2007 Florida Trail Conference Features Fun for Everyone
(see photos of last year’s conference)
On the weekend of March 16-18, hundreds of Florida hikers will gather in Central Florida for fun and fellowship at the Florida Trail Annual Conference, a highlight of hiking season. This year’s theme “The Path to Independence,†points us towards our goal of a completed, protected hiking corridor the length of Florida. But the conference is so much more. Join us at the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida to celebrate natural Florida through workshops, seminars, outdoor activities, entertainment, and family activities.
Friday afternoon kicks off with a workshop on backpacking and presentations on Florida’s bats and the Cross Florida Greenway. In the evening, join a walk to search for bats and sit around the campfire swapping tall tales. Saturday’s schedule offers workshops, guided hikes, and other active adventures. Highlights include a workshop by author Johnny Molloy on outdoor writing; demonstrations of plein air painting and trail tools maintenance; learning nature photography from a pro; and a hike where participants learn how to read bear signs. Guest speakers include Fran Mainella, former National Park Service Director and Mike DeWitt, Tampa Tribune outdoor columnist, who began his long distance hike of the Florida Trail in November.
Show off your outdoor skills at the Trail Olympics, or bring the kids and enjoy Family Adventures—learn to weave palmetto leaves, join a treasure hunt, learn about Florida black bears in the forest, and win prizes! Travel through Spain with authors Rich and Sue Freeman. Learn how to build a trail. Shop at the Orange Blaze Mercantile, participate in the Photo Contest judging and the Annual Auction. Buy a few raffle tickets. Relax with folk singers Buck and Maggie. We’ll also unveil the new Florida Trail half-hour documentary.
Registration costs between $15 and $25 per person for a weekend’s worth of activities. Bring the family! Children under 12 attend free. Nightly tent camping costs $2 per person, and bunkhouse spaces are also available for $20.
For more information and online registration, visit our annual conference section, or call 877-HIKE-FLA for a registration packet (you can also download a registration form here). Last minute on-site registrations are also welcome.
FTA Staff @ February 27, 2007