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Florida's State Forest Trailwalker Program
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New: ‘Nicole's Law’ effective October 1st, 2009 for all state forest equestrian riders under 16 years of age.
Wetland restoration is an integral part of the Division of Forestry’s management of state forest resources.
Find out more about these projects in the Hydrological Restoration Activity Report.
Resource Management Plans guide management activities on state forests using a stewardship ethic that assures these resources will be available for the benefit and enjoyment of all people of the state, both present and future. Find out more.
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Explore Florida's Forests...
One Step At a Time
Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you a frequent
visitor to Florida's state forests? Maybe you've wanted
to explore them but haven't had the opportunity. You are
now holding your ticket to a grand tour of Florida's state
forests: The Florida State Forests Trailwalker Program.
Get Involved and Reap the Benefits
The best way to learn about a state forest is to experience
it first hand, and this is what Florida's State Forest
Trailwalker program is all about.
 The benefits are many when you participate in the Florida
State Forests Trailwalker Program. You get to improve
your level of physical fitness at your own rate. Your
only competitor is yourself.
Also, you get to experience the beauty of Florida's State
Forests. The opportunity to have personal experience with
nature is rare these days, and this program will give
you that opportunity. Finally, you will feel the pride
of accomplishment. So find the nearest state forest on
your Trail List and get started. We've got your trails
cut out for you.
Getting Started
- Walk a total of ten trails in a minimum of five state
forests, selecting trails from the Trail List. At the trailhead
of each trail you hike, obtain one pre-paid postal survey
card for the trail. Fill it in and put in the mail after
you complete the hike.
- Print the Trailwalker's Log (pdf) and record your progress.
As you send in your postal survey cards, we will send
you a sticker for each one. You will affix this sticker
next to the entry for each trail you hike.
- When you have hiked and logged your ten trails, complete the Trailwalker's Log and mail it to us. We will send you a beautiful Trailwalker Patch that you can sew on your favorite shirt or hiking vest, plus a certificate commemorating your achievement signed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Charles H. Bronson.
Stay Involved
There's more to this program than one patch and one
certificate. Much more. There are two additional levels
to this program. Once you have completed the first level,
just print out another one of the Trailwalker's log sheets
and start on the next level.
 Trailblazer
If you walk another ten trails in an additional five or more state forests, you will achieve the next level:
Trailblazer. For your accomplishment, you get a new patch and certificate.
 Trailmaster
If you walk thirty (30) trails from the Trail List, you
will achieve the third and final level: Trailmaster. For
this accomplishment, you will receive one last patch and
certificate.
Completed Program Set
When put together, the three patches form one interlocking
pattern. But remember: you must finish all three levels
of the program to obtain the completed design.
Tips for Your Visit
Tread Lightly:
- Stick to the path and avoid trampling
the sensitive vegetation around you.
- Keep a bandanna on hand when hiking. It has many uses: sponge, napkin, bandage, etc.
- If you are hiking a lengthy trail, be sure to take some
sunscreen and a container of water with you.
- Wear good
hiking shoes or hiking boots. If you have to break them
in, do it before the hike.
- Pace yourself. If you aren't
an experienced hiker, don't take on a 10-mile trail your
first time out.
- Take your time. Speed doesn't matter in
this program, and there is plenty to observe out on the
trails.
Contact Us
For
additional information on equestrian trails or
to obtain a pre-paid postal survey card (if they
weren't available at the trailhead):
Space, Solitude, and Self-Reliance
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