My new book Exploring Florida’s Botanical Wonders talks about the botanical beauty of Florida and leads you to where you can experience it yourself.
In the News
Newsworthy articles about Florida’s outdoors
Three new National Scenic Trails designated
Three new National Scenic Trails were designated in 2009, the first since the Florida Trail was designated in 1983: the Arizona Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, and New England National Scenic Trail.
Get Outdoors, Florida!
In late March, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission launched Get Outdoors, Florida!, an important statewide initiative to encourage Floridians – and all members of their families – to get outside and enjoy our outdoors. I encourage you to take a look at their website and see what they have to offer as to …
New addition to the National Scenic Trail system
The 220-mile New England National Scenic Trail is the first new National Scenic Trail to be established since the Florida Trail was designated as one in 1983.
Bobcat attacks hiker in Citrus County
During a backpacking trip with fellow Scouts, a young hiker was attacked by a bobcat in Withlacoochee State Forest. The bobcat was later killed.
Great Florida Birding Trail complete in Florida’s Panhandle
With the final signs up and brochures circulated, the Great Florida Birding Trail’s Panhandle Section is finally complete. It points you to places of special beauty in Northwest Florida.
Tampa Tribune says Take a Hike
The Tampa Tribune calls out Florida Hikes in the news to encourage you to get outdoors and take a hike this winter season
Zipline on the FT!
Here’s a brand-new eco-adventure: hike the Florida Trail and zip through floodplain forests on a zipline! It’s coming soon to an FT section near you … in this case, the well-loved Forever Florida / Crescent J Ranch in Holopaw, Osceola County. Their Florida Eco-Safaris will soon include this new adventure, just in time for thru-hiker …
OGT Palatka Visitor Center closed
The Office of Greenways and Trails quietly closed their Visitor Center at Buckman Lock, near the north end of the Cross Florida Greenway in Palatka, for budget savings.
Bart Smith’s Amazing Adventure
National Trails photographer Bart Smith is poised to wrap up 16 years of hiking ALL of the National Scenic Trails in America, and with that feat, launch a new website to tell his story through his photos.
Committee rallies for Panama City Crayfish Rail Trail
A committee collecting community petitions for construction of a multi-use trail dubbed the Panama City Crayfish Trail pitched the Lynn Haven commission on the concept, according to the Panama City News Herald. A five-mile stretch of old railbed from the fuel depot east is what they’re eyeing for a new trail. Living as I do in an …
