OUTINGS 2009 To enjoy, educate & protect the natural environment  "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into   trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves".   "Keep close to Nature's heart ..and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods.   Wash your spirit clean." John Muir

For Training Events and Social Events, please scroll to bottom of page!

2010

January 21 (Thursday) 10-12noon:Midweek Spoil Island Cleanup, Pop Stansell Park, Palm Harbor. Start the New Year right by cleaning up two islands for our feathered friends and other animals. Men, women and older children are encouraged to help. Participants must bring own kayak or canoe. no cost. Possibility of lunch together afterwards at Sandbar Grill. Sue Brandon,brandon11@earthlink.net , 813-622-1800. (Suncoast)

Jan 23 Cypress Creek Flood Detention Area hike. We will learn about and view the location of the proposed Cypress Creek Town Center that has been halted while Tampa Sierra Group is in litigation with Army Corp of Engineers. And we will explore the Cypress Creek watershed and the Cypress Creek Wellfield. We will meet in the new Walgreen's parking lot located approximately 1/4 mile west of I-75 on SR 56. This meeting location is located across the road from the Cypress Creek Town Center (cleared land only). We will leave Walgreen's and proceed to the trailhead to hike in Southwest Florida Water Management Districts land. Meeting time 9AM. Bring water, snacks, lunch and wear sturdy shoes. We will eat lunch in the property. Leader: Gail Parsons, gailpar1@verizon.net or cell # 813-920-2730 (Tampa Bay)

Jan 23 Myakka Doggie Hike. 8 a.m. 3-4 mile hike with you and your dog. No retractable leashes; a six foot leash is preferable. Wear sturdy, wet-able shoes. Bring plenty of water for your dog and you, insect repellent, lunch and donation. Reserve with Jo-Ann Scott 941-552-8336 (Manatee – Sarasota)

Jan 30/31 Backpack trip to Buster Island – Lake Kissimmee State Park. An easy backpack. We will hike the Buster Island loop trail, about 6.5 miles, tour the cow camp and learn about Florida's Crackers and scrub cows, and see scrub jays and other wildlife. Co-Leaders: Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 , revmp777@earthlink.net , Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com

Feb 6 Walsingham Lake and McKay Creek Paddle 10 AM. This paddle will be an opportunity to learn about the birdlife and habitat in this scenic park in the heart of Pinellas County. Circumnavigate this 100 acre lake and travel down Mckay Creek, exploring the swales and wetlands. Reserve with Steven Johnson, Trips@stevenkentjohnson.com, 727-415-4562 (Suncoast)

Feb 6 Leisurely Seven Mile Walk In Little Manatee River State Park. 9 a. m. to 2 p. m. Bring your trail lunch, water and layers of clothing to enjoy our areas' most diverse trail. The park is in south Hillsborough County. For a reservation and directions to the car pool point call Mary @ 941-752-3200 (Manatee/Sarasota)

Feb 6 Deer Prairie (Venice) 8 a m. Allow 3 hrs. Bring water and brunch, Wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen. Reserve with Sally 484-4113 (Manatee/Sarasota)

Feb 6-13, 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)

February 8 (Monday) Women's Withlacoochee River Canoe and Kayak Trip. We will explore this critical habitat for the many birds and animals who winter here. Cost about $40 to rent a canoe for two. Please reserve a spot at least a week in advance. Sue Brandon, brandon11@earthlink.net , 813-622-1800. (Suncoast)

Feb 13 Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve hike.  Join us as we explore the Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve  and the adjacent Wortham Park in Riverview.  The 5-mile loop passes through a variety of natural habitats and includes the shoreline of Lake Grady.  Amenities include restrooms and picnic tables.  Leader:  Mike Raff at raff32@msn.com  or 813-642-8624  (Tampa Bay). 

Feb 13 CYPRESS CREEK 2.  Time: 9AM.  The wooded floodplain, cypress swamps, upland islands and pine flatwoods of Cypress Creek is located in the apex of I-75 and I-275 and south of County Line Road.  After exploring the Cypress Creek well field and Flood Detention area owned by SWFWMD in January we will go a little south into Hillsborough County and explore the ELAPP property owned by Hillsborough County.  This property is also called Cypress Creek.  Walk-through gate and parking at 3298 Robertson Trail (east of Livingston Avenue), Lutz, FL 33559. Bring lunch, snacks, water.  Leader: Gail Parsons  Please email if you plan on attending: gailpar1@verizon.net   or call 813-928-1412 cell  (Tampa Bay).

Feb 13 Hike Myakka Prairies. Enjoy and explore some of the most diverse habitat in Sarasota and Manatee counties - Prairie. Wel spend the morning hiking across the prairies of Myakka River State Park. Our special emphasis will be discussing the dynamics, plants and unique vertebrates of prairie. Depending on the weather wel hope to see some of the wildflowers that herald Florida springtime. Bring water, sun protection, snack and donation. Info and reservations: Bill Lewis 355-2156 (Manatee-Sarasota)

Feb 20 Myakka River State Park. 8 a m. 4-6mi (3 hr) walk. Bring water,sunscreen,wear sturdy shoes. Bring lunch if your time allows. Reserve with Sally 484-4113 (Manatee-Sarasota)

Feb 20 LONGBOAT KEY Doggie Hike. 10 a.m. Joan Durante Park, A fun walk through a beautiful wonderland of botanical gardens, wetlands, mangroves, salt marsh, uplands hammocks, Sarasota Bay overlooks, lagoons and more. Bring lunch, donation, water for you and your dog, no retractable leashes. Call Jo-Ann to reserve 552-8336 (Manatee-Sarasota)

Feb 27 Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve hike.  Learn about the Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve in Gibsonton on a 3-hour hike.  The friendly Florida Scrub-Jay is found here along with wildflowers like the Preserve's namesake.  The 1,236-acre preserve  has over 6 miles of marked trails, two lakes, a restroom and picnic pavilion.  Leader:  Mike Raff at raff32@msn.com  or 813-642-8624  (Tampa Bay. 

Feb 27 BLACKWATER CREEK.  Time: 9AM.  Location: Parking for the trail head, kiosk, and picnic tables are at the dead end of Patrinostro Road west from Highway 39.  2469 Patrinostro Road, Plant City, FL 33565. Palmetto prairie, cypress swamps, oak hammocks, freshwater marshes and a creek corridor are features of the 2000-acre jewel located north of Plant City.  Beginning of nesting season for local birds including the Bachman sparrow.  If we're lucky we may catch this uncommon species singing his territorial songs in the pine flatwoods. Maybe even spot a coyote.  Bring binoculars. Leader: Gail Parsons  Please RSVP: gailpar1@verizon.net  or 813-928-1412 cell  (Tampa Bay).

Feb 27 - 28 Seranova Backpack. The Seranova is a SWFWMD managed track just to the north of Starkey Wilderness Park, and a part of the Starkey Wilderness Preserve. Come explore and learn about the varied pine flatwoods, cypress domes, freshwater marshes, stream and lake swamps, sandhill and scrub this tract has to offer. leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com (Suncoast)

Feb 28 9:30am. LAKE MANATEE KAYAK. We'll paddle around the shoreline of Lake Manatee, which is the water reservoir for Manatee County, where we can observe the changing scenery and birdlife. We'll also see how close we can get to the dam. Bring water, lunch and sunscreen. Reserve with Mike Lehner, 941-365-1073 or mklehn@hotmail.com. (Manatee-Sarasota)

Mar 13/14 Backpack trip to Buster Island – Lake Kissimmee State Park. An easy backpack. We will hike the Buster Island loop trail, about 6.5 miles, tour the cow camp and learn about Florida's Crackers and scrub cows, and see scrub jays and other wildlife. Leader, Rudy Scheffer 727-726-8375 or rudy@adventuresworldwide.com, (Florida Chapter)

Mar 20 - 21 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) 

Mar 27 – 28 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. Leaders: Ben Berauer, bfberauer@aol.com, 727-392-2821 or Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 (Suncoast) 

Apr 24 – 25 Overnight backpacking trip in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs Wilderness Area. Easy total 9 mile trip. Learn about forest fires and forest management. Primitive camping. Limited to 10 participants. Leaders: Ben Berauer, bfberauer@aol.com,727-392-2821 or Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 (Suncoast)

May 7-9. Cayo Costa Weekend Kayak and Camping. Friday-Sunday. Join us for a great weekend at one of the state’s premier island state parks. A gulf coast paradise located on Lacosta Island west of Fort Myers,it has one of the top-rated beaches in the nation. We’ll paddle out on Friday morning with a stop at legendary Cabbage Key restaurant for lunch, and paddle back on Sunday.Primative cabins and tents sites available. For those who wish to take it easy, there is a ferry boat, Tropic Star ( 239-283-0015 ; tropicstarcruises.com). Rated moderate to strenuous because of open water and possible wind conditions. Be sure to reserve early. Contact Don Kirkley at 941-493-3085 (Manatee/Sarasota)

SOCIAL EVENT:

Mar 27 Fort DeSoto Beach cleanup and picnic/potluck will be held at Shelter #3. Join us on the first day of spring to keep our jewel of a beach beautiful and have fun in this serene setting with other environmentalists.For more info contact Mary @ agreatpickle@hotmail.com or 551-0307  (Suncoast) 

OUTINGS TRAINING CLASSES

Dear outings leaders, trainees, and future leaders,

Here is the lastest list of upcoming outings training events that you can take advantage of should you need or wish to.

OLT 201 is only needed if you plan to lead overnight trips such as backpacking or other primitive type trips.

But OLT 101 is required to start leading outings, and must be refreshed every four years in order for a leader to remain qualified.

First Aid training must be kept current to lead outings. Basic first aid is required. WFA meets (and surpasses) the Club's first Aid requirement. American Red Cross Basic is a four hour class focused on urban emergencies and calling 911, whereas WFA is a 16-hour course that focuses on prolonged patient contact time in remote situations with limited communication and supplies. It is recommended if you plan to lead overnight trips such as backpacking or other primitive type trips.

Happy Trails!
- Ben

OUTINGS TRAINING CLASSES

Jan 30 OLT 201 Outing Leader Training, Sarasota SC Office, FL A requirement for Outing Leaders who want to lead overnight trips away from cars. For more details contact: Rudy Scheffer, 727.726.8375 or email: rudy@adventuresworldwide.com

Feb 6-7 Wilderness First Aid Class, Paynes Prarie State Park Park, FL The University of Florida College of Medicine is hosting a class on Feb 6 & 7. This will be held at Payne’s Prairie State Park near Gainesville from 9:00 - 5:00 each day.

Mar 6 OLT 101 Outing Leader Training, Outing Leader Training OLT101 for new outing leaders, re-certification and a prerequisite for OLT201. Location TBD. Contact Rudy Scheffer, 727.726.8375 or email: rudy@adventuresworldwide.com for more details.

Apr 24-25 Wilderness First Aid Class, Paynes Prarie State Park Park, FL The University of Florida College of Medicine is hosting a class on Apr 24 - 25. This will be held at Payne’s Prairie State Park near Gainesville from 9:00 - 5:00 each day.