| September | |
| Sep 12 |
Family GPS Scavenger Hunt at Split Oak Preserve This is designed for kids (5-15) but adults are welcome. Not everyone will need a GPS. We'll do teams of 2-3 people and only 1 will need a GPS. Clues will be provided and using GPS coordinates, teams have to find hidden treasurers. This will require hiking up to a mile. Wear long pants and closed toe shoes. If you have a GPS bring it (some cell phones have a GPS), water and bug repellant. The Split Oak preserve is located in the southeast portion of Orange County off of Clapp Sims Duda Road and is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.The Preserve was a joint acquisition with Orange County, South Florida Water Management District and Osceola County Contact: Leader: Mary-Slater 407-481-4398 flsierra@bellsouth.net. (Central)
|
| Sep 13 |
Starkey Park and Suncoast Parkway bicycle ride Starkey Park is a gem in Pasco County, with a nice bicycle trail taking you about 7 miles out to the Suncoast Trail. The Suncoast Trail is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide Greenways and Trails System. Opened in 2001, this non-motorized paved trail was developed as part of the Suncoast Parkway. Although 41 miles long, we will peddle just a few miles up the trail for an easy 20 to 30 mile ride with an easy pace and rest stops. Come join us and learn about the park and trail! Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com (Suncoast)
|
| Sep 19 |
Seminole State Forest Bike Ride Meet at the parking lot just inside the entrance gate on SR 46 west of Sanford & the Wekiva River. We'll ride for about 7 miles on dirt roads with restricted car traffic. The distinctive character of Seminole State Forest is its ecological diversity which includes almost all of the naturally occurring vegetative communities found in Central Florida. There are more than 13 different natural communities, each with unique plants, animals and physical characteristics. A few examples are flatwoods, scrub, blackwater streams and bottomland forests.Sometimes we see bears back here! Cost: $2.00 per person Contact: Leader: Mary-Slater 407-481-4398 flsierra@bellsouth.net. (Central)
|
| Sep 19 |
Hike Along the Suwannee and Visit White Springs We'll join the North Florida Trailblazers in a 5 mile hike along the bluffs of the Suwannee River, then tour the Nature & Heritage Tourism Center in White Springs and have a wonderful country-style lunch at the historic 100-year old Tilford Hotel. For the hike, bring water, snack, comfortable shoes, cool clothing, hat, bug spray. A walking stick also good idea as the trail has some ups and downs. There is a $4.00 entrance fee per car for the hike. Lunch is about $10.00. Carpool to White Springs: Meet at the Days Inn parking lot near I-10/I-295 at 7:15 a.m. sharp Outing Leader Bill Armstrong at armsfam@yahoo.com (Northeast)
|
| Sep 19 |
Bird watchers are invited to join the Loxahatchee Group team participating in the North American Migration Count We'll be identifying and counting birds at Hypoluxo Scrub and the Lantana Nature Preserve. FREE. Bring water, binoculars and your favorite field guide. Leisure. Limit 4. Sabrina Carle Carles@bellsouth.net (Loxahatchee)
|
| Sep 19 - 20 |
Gum Slough Paddle and Potts Preserve car camp This will be another full moon camp out. We will spend Saturday on a strenuous exploratory upstream paddle of beautiful Gum Slough Spring. This will be for experienced and strong paddlers. Kayaks are recommended. Saturday night we will enjoy a car camp at the river campsite on the Withlacoochee. Sunday morning we will do an optional day hike on the FTA trail. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com (Suncoast)
|
| Sep 20 |
Little Manatee River We'll do a different section of the river this month, which will involve a shuttle service for a small fee. Kayak rentals will also be available for a fee., if you don't have your own. This is one of the more scenic rivers in our area, different from the others, so it's worth visiting twice, especially as it changes a lot along its route. The launch site will depend based on the rains and how high the river is, so I won't know the exact spot until about a week before the trip.Bring lunch, water and sunscreen. Reserve with Mike Lehner, 941-365-1073. (Manatee-Sarasota)
|
| Sep 25 |
Women's Little Manatee River Kayak Trip Designated an "Outstanding Florida Waterway", the Little Manatee River has one of the highest levels of water quality in the state. Join us as we paddle through the 2,200 acre Little Manatee River state park and learn more about this great natural resource. Sue Brandon, brandon11@earthlink.net or 813-622-1800. (Suncoast)
|
| Sep 26 |
Canoe/Kayak Riverbend Park in Jupiter Leisurely canoeing and kayaking in the new Riverbend Park though cypress stands and watery sloughs. Canoe and kayak rentals available. Email or call Ron Haines for more info and reservations ronaldhaines@bellsouth.net or 561-315-0528 (Loxahatchee)
|
| Sep 30 |
South Lido Park Potluck & Beach Walk to See the Sunset and the Moon Over the City of Sarasota. Bring a dish to feed eight, your table service, drink, bug protective clothing and repellant to South Lido Park for the pot luck dinner. Afterwards we will walk the beach to a point with a wonderful view of the pass, Sarasota Bay and a moon over the city, a little more than a mile. To reserve and get directions call Mary by September 26, 941-752-3200. (Manatee-Sarasota)
|
| October | |
| Oct 3 |
Following the Freedom Trail, St. Augustine Ride the St. Augustine trolley with noted historian, David Nolan and follow the Freedom Trail. This Trail brings to life the events that took place in St. Augustine that led to the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, one of the two great legislative accomplishments of that era. This 1½ to 2 hourtour will leave from the Excelsior African American Museum & Cultural Center, 102 Dr. Martin Luther King Ave, St. Augustine Tour costs are a $15 per adult and $7 per student donation to ACCORD, Inc. This must be paid in advance in order to keep your reservation.Make your check out to ACCORD and send to Shelly Fine, 4480 Deerwood Lake Parkway, #243, Jacksonville, FL 32216. Refunds can be obtained with a one-week notice. Sierra Club has a limit of approximately 26 people for this tour unless there are enough people for two tours RSVP also to Shelly at shelfine@gmail.com or 904-825-8035. (Northeast)
|
| Oct 3 |
Urban Bicycling in Lake Worth-Lantana Leisurely bicycling on sidewalks or neighborhood streets in the Lake Worth/Lantana area. Email or call Ron Haines for more info and reservations ronaldhaines@bellsouth.net or 561-315-0528. (Northeast)
|
| Oct 3 - 4 |
Fisheating Creek camping paddle (Palmdale – north of LaBelle) Downstream paddle for the paddler that wants to experience a true wilderness experience. This is one of the most pristine areas through which to paddle in SW Florida. Cypress trees that overhang this creek provide partial shade. You can jump in the shallow water along the way to cool down, but we will also see many gators! We will paddle down-stream, primitive camp along the river Saturday night, and get a shuttle ride back on Sunday. Limited to 6 participants. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com. (Suncoast)
|
| Oct 3 - 4 |
Overnight backpack trip to Mossy Island Campsite – Myakka River State Park We will explore this beautiful park and learn a little about what Florida's prairie was like. An easy backpack of only about 5 miles total. Limit 6. Leader Mike Pici revmp777@earthlink.net or 727-798-9227. (Suncoast)
|
| Oct 4 |
Hypoluxo ScrubEcowalk near Lantana. Enjoy the fall flowers!! Our walk on the nature trail will take us past many rare plants and the burrows of several threatened gopher tortoises that thrive in this 97-acre preserve. More info can be found at www.pbcgov.com/erm/natural/natural-areas/hypoluxo-scrub Leisure to moderate. Limit 15. FREE. Sabrina Carle 561-732-4486 or Carles@bellsouth.net or 904-825-8035. (Loxahatchee)
|
| Oct 10 |
Water adventure at Blue Springs State Park Blue Springs State Park will be the setting to cruise the St. Johns River and learn about its ecology. After the cruise we will tube, canoe, kayak, or frolic in the Springs. Visit the Park website at www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring We will have lunch (bring with you) and then you're on your own to experience the Springs. Park entrance fee is $6.00 per car. The cost for the cruise is adults $22.00, seniors $20.00, children $16.00. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at additional cost. RSVP to Shelly, preferably before Oct 3. at 904-825-8035 or shelfine@gmail.com. (Northeast)
|
| Oct 10 |
Kayak Coon Key Kayak from the Goodland Bridge to Coon Key with a certified Florida Master Naturalist. Bring your own boat or contact a local outfitter to have a kayak delivered to the launch site. Pack a light lunch and water. The trip is open to kayakers of all skill levels, but the trip requires some exertion based on tides and wind. You must be able to make a wet entry and exit. Trip distance depends on the number of participants, conditions and the group's skill level. Per Sierra Club policy, every must wear lifejacket. Limited to 10 participants. Call outing leader Victor at 239-438-5286 for details. (Calusa)
|
| Oct 17 |
Hike along the Econ River and Picnic Lunch Between the ever-expanding metropolis of Orlando and the great Atlantic Ocean lies an area of Florida which is almost as undisturbed as it was centuries ago. Between State Roads 46 and 50, the serpentine Econlockhatchee River winds eastward through pristine wetlands and ancient forest of giant oaks and cypress, eventually feeding into the north-flowing St. Johns River. Bring lunch and we'll hike 5 miles round trip to the Econ River. We'll meet at the Snow Hill Rd. parking area (call/email for directions) and we will hike down to the bridge for lunch. Contact: Mary-Slater 407-481-4398 or flsierra@bellsouth.net. (Central)
|
| Oct 18 |
Exploratory Kayak Trip on the Dora Canal Want to join us as we explore a new paddling trail? This will be our first voyage so no guarantees on what we'll find but you are welcome to join us. The Dora Canal is just under a mile of pristine, "Old Florida" paddling. It's well shaded with lots of wildlife. The most well-known waterway in Lake County was penned in the 1930s by a leading sports writer as “the most beautiful mile of water in the world.” Lined with towering cypress trees that are draped with Spanish moss, the Dora Canal is a safe haven for nesting ospreys, herons and egrets Contact egrets Contact Mary-Slater 407-481-4398 or flsierra@bellsouth.net. (Central)
|
| Oct 18 |
CREW Cypress Dome Hike A CREW biologist will introduce us to the two new Cypress Dome Trails (1.5 miles each). Those that would like to cover more distance can explore additional trails at the main CREW trailhead up the road. Their website describes the trail system as containing: "lush ferns, pine flatwoods, abundant wildflowers, hardwood hammocks, an expansive marsh, and seasonal ponds. It's home to some of Florida's most amazing creatures! Wildlife "detectives" may discover tracks of the Florida panther, black bear, deer, bobcat, and many more." Sign up with Brigita at bbgahr@embarqmail.com or call 239-337-1857. (Calusa)
|
| Oct 18 |
Urban Bicycling in Boca Raton Leisurely bicycling on sidewalks, bike paths or quiet streets through Boca's parks, commercial district and neighborhoods. Email or call Ron Haines for more info and reservations ronaldhaines@bellsouth.net or 561-315-0528 (Loxahatchee)
|
| Oct 25 |
Manatee Program, Paddle on the Orange River & Potluck Dinner Meet at Manatee Park, 1.5 miles East of I-75 on St. Rd. 80 (across from the power plant) for an educationalprogram on manatees. Afterwards we will paddle on the Orange River, an offshoot of the Great Calusa Blueway. The river meanders about 7 miles towards Buckingham; distance will depend on participant skill levels and the water level. Rentals available: kayaks $25/hr, canoes $20/hr. Parking is $1/hr. Potluck dinner afterwards. Reserve with Em at 239-472-8973. (Calusa)
|
| Oct 31 |
Canoe/Kayak at John Prince Park in Lake Worth Leisurely canoeing and kayaking in the backwaters of John Prince Park. Must have your own boat, but those without can also sign up in case someone has an open slot in their boat. Email or call Ron Haines for more info and reservations ronaldhaines@bellsouth.net or 561-315-0528 (Loxahatchee) |
| Oct 31 - Nov 1 |
Canoe/Kayak at John Prince Park in Lake Worth Leisurely canoeing and kayaking in the backwaters of John Prince Park. Must have your own boat, but those without can also sign up in case someone has an open slot in their boat. Email or call Ron Haines for more info and reservations ronaldhaines@bellsouth.net or 561-315-0528 (Loxahatchee) |
| November | |
| Nov 6 |
Women's Weeki Wachee Kayak Trip Join our annual Fall Trip as we paddle down this beautiful crystal clear river where fish, playful otters and manatees will keep us company. We will explore some of the problems caused by the rapid development of this area. Cost about $40 to rent kayaks. Please reserve a spot at least a week in advance. Sue Brandon brandon11@earthlink.net or 813-622-1800. (Suncoast)
|
| Nov 7 |
Shark Valley Bike Ride Sue and Brigita are leading a moderately-paced 15-mile bike ride in Shark Valley (located in the Everglades) Shark Valley is 25 miles West of the Florida Turnpike and about 70 miles east of Naples. The terrain is flat and grassy and participants should expect to see a good deal of alligators and probably other wildlife as well. Eat lunch before and bring snacks. If you do not bring your own bike, the National Park Service rents bikes for $7.00 an hour and helmets are provided. Those needing to rent bikes must be at the park by 12:30 to complete the necessary paperwork and Sue will be available to assist with the rental process (Sue will also rent a bike herself!). All rental bikes must be returned no later than 4:00 PM. Interested participants should email Sue at susiesstuff@mac.com or call her at (239) 595-1873 and leave a voicemail. All participants are required to wear helmets, regardless of age. (Calusa)
|
| Nov 14 |
Ocean to Lake Trail Day Hike We'll hike from the Jonathan Dickinson State Park marina north of Jupiter to Riverbend Park west of Jupiter. The total distance is 11 miles. More details are available at http://lox.floridatrail.org/our-trails/the-ocean-to-lake-trail Strenuous. Limit 10. $5. Donna Brown, 561-317-8288, donnabrownintl@gmail.com. (Loxahatchee)
|
| Nov 15 |
Brooker Creek Dayhike Hiking trails at Brooker Creek Preserve are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quiet place to relax and experience nature. The trails meander through pine flatwoods, mesic hammocks and cypress swamps. Come join us for an easy hike of the 4-mile, 4-loop trail system. leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com (Suncoast)
|
| Nov 19 |
Midweek Spoil Island Cleanup Show your thanks to nature by cleaning up two spoil islands we have adopted in an effort to make them a better place for birds and other wildlife. Participants must bring own kayak or canoe. Possibility of lunch together afterwards at the Sanbar Grill in Dunedin. Sue Brandon, brandon11@earthlink.net or 813-622-1800. (Suncoast)
|
| Nov 28 - 29 |
Backpack to Bee Island in Myakka River State Park 11 mile loop trail. Discover and explore a Florida grassland prairie park and learn how it is being restored. We camp under large old oaks and hike through varied habitat. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com. (Suncoast) |
| Nov 29 |
Biking in Riverbend Park in Jupiter Leisurely bicycling on hard-packed bike trails in the new Riverbend park though Cypress stands and around watery sloughs. Email or call Ron Haines for more info and reservations ronaldhaines@bellsouth.net or 561-315-0528 (Loxahatchee)
|
| December | |
| Dec 5 |
Kayak Isles of Capri (Marco Island area) Explore the backwaters off Isles of Capri in a kayak with a certified Florida Master Naturalist. Bring your own or rent one from the local outfitter. We'll paddle into Johnson Bay and head north until we agree to turn around and head back to Sea Oat Island or another nearby stop for lunch. Chances are we'll see ospreys, manatees, dolphins and other wildlife as we take a leisurely paddle. We'll then return to the Capri Fish House to relax and go our separate ways. The trip is open to kayakers of all skill levels. However, you must be able to make a wet entry and exit. Per Sierra Club policy, every must wear lifejacket. Limited to 10 participants. Call outing leader Victor at 239-438-5286 for details and trip packet. (Calusa) |
| Dec 6 |
Morning bike ride. We will ride on the Pinellas Trail from Curlew up to Tarpon Springs for a Greek meal by the sponge docks. Learn about the Pinellas Trail, a linear park stretching almost the length of Pinellas. An easy ride of about 18 miles. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com. (Suncoast)
|
| Dec 13 |
Ecowalk at Seacrest Scrub in Boynton Beach We will walk quietly, for about 1 1/2 hours, with frequent stops to discuss what we have seen. Three hurricanes and a 1996 controlled burn have changed the natural area. Bring your water and binoculars. There are no facilities. The Seacrest Scrub is located on Seacrest Blvd, one mile south of Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach. FREE. Leisure but SOMETIMES we will walk in DEEP sand. Limit 10. Lisa Hanley, 561-732-9578, lisa.hanley@juno.com. (Loxahatchee) |
| Dec 26 - 30 |
Holiday Hike – Four night/five day backpack trip to Myakka River State Park A moderate hike of about 30 miles. We plan to explore and stay at several of the parks best campsites. Your leaders will help you learn about the history of this park and what it has to offer. Limit of 8 participants. Cost is $20 plus campsite reservation fees. Co-leaders Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 or revmp777@earthlink.net, Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com (Suncoast)
|
| 2010 |
| Feb 7-13, 2010 |
Fundraising Trip to the Enchanted Island of Puerto Rico Spend 7 days on the beautiful island having fun hiking, kayaking, swimming, exploring the tropical forests and learning about the rich culture and history of Puerto Rico. Learn about the environmental issues the island faces from our local Sierra Club guides. We will spend one night in San Juan exploring the old town and the rest of the time we will be at the Patillas Eco Resort www.patillasecoresort.com. The cost of the trip is $650 per person plus airfare and includes all lodging and transportation. Limit 10 participants. For reservations and details contact: Rudy Scheffer, rudy@adventuresworldwide.com, 727.726.8375. (Suncoast)
|
| Sep 12 |
Basic backpacking class designed to get you on the trail Intended for new and inexperienced hikers. Six hours of hands-on training provided. Learn about gear, how to prepare, and what to expect. Limit of 20 people for this class. Taylor Park. Contact Mike at (727) 798-9227 or email: revmp777@earthlink.net. (Suncoast)
|
| Sep 26 |
Outing Leader Training OLT101 for new outing leaders, recertification and a prerequisite for OLT201 Location in the Tampa Bay area. For more details contact: Rudy Scheffer, 727.726.8375 or email: rudy@adventuresworldwide.com.
|
| Oct 3 |
Outing Leader Training OLT 201 A requirement for Outing Leaders who want to lead overnight trips away from cars. Location in the Tampa Bay Area. For more details contact: Rudy Scheffer, 727.726.8375 or email: rudy@adventuresworldwide.com
|
CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
