2007 Florida Trail Conference to be Held in Umatilla, Florida

On the weekend of March 16-18, hundreds of hikers will gather in Central Florida for fun and fellowship at the Florida Trail Annual Conference, a highlight of Florida's 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 or 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 outdoor photographer and columnist Mike DeWitt; and a hike where participants learn how to read bear signs. Fran Mainella, former National Park Service Director, is one of several featured speakers.

Show off your tent-stuffing 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, 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 www.floridatrail.org, or call 877-HIKE-FLA for a registration packet. Last minute on-site registrations are also welcome.

-Submitted by Sandra Friend

This article originally published on February 28, 2007.

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