National Trails Day on the Cross Florida Greenway June 1, 2006
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) celebrated National Trails Day on the Cross Florida Greenway with a trailwork party involving hikers, bikers, and equestrians followed by a volunteer appreciation picnic provided by the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation.   Trail workers built an access trail from a new trailhead in the Spider Kingdom section (between SE 110th St. and SE 95th St. in Ocala) and many miles of trails received much needed maintenance with brush mowers, chainsaws, loppers, shovels, and improved trail signage. 75 volunteers pitched in: equestrians had the largest showing with 45 volunteers, 25 cyclists participated and 5 hikers contributed.   Afterwards everyone gathered at a picnic pavilion at the Santos trailhead for lunch. Volunteers who contributed 40 hours or more in 2005 received recognition and goodies; OGT provided baseball caps and volunteer pins while local trail related businesses The Tack Shack, Brasington's Outfitters, and Ocala Bicycle Center contributed gift certificates to show appreciation for the hard work of the volunteers.   It was an extremely successful celebration of National Trails Day; much needed work was accomplished and a good time was had by all! Please join us for our next multi-use trailwork party September 31 when we will celebrate National Public Lands Day, or call trails coordinator Valerie Naylor at (352)-236-7143 to get involved in trailwork throughout the summer.