Heartland Chapter / FL Trail Association

06/03/2026

😎 National Trails Day® at Bok Tower Gardens❓ Y.E.S.‼️ Saturday, June 6 is also their "FAIRY FESTIVAL" -- then take a hike on the Pine Ridge Nature Trail and the Bok Tower Gardens Loop❗️

🧚‍♂️ https://boktowergardens.org/event/fairyfestival2026/

06/02/2026

🛜 "FLORIDA EXPLORED" states that nobody talks about the Green Swamp -- but WE DO‼️ https://www.facebook.com/reel/1528853822317558

06/02/2026

🧡 WELCOME to our newest FTA Heartland member -- LORI from Fort Meade -- who sent photos showing WHERE they were hiking & cruising ..... up in Alaska and Seattle‼️ Our Florida Trail logos even made an appearance at LAX for a Fat Sal's "breakfast" with Dr. Lori & her crew❗️

06/01/2026

🌞 ANOTHER great 'National Trails Day®' hike right next door to Heartland Country in Plant City -- BLACKWATER CREEK‼️ Join Patricia & friends from Suncoast Outdoors on Saturday, June 6 for 6.5 miles at this evening event, starting at 5pm, through their Meet-Up page .... 🖤https://www.meetup.com/suncoast-outdoors-tampa-meetup-group/events/314644824/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events

06/01/2026

🌾 WILDFLOWERS are blooming spectacularly again in Heartland Country on the Florida National Scenic Trail! 🧡 Photos by Jennifer and Vincent from What's The Motto ... Hikers Hike.

05/31/2026

💚 Heartland teamed up with "What's The Motto" on Saturday for an incredible 7-miler on the FNST plus a BUSHWACK around beautiful Maynard Mine Lake -- an abandoned limestone quarry once owned by Maynard Ventures 5, Inc. of Sumter County. 🙀 And we don't prefer Cat Brier❗️

🧡 To successfully start off the week of National Trail Days, the trio of Jennifer, Sue2 & Vincent also "swamped" the FNST out to the lake and back -- so we know it's in good hiking shape‼️

05/31/2026

💚 Celebrate National Trails Day in Heartland Country on Saturday, June 6 with COURTNEY from Tampa Bay Meet-Up Group. 🕘 Starting out at 9am from the Nature Center area, they plan on 4 to 5 miles -- find our more and sign in on their event page .....

**Saturday Morning Hike: Circle B Bar Reserve – Lakeland** We’re heading out to Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland for a morning hike through one of Central Florida’s most w

05/29/2026

🧡 Observe the National Trails Day® weekend with Tom & Amanda from FTA's Suncoast Chapter on SUNDAY, JUNE 7 for a DISCOVERY HIKE in the "swamp". 🕢 Starting off at 7:47am from the end of River Road, outside Dade City -- it could be up to 10 miles, so STAY hydrated❗️ Get details & sign in on Meet-Up at ..... https://www.meetup.com/suncoast-florida-trail-hiking/events/314913133/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events

05/29/2026

💥 SATURDAY, JUNE 6th -- National Trails Day® is more than a celebration—it’s a CALL to ACTION❗️We encourage people of all ages to Explore, Enjoy, and Care for trails while fostering Community Engagement and Stewardship. 🤩

🤎 'NATIONAL TRAIL DAY' was established in 1993 by the American Hiking Society to promote the IMPORTANCE of trails for outdoor recreation, environmental conservation, and public health.

Events vary by location. Participants can .......
1️⃣ Volunteer for trail maintenance or clean-up projects to leave trails better than you found them.
2️⃣ Join local hikes, paddles, or rides organized by trail clubs, nonprofits, and government agencies. ............ ➡️ Or create your OWN activity❗️
3️⃣ Advocate for public lands by supporting legislation or local trail initiatives.
4️⃣ Engage in educational activities about environmental conservation and responsible recreation.
5️⃣ Take the National Trails Day Pledge to commit to preserving trails and outdoor spaces. 🖐️
6️⃣ SHARE your experience on social media using & tagging .
7️⃣ Support trail organizations through donations or volunteer programs to help maintain and protect trails for future generations.

🖐️ https://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/
🎯 Everyone who takes the National Trails Day pledge will be entered for a chance to W.I.N. one of four outdoor gear prize packages! 🖐️ bit.ly/trails-day

🌞 National Trails Day is an opportunity for EVERYONE — from casual walkers to avid hikers — to CONNECT with nature, SUPPORT trail conservation, and ENJOY outdoor recreation while contributing to the HEALTH and SUSTAINABILITY of public lands across the country. 😎

05/28/2026

🖨️ N.E.W.S. for Polk County's Environmental Preservation‼️ On May 19, commissioners approved an agreement with La Cala, LLC., for the acquisition of 215 ACRES along the south side of Camp Mack Road -- which includes a lake front stretch along LAKE ROSALIE in Lake Wales. 💦

💚 The property was previously reviewed, evaluated & approved by the Polk County Conservation Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (CLASAC) in October 2024 as part of Polk County’s continued efforts to EXPAND, RESTORE AND PRESERVE Environmental Land Corridors❗️

🇺🇸 The land also falls within the Avon Park Air Force Range Encroachment Buffer Zone, making Polk County ELIGIBLE for $1.3 million in U.S. Air Force Grant Reimbursement Funding❗️ The total cost for the agreement is not expected to exceed $2,996,250 for the 215 acres.

Learn more about the meeting at: https://www.polk-county.tv/internetchannel/show/7775...