Other Florida Sierra Club Outings and Training
 

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, 561-732-4486. (Loxahatchee)

Sep19              Leisurely paddle up the scenic Turkey Creek to the Turkey Creek Sanctuary

We will meet at 8 am and should return to our starting place by noon. Participants will need their own canoe or kayak or boats can be rented from Indian River Outfitters in Indian Harbour Beach (321-779-4228) or Kayaks, Etc (772-794-9900). Flotation device is required to be worn.  Bring water and snack, hat and sunscreen, camera and binoculars are optional.  We will watch for osprey, manatee, alligator and other wildlife.

Turkey Creek is a tributary of the Indian River Lagoon. We will discuss the impacts of pollution from Turkey Creek run-offs on the health of the lagoon and measures that can be taken to lessen those impacts. You must contact Dan or Leslie Maloney at 321-676-6946 to register and for directions to the put-in locations. (Turtle Coast)

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 , 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 561 315-0528 (Loxahatchee)

Sep 26             Weeki Wachee Paddle. Join us  at the canoe rental  place adjacent to Weeki Wachee State Park on US 19. Learn about one  of Florida's 33 first magnitude springs while paddling 6 miles  downstream all the while watching for manatees, otters, wading  birds and other wildlife.  Plenty of opportunities to jump in for a refreshing swim. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and WATER. Bring  snacks, drinks and lunch also. Bugs shouldn't be a problem, but always come prepared.  Please email Leader: Gail at gail.parsons@florida.sierraclub.org or call 813-928-1412 (Tampa Bay)

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)

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 hour tour 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 561 315-0528 (Loxahatchee)

Oct 3                Join Nassau Sierra and paddle the Okefenokee swamp for a  sunset/moonrise tour  with Okefenokee Adventures. We will at the Folkston entrance, tour the interpretive center, pick up picnic suppers and paddle out into the swamp prairie to enjoy the swamp settling into evening, and padling back by the last evening light and the full moon, returning by 8:30 pm. For a detailed flier, please call (904) 277-4187, Eric Titcomb. Limited to 15 people. (Nassau)

Oct 3                Hike the Brooker Creek Headwater Preserve in Hillsborough County.

We will be learning about Florida's native wildflowers and wildflower conservation efforts. Bring water and snacks, sunscreen, bug repellant.  Please email Leader: Gail at gail.parsons@florida.sierraclub.org or call 813-928-1412 (Tampa Bay)

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, 727-798-9227 or revmp777@earthlink.net (Suncoast)
 

Oct 4                Hypoluxo Scrub Ecowalk 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, Carles@bellsouth.net. (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 shelfine@gmail.com or call (904) 825-8035. (Northeast)

Oct 10              Biking in Guana .  This will be a 2-tower tour so come prepared. This trip will be a bit more strenuous than last trip. Plan on bringing snacks and water.  We should be biking until 1:00 p.m. or so. The entrance to Guana and the dam is on the west side of A1A approximately 17 miles south of Butler Boulevard . $3.00 entrance fee to Guana. RSVP on our Meetup website or contact Leader Rob Eggers at reggers@bellsouth.net or (904) 223-5367. (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 10-12          Jonathan Dickinson State Park Camping. Located just south of Stuart, this park teems with wildlife. We’ll hike on some of the 4 scenic nature trails allowing us to explore the various habitats. We’ll kayak or canoe on the Loxahatchee River, which was Florida’s first nationally designated “Wild and Scenic River”. Cost approx. $75-$100 (must have payment in full by October 2nd.) Limit: 10. Ages 13 and up. Rated easy to moderate. Leader: Judy Kuchta 305-308-8913 judykuchta@yahoo.com, Assistant: Matt Schwartz 954-865-4306 matthew3222@yahoo.com(Broward Group)

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: Leader: Mary-Slater 407-481-4398 flsierra@bellsouth.net  (Central)

Oct 17              Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Morning Walk or Sunset Stroll (to be confirmed). A casual 2.25 mile trek on a raised, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, located N.E. of Naples, in Collier County. A guide will accompany us through 4 distinct environments, so you can learn the wide variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, and plants that inhabit this area, from a comfortable vantage point. Rated: Leisure  Cost: TBA (see website for updates or contact leader). Leader: Jackie Fisher 954-434-2855 or jsfisher@bigfoot.com (Broward Group)

Oct 17              Sunset kayak trip to Caladesi Island. Moderate kayak trip, round trip distance 3 miles across open water, prior kayaking experience required. Learn about the history of the island. Rentals available. Leader, Rudy Scheffer 727.726.8375 or rudy@adventuresworldwide.com (Suncoast)

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: Leader: Mary-Slater 407-481-4398 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 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 educational program 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 561 315-0528 (Loxahatchee)

Oct 31-Nov 1     Seranova Backpack.  This will be a brand new trip we have not done before.  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)

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 , 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 7               Davie Bike and Brunch. A leisurely 7-8 mile bike ride, beginning with brunch at Robbins Park and a stop at the recently opened Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area to learn about this archaeologically and environmentally rich area. Rated leisure. Cost: TBA (see website for updates or contact leader). Leader: Jackie Fisher 954-434-2855 or jsfisher@bigfoot.com  (Broward Group)

Nov 8               Glades 101 Everglades National Park Day Walk.  Introductory visit and “walk-hike” sampler in the ‘Glades for beginners and refresher for veterans and guests.  We’ll preview our experience with film, displays and visiting art show at the Coe Visitor Center then stroll the Anhinga Boardwalk Trail and nearby Gumbo Limbo Trail followed by a visit to the Pinelands area for a gourmet lunch (included) and walk an unimproved trail there.  Time and weather permitting, we’ll visit  Pa-hay-okee Overlook boardwalk.  Each trail less than one mile long.  We’ll look for gators, birds, turtles, fish, maybe a snake or two and bugs in season.  Leisure.  Limit 8.  Cost $15.  Please email: Leader Kaatje Bernabei, kaatjebernabei@bellsouth.net , 305-223-6551 and Asst. Alan Nowell, mrhitnmiss@aol.com, 305-253-4250. (Miami)

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 14-15         Myakka State Park Camping Trip. Leisurely weekend of hiking, canoeing, biking, camping, birding, airboat, canopy walk. One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the state´s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway. Choose your own activities. 4 hour drive on Saturday a.m. and return late Sunday. We will Carpool. Rated moderate Cost: members: $75, non-members $85. Leader: Nancy Lunz 954-658-8531 A101nunzie@aol.com  (Broward Group)

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 , 813-622-1800. (Suncoast)

Nov 21              Hillsboro Lighthouse. A trip to our own historic lighthouse (which is also a Coast Guard station). Built in the 1920’s, the lighthouse was on the path of the Barefoot Mailman who traveled by foot from Palm Beach to Miami. He disappeared while delivering the mail, swimming across the Hillsboro Inlet because his boat was not there. We will learn history and have fun. Those who wish can climb the lighthouse. We’ll have a gourmet lunch on the grounds. Meet at 8:30 am at Sands Harbor Resort and Marina, Atlantic Avenue, a block north and on the east side of Riverside Drive. for the boat ride over. Cost: $15 each. Afterwards anyone interested can have a beer or cold drink at the Resort outdoor bar. Call Barbara in advance to sign up. Leader: Barbara Curtis 954-946-7359 legalbarb@aol.com (Broward Group)

Nov 27-29         Two night  Canoe trip on the Suwannee River.  Learn why this is one of the most popular paddles, as we discover springs, wildlife, and natural Florida.  Primitive camping along a sandy white river beach. Rentals are available.  There will be the cost of a shuttle depending upon group size. Limit 10 participants.  This is an easy to moderate trip.  Leader Rudy Scheffer at 727.726.8375 or rudy@adventuresworldwide.com (Suncoast)

Nov 28              Hike the Big Cypres National Preserve Wildernes Trail. We’ll hike 8 miles on a wilderness trail off a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, north of Alligator Alley (about 50 min from Downtown Ft. Lauderdale). You will learn the difference a few inches of elevation makes to the local flora, as you trek through cypress forest, hammocks and prairie. Rated leisurely w/ identification of birds, wildflowers and butterflies. Bring your own lunch, which we’ll eat on the trail. Cost: $3 members, $5 non-members Leader: Kathleen Rhoad 954-627-2665 katrhoad@prodigy.net . (Broward Group)

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 561 315-0528 (Loxahatchee)

Dec 4-6             Bahia Honda State Park Camping. Enjoy the beautiful beach, the fresh air, visit Key West and relax before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Limit 6. Adults only. Rated leisure. Cost approx. $65 to $85Leader: Judy Kuchta 305-308-8913 judykuchta@yahoo.com . (Broward Group)

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 5               Glades 101 Everglades National Park Day Walk.  Introductory visit and “walk-hike” sampler in the ‘Glades for beginners and refresher for veterans and guests.  We’ll preview our experience with film, displays and visiting art show at the Coe Visitor Center then stroll the Anhinga Boardwalk Trail and nearby Gumbo Limbo Trail followed by a visit to the Pinelands area for a gourmet lunch (included) and walk an unimproved trail there.  Time and weather permitting, we’ll visit  Pa-hay-okee Overlook boardwalk.  Each trail less than one mile long.  We’ll look for gators, birds, turtles, fish, maybe a snake or two and bugs in season.  Leisure.  Limit 8.  Cost $15.  Please email: Leader Kaatje Bernabei, kaatjebernabei@bellsouth.net , 305-223-6551 and Asst. Alan Nowell, mrhitnmiss@aol.com, 305-253-4250.  (Miami)

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 19            Nine-Mile Pond Canoe Trail Day Canoe Outing.  This canoe trail is situated deep in Everglades National Park nine miles north of Flamingo.  This shallow-water canoe trail winds hauntingly 5.2 miles through a shallow grassy marsh with scattered mangrove islands.  Watch for alligators, wading birds, and an occasional endangered snail kite.  We will eat lunch (not included) in our canoe amidst this remarkably solitary space which frequently offers spectacular bird and other wildlife sightings.  Moderate to strenuous.  Limit 6.  Cost: $25, includes transportation, admission to park and canoe rental.  Please e-mail:  Leader Kaatje Bernabei, kaatjebernabei@bellsouth.net , 305-223-6551 and Asst. Alan Nowell mrhitnmiss@aol.com, 305-253-4250. (Miami)
 

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)

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)

Training Events:

 Sept 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.

Sep 26-27            Wildernes First Aid (SOLO) The class is scheduled from 9am-5pm both days. The cost is $150  per person. The location is Payne’s Prairie State Park which is 10 miles south of Gainesville, in Micanopy, on the east side of US 441. The instructors are EMT's, and military experts who have put on survival courses for many years. 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

Oct 24-25            Wildernes First Aid (SOLO) The class is scheduled from 9am-5pm both days. The cost is $150  per person. The location is Payne’s Prairie State Park which is 10 miles south of Gainesville, in Micanopy, on the east side of US 441. The instructors are EMT's, and military experts who have put on survival courses for many years. For more details contact: Rudy Scheffer, 727.726.8375 or email: rudy@adventuresworldwide.com