crump Trailhead to Fleischman Trailhead and back. If you want to stop earlier along the route, you can make your own arrangements to get off at the Thornton, Edenfield or Fleischman TH by leaving a car there. Bring water and snacks and dress for the elements. Bathrooms are at Crump, Thornton, and Edenfield THs. This is not a race--it’s all about meeting your personal goal. Get clearance from your
medical advisor, invest in good shoes, and do lots of pre-event
training. Meet at the Crump Rd. TH (across the street from the residence at 4955 Crump Road) at 9:30 a.m. Limit: 25 people. Contact Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 [email protected] or Lou-is Brooks (850) 383-0724 [email protected]
Oct. 27 Tue. M/L FTA Activity Leader Planning Meeting. Scheduling for January-March 2016 activities. Meet at Milano’s Pizzeria (Tharpe and MLK). Please come at 5:30 p.m. to order dinner so we can start planning at 6:00 sharp. Contact Dawn
Nov. 1 Sun. P/M-S St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Hike. See Oct. 18 for full description.
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Mon. P/S Monday Brisk Walks. See Oct. 5 for full description.
Nov. 4 & 18 Wed. P/S Wednesday Brisk Walks. See Oct. 7 for full description.
Nov. 7 Sat. P/M Apalachicola National Forest-East Trail Care. See Oct. 17 for full description.
Nov. 7 Sat. P/M Torreya State Park Trail Care. Clip off encroaching vegetation and remove fallen limbs from the Torreya Chal-lenge Trail. Terrain is hilly. Bring loppers if you have them, along with water and lunch. We will meet at 7:30 a.m. in Tallahassee for carpooling. Contact Jerry Herting (850) 878-3426 or Bob Gilley (850) 557-1536
Nov. 8 Sun. P/M-S St. Marks National Wild-life Refuge Hike. See Oct. 18 for full des- cription.
Nov. 10 Tue. P/L Chapter Meeting: “Hiking the Camino de Santiago.”
Nov. 13–15 Fri.-Sun. P/M Canoeing and Camping at Blackwater State Forest, Milton FL. What better way to enjoy the cool, crisp November weather than to camp in Blackwater State Park and paddle local streams. We’ll paddle Coldwater Creek, Blackwater River and Juniper Creek. You must supply your own equipment. Limit: 12 boats. Contact Gary Sisco (850) 545-4776 [email protected] or Gwen Beatty (850) 539-6027 [email protected]
Nov. 14 Sat. P/S Aucilla River Trail Care. Clear trail and repaint blazes on a segment of the FNST from Walker Bridge to Lost Dog Rapids. Limit: 6 people. Contact James Kimbrel (850) 524-0773 [email protected]
Nov. 15 Sun. P/M Apalachicola National Forest–West Trail Care. See Oct. 4 for full description.
Nov. 21 Sat. P/L Junior Trail Trekkers “Introduction to the Native Apalachee Tribe and Trail Nature Weaving.” You and your little hikers will have the chance to learn more about the Apalachee Chapter’s namesake tribe as we explore the trails of the Lake Jackson Mound Archeological Site. This hike will include a “nature weaving” trail activity in which the children will make weavings using natural objects found along the trail. All ages welcome; parent or guardian required to accompany child. Trail is not stroller suitable; baby wearing is encouraged. $3/car fee. Limit: 10 families. Contact Ashley Hopkins (850) 339-3488 [email protected]
Nov. 21 Sat. P/M-S Seek and Destroy Invasive Plants! At Phipps Park in Tallahassee. See Oct. 10 for rest of description.
Nov. 22 Sun. P/M Circle the Lake Fun Hike. Four-mile hike
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WANDERINGS from the desk of Dawn Brown CHAPTER CHAIR
Well, it’s August as I am writing this in Colorado. I was home to Florida a few weeks ago and tried to do some trail maintenance at Phipps Parks. I got chased in every day by heat advisories starting at 11:00 a.m. When the heat didn’t get me, the bugs and thunderstorms did. BUT...by the time you read this our season will have begun to change. The days will be a little shorter. The light will be a little clearer as the humidity goes down. Just maybe we’ll be able to cut the AC for a few hours, open the windows and awaken to the feeling of fresh air in the morning. FALL IS ON THE WAY AND WITH IT I HOPE EVERYONE”S
THOUGHTS ARE TURNING TO THE FALL HIKING SEASON.
We’ve got some great opportunities this fall. The FTA Trail Skills Training Weekend will be held Sept 25-27 at Camp LaNoChe in Paisley, FL. It’s a great opportunity for both individuals new to trail maintenance and seasoned maintainers. Howard Pardue and I attended last year and we both found we learned new ways of doing things. [ Editor’s note: This event is now full. To get on the standby list, email [email protected] ]
Looking over our chapter’s calendar of activities for the fall I see some really new and creative activities on the list as well as some old favorites. Thanks to all you Activity Leaders and especially our Activity Coordinator, Dawn Griffin, for being so creative. I hope each of you will take the opportunity to participate as often as possible. Try something new that you haven’t tried before. There are lots of options available. We’ve also got a couple of super meeting programs scheduled. Thanks Liz, for doing such a great job.
Also at the statewide level I understand the Big O will happen again this year. That’s a supported hike on the north half of Lake Okeechobee. It’s about 60-70 miles over 6 days (Nov. 22-27). I’ve wanted to do this for a number of years, but never have; so perhaps we could get a group together from our chapter to attend. There is a listing of volunteer opportunities from every sec-tion of the state at http://www.floridatrail.org/volunteer/volunteeropportunities. Every chapter has been asked to host at least one weekend work party. Again, if you’d like to see a different part of the Trail this is a great way to do it, while helping another chapter with it’s section.
completely around Piney Z Lake (including the canopy bridge) in Lafayette Heritage Trail Park. Meet at 10 a.m. near the re-strooms by the parking lot at the Park (4900 Heritage Blvd, Tal-lahassee). Contact Wendy Dial (941) 320-8470 wbdial@gmail. com
Nov. 22-27 Sun.-Fri. P/M 24th Annual Big “O” Hike. Day hikes on the FNST along the north end of Lake Okeechobee. About 60-70 miles total: 1st two days about 8 mi. ea., longest day 13 mi., other days somewhere in between. Camping at the Okeechobee KOA. More details at http://www.loxfltrail.org/bigO.html and at http://www.meetup.com/Florida-Trail-A s s o c i a t i o n - L o x a h a t c h e e - C h a p t e r - P B C o u n t y /events/223377394 Contact: Roy Moore (561) 422-2189.
Nov. 28 Sat. P/M Fern to Food Fun Hike. 5-mi. walk from Panera-Publix parking lot (101 N. Blairstone Rd., Tallahassee) through woods, along canal to Tom Brown Park and back. After the hike, lunch at Panera is an option. Be at parking lot ready to hike at 10:00 a.m. Contact Wendy Dial (941) 320-8470 wbdial @gmail.com
Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 30 Wed. P/S Wednesday Brisk Walks. See Oct. 7 for full description.
Dec. 5 Sat. P/M Torreya State Park Trail Care. Clip off encroaching vegetation and remove fallen limbs from the Torreya/River Bluff Trail. See Nov. 7 for rest of description.
Dec. 5 Sat. P/M “’Tween Two Lakes” Fun Hike. Walk through J. R. Alford Greenway to the Alford Arm of Lake Lafayette then, after a break, walk to view Piney Z Lake from the canopy bridge, then return--hiking a total of about 4-5 miles. Be at the J.R. Alford Greenway parking lot at the end of Pedrick Road in Tallahassee ready to hike at 10:00 a.m. Contact Wen-dy Dial (941) 320-8470 [email protected]
Dec 7, 14, 21 & 28 Mon. P/S Monday Brisk Walks. See Oct. 5 for full description.
Dec. 8 Tue. P/L Apalachee Chapter Holiday Party & Potluck.
Dec. 13 Sun. P/M Apalachicola National Forest–West Trail Care. See Oct. 4 for full description.
Dec. 19 Sat. P/L Junior Trail Trekkers “Winter Solstice Nature Clay Impressions.” Celebrate the last weekend of fall and the coming of winter with this solstice-themed hike at Phipps Park. Children will collect textured natural objects, and clay will be provided for them to make nature impressions. Each child can then take their clay impressions home to bake. The impressions make for great ornaments or gift tags for presents! All ages welcome; parent or guardian required to accompany child. Trail is not stroller suitable; baby wearing is encouraged. Limit: 10 families. Contact Ashley Hopkins (850)339-3488 [email protected]
Dec. 19 Sat. P/M-S Seek and Destroy Invasive Plants! At Lafayette Heritage Park in Tallahassee. See Oct. 10 for rest of description.
Dec. 20 Sun. P/L Day Hike at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a 7-9 mile section of the levees and old roads dissecting the SMNWR, including a segment of the FNST overlooking magnificent waterway vistas with abundant wildlife. We will enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant after the hike. Contact Gary Sisco (850) 545-4776 [email protected] or Gwen Beatty (850) 539-6027 [email protected]
Dec. 26 Sat. P/L Annual Phipps Park Holiday Hike. Feeling a little lethargic after too many holiday celebrations? Let’s get outside and play! This hike is a leisurely all day hike at Tallahassee’s Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. Entire loop is 7 miles. There are several bail-out points for those who want a shorter hike. Bring fluids and trail snacks for the day and lunch for a mid-way break at the Oak Hammock. Families and pets (on leash) welcome. Contact Dawn Brown (850) 545-0351 dbrown [email protected]
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Go GREEN, save our Chapter MONEY, and get a COLOR COPY of THE BLAZE with EXTRA PAGES. You can opt into receiving ‘The Blaze’ by email as a PDF (in color) and opt out of receiving a black-and-white copy by mail. Each member who does so saves the Chapter about $2.40 per year. Currently, 130 members are saving us about $312 !!
If you would like to receive the newsletter via email, contact Linda Patton at [email protected]. THANK YOU !!
YOU ARE NEEDED.....VOLUNTEER NOW!!
Help Wanted: SECTION LEADER for the Aucilla River Section of the FNST. This is a very scenic and culturally
significant section of the Florida National Scenic Trail. There are active Trailmasters for all segments of the Section. To learn more, contact Trail Coordinator, Richard Graham: (850) 878-3616 [email protected]
Help Wanted: TRAILMASTERS for the Apalachicola National Forest-West Section of the FNST. There are
about 32 miles within this section requiring lopping and inspection for problems before mowing is done. Pick a section from 2 to 5 miles (or more) long. To learn more, contact Section Leader, Al Ingle: (850) 509-1162 [email protected]
Help Wanted: NEWSLETTER EDITOR for The Blaze. Requires knowledge of appropriate software equivalent to
Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Office Publisher. Requires 15-20 hours of work four times per year. This includes collection of content (activities, articles, membership data, changes in volunteer responsibilities, etc.), formatting, creating extra content for electronic version, converting to pdf, purchasing stamps and seals, interfacing with DQP print shop, getting copies mailed (folding; affixing stamps, seals, and address labels; taking to post office), and emailing the electronic version. To learn more, contact interim editor, Linda Patton: (850) 668-4334 [email protected]
YES, YOU CAN RECYCLE THAT!!
by Linda Patton AS A FUNDRAISER FOR FTA’s 50th ANNIVERSARY coming up in 2016, the Apalachee Chapter is starting a recycling project... and you and your family/friends/club can participate in it!
Terracyle is a highly-awarded, international up-cycling and re-cycling company that collects difficult-to-recycle packaging and products that would otherwise be destined for landfills, and repurposes the material into affordable, innovative products. Since 2007, the company has kept more than 2.5 billion pieces of trash out of the landfill and paid more than $7 million to charity. Their industry partners provide pre-paid shipping labels for the items to be shipped from us to Terracyle. Then two cents per item (or one cent per food wrapper) is paid by Terracycle to the non-profit we have designated: THE FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION.
We are signed up to collect/recycle in four categories: beauty care packaging, plastic tape dispensers & cores, Clif brand packaging (or any foil-lined food bar wrappers), and oral care packaging. If you’d like to take part in this fundraiser, please collect each category in a separate zip-top bag. Whenever you have a full bag (or want to get it off your hands), bring it to a chapter meeting or contact me (850-668-4334 or lpatton@ fsu.edu) and I’ll arrange to pick it up off your porch or at some other mutually agreeable place. Here are complete descriptions of the products you can collect in each category:
2. Plastic tape dispensers and cores: Scotch 3M or other brands.
3. Clif/food bar packaging: all Clif Bar product packaging (Clif, Luna, MOJO, Builders, Crunch, Kid Z-Bars, Kid Z-Fruit, Shot Bloks, Shot Gels, Shot Drinks, Organic Energy Food), and all foil-lined wrappers from any brand of energy bar or granola bar or protein bar or meal replacement bar or diet bar.
4. Oral care: toothbrush and toothpaste outer packaging; toothpaste tubes/caps, toothbrushes, floss containers, NOTE: no electronic brushes or parts.
Q: Do I need to clean the waste before I send it in? A: No, you do not need to clean the waste. However, please remove as much of the remaining product as possible.
6 Dawn Brown Chair, Apalachee Chapter, FTA 14219 Otter Run Road Tallahassee, FL 32312
