“A fed bear is a dead bear,” says Florida Fish & Wildlife. It’s time to make homeowners responsible for keeping trash and food out of reach when they live in bear territory.
In the News
Newsworthy articles about Florida’s outdoors
Shorebird Nesting Season
A seasonal reminder from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to walk softly on Florida’s beaches during shorebird nesting season.
Florida Trail Southern Terminus marker installed
Since its debut on a hand cart this January during the thru-hiker season kickoff at Oasis Visitor Center, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the permanent placement of the Florida Trail Southern Terminus marker in Big Cypress National Preserve. The marker was put in place yesterday, December 12. Said Bob DeGross, Chief of Interpretation and Public Affairs …
Updates from the FNST Symposium
Last weekend, the 2nd annual Florida National Scenic Trail Symposium brought together land managers, FTA volunteers, and interested hikers to find out about the current state of the FNST. Held in Sanford, it was the kickoff to the Florida Outdoor Recreation Coalition Summit as well. We saw a lot of familiar faces throughout the crowd, …
Florida natives share John Muir’s landscapes on film
Sliding, backpacks on, down steep slopes covered with snow. Wading, waist-deep, through the icy waters of a mountain stream. Plunging into crystal clear lakes reflecting the beauty of the snow-capped Sierra. Relaxing in broad meadows beneath blue skies. With their cameras capturing landscapes all hikers dream about, Ric and Jen Serena immersed themselves for nearly …
2012 State of the Trail Report now available
The Florida National Scenic Trail 2012 State of the Trail Report is now available for download from the USDA Forest Service.
FNST State of the Trail Report
The 2012 State of the Trail Report is a comprehensive overview of the Florida National Scenic Trail, including quality of footpath and land manager priorities. Download a copy for review.
2012 FNST Strategic Plan Released
In early June, the USDA Forest Service, National Forests in Florida released the 2012 Florida National Scenic Trail Strategic Plan. This planning document is the first guidance document for the future of the Florida Trail since the trail’s original inception as a National Scenic Trail in 1986.
Au Naturale in White Springs
Expect a reroute of the Florida Trail in White Springs, as the Suwannee Valley Campground has been purchased and turned into a nudist resort.
Peacock Springs State Park renamed in honor of Wes Skiles
The late Wes Skiles, a High Springs resident whose Karst Productions brought a new dimension to the exploration of natural Florida – underground and underwater – shared with millions through PBS specials, will be honored today at a special ceremony at 11 am at Peacock Springs State Park, near Mayo. One of the little-known projects …
Oscar Scherer adds second ADA-compliant trail
From our friends at Oscar Scherer State Park: A low-key groundbreaking on April 15 marked the official start of the second ADA-compliant trail at Oscar Scherer State Park, according to Russell Delaney, president of the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park, Inc. One of 100 citizen support organizations (CSO) in Florida’s park system, the Friends are …
Bear bagging a must in Florida’s National Forests
A federal order has been signed requiring the use of bear bags or bear canisters when backpacking the Florida Trail through the Ocala, Osceola, and Apalachicola National Forests.
