October 12-14, 2018
Seminole State Forest Trail Maintenance
Highlanders Chapter
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Join the Highlanders Chapter in completing a reroute in Seminole State Forest that will eliminate 3 miles of road walk from the Florida Trail. Nestled just outside of urban areas, the Seminole State Forest is a sanctuary of rugged hills, swamps dense with leafy cabbage palms and abundant wildlife.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings we will meet at the Cassia Trailhead at 9AM to split into crews and make plans for the day. Meals Friday dinner- Sunday lunch will be provided. Participants may show up for any portion of the weekend that they are available. Camping is optional and will be available at no cost to participants at the Clearwater Recreation Area.
General trail maintenance will be involved at this work party including mowing, lopping, blazing, and hand sawing. On Saturday, we will focus on the installation of chain link and barbed wire fencing along the new route. No fence installation experience necessary.
Hiking boots (description below) and long pants are required. Long-sleeve t-shirts are recommended.
This event is a free volunteer opportunity. Join our crew and have fun!
Name: Clearwater Recreation Area
Address: 24511 County Road 42
City: Paisley State: FL Zipcode: 32767
County: Polk County
Latitude: 28.980547 Longitude: -81.554622
Type: Front-country car camping
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Bathroom: Yes
Shower: Yes
Potable Water: Yes
Power: No
RV Hookups: No RVs Allowed
Type of work: Trail Maintenance, Structure Construction
Maintenance Unit: Seminole State Forest
Total Hiking Miles Per Day: 8 Miles
Activity Level: Moderate
Start Time: @ 8:00 AM
End Time: approx. 3:00 PM
Minimum Age: 18 years old
Youth Allowed (Under 18): No
Max Group Size: 30 volunteers
Physical Difficulty: Moderate Activities. Volunteers will be assigned tasks based on their individual comfort level and technical proficiency.
Restrictions: Only US Forest Service certified sawyers will be allowed to operate chainsaws on the Florida Trail.
When registering, volunteers may be asked about known medical conditions or allergy concerns. This information is treated as confidential information, and is only shared with Crew Leaders and the Florida Trail Association Staff. Please disclose all known medical and allergy information. This information enables crew leaders and staff to respond appropriately to medical emergencies. Medical or allergy conditions will not disqualify you from participating in a Volunteer Work Party.
Breakfast: Yes – @ 7:00 AM
Lunch: Yes – lunch packed @ breakfast (sandwiches and snacks)
Dinner: Yes – approx. 6:00 PM
When registering, volunteers may indicate dietary needs and/or preferences, as well as known food allergies. If we are unable to honor your request, we’ll contact you so that you can provide your own meals. In most cases we are able to accommodate special meal requests.
Questions About Registration
Registration Contact: Van Tran, (352) 538-7639, vant@floridatrail.org
Questions About the Project
FTA Chapter: Highlanders
Project Contact: Francis Keenan, (352) 787-8654, fkeenan@embarqmail.com
To register for this Volunteer Work Party please click the link below, and complete the linked Florida Trail Association form.
Registrations are first-come, first served by date time stamp. You will receive an email confirmation within 72 hours. The FTA reserves a 10-person wait list, and will notify individuals on the wait list within two (2) weeks of the project date. Volunteers may be contacted the week of the event to fill open volunteer registrations.
This list is not a comprehensive pack list. Please use this list to help plan for your event.
BACKPACK:
One (1) large backpack for all your personal items
One (1) day pack, large enough to carry water, food, rain gear and other personal items
Pack cover (rain gear)
SLEEP/CAMP:
Tent (Rain Fly) and Footprint (if desired for tent)
Pillow
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad or Inflatable Mattress
Foldable Camp Chair
Ear Plugs
Eye Shades
EAT:
Bring a Cup, a Bowl and Eating Utensils
CLOTHES:
Wicking T-shirts (synthetic or wool)
Wicking Underwear
Quick-Drying Pants and Shorts
Sturdy Work Pants
Long-Sleeve Shirts (for sun, bugs)
Socks (synthetic or wool)
Bandana or BuffWarm
Insulating Layers (Night) – Puffy Jacket, Vest, Pants and Hat
SHOES:
One (1) pair of Hiking Boots (required)*
One (1) pair of Camp Shoes (closed-toed)
*Note: Hiking boots can be either trail runners or traditional hiking boots (ankle-support preferred). No tennis shoes or sandals.
LIGHT/FIRE:
Headlamp and/or small backpacking flashlight
Small lighter in waterproof container or plastic bag
WATER:*
Two (2) 32-ounce canteens or water bottles
OR One (1) 100-ounce hydration bladder bag (preferred)
*Note: Each person should be drinking at least 3-liters of water a day. This is your personal responsibility.
SUN PROTECTION:
Sunscreen, lip balm, sun glasses, base-ball hat or other sun-shielding hat
INSECTS:
DEET-based Bug Spray (recommended)
Head net
TOILETRIES:
Bathroom Essentials (camp soap, shaving kit, etc.), Toilette Paper, Wash Cloth and Pack Towel
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS:
Any Prescription Medications or Over-the-Counter Medications (seasonal allergies, pain relievers (Ibuprofen for inflammation/pain), etc.)
CELL PHONES:
Cell phone and charger to contact us, prior to the trip
SAFETY:
Safety Whistle
BEYOND THE BASICS:
Trekking Poles
Energy Food (Bars, Gels, Chews, Trail Mix)
Energy Beverage or Drink Mixes
Packable Lantern
Notebook and Pen
Book (for camp!)
Camera and Memory Cards
A Smile and Sense of Adventure!
At this Volunteer Work Party the Florida Trail Association will provide the following gear and services.
CREW:
Experienced Crew Leaders
Appearances by FTA Regional Representatives
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT(PPE):
Hard Hat
Safety Glasses
Ear Protection
Gloves
TRAIL TOOLS:
Mechanized Equipment (Mowers, Brush Cutters, Chainsaws, etc.)
Hand Tools (Loppers, Hand Saws, Etc.)
FOOD:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Kitchen Essentials (Pots, Pans, Knives, Etc.)
Sanitary Stations (Bins, Soap, Water, Etc.)
POTABLE WATER SOURCES:
Water
RESTROOM FACILITIES:
This event is hosted at a front-country campground with full restroom facilities
.
Thank you for volunteering with the Florida Trail Association. Your service allows millions to experience the unique wildlands in Florida!