16th National Trails Symposium - Orlando, Florida
MOBILE WORKSHOPS:
November 12
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16th National Trails Symposium - Orlando, Florida MOBILE WORKSHOPS: |
Please check to see if any of these field trips and mobile workshops are full and closed to additional registrants.
BUILDING BETTER TRAILS WITH IMBA
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $23
Enjoy a hike through the Little Big Econ State Forest as the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and State Forest managers share innovative ideas on the basics of trail assessment, layout and problem solving. Participants will gain a better understanding of sustainable multi-use trail design and construction, learn real-world solutions to trail management problems, and get a chance to field test IMBA's proven trail techniques. The forest trails meander through scrub and pine flatwoods with a slight incline adjacent to ditch areas. Lunch will be provided.
AVON PARK
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $20
What do trails, bombing ranges, grazing lands, timberlands, and endangered species habitat have in common? These are current land uses at the Avon Park military installation managed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Participants will learn how trails can co-exist with other land uses and explore the area's diverse habitats as they hike the Lake Arbuckle National Recreational Trail. The trail is flat with a sandy surface and includes several boardwalks that are not wheelchair accessible. Lunch will be provided.
MAKING THE CONNECTION
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $25
Discover how two counties are connecting their trail systems. Workshop topics will include corridor acquisitions, design elements, habitat protection, encroachments, trail features, intergovernmental cooperation, and operation and maintenance issues. Starting with Orange County's Little Econ Greenway, attendees will see a multi-use paved trail that crosses diverse habitats and ecosystems using riverine corridors and other public rights-of-way to connect a number of parks and communities. The next stop will be the new Goldenrod Trailhead on the future extension of the Cady Way Trail that will link the two trail systems. In Seminole County, the workshop will highlight the Cross Seminole Trail, a 14-mile rail trail with 3.7 miles presently constructed and 8.6 miles under design. Participants requiring assistance from the bus to the trails should specify this need at the time of registration. Lunch will be provided.
TRAILS ON THE LAKE WALES RIDGE
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $21
Join staff from the Florida Division of Forestry as they give an interpretation of the geological and biological significance of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. Participants will start out with a nature hike and presentation on the Trailwalker hiking program. Next will be a view of scenic Lake Godwin where the forest managers have constructed an accessible boardwalk and dock. Finally, participants will hike on the Reedy Creek Trail that follows a high bluff unique to Central Florida. Information will be provided on prescribed burning, the threatened and endangered species found in the forest, and the Great Florida Birding Trail. These trails have a sandy surface and are moderately to very difficult for wheelchair users. Lunch will be provided.
ECOLOGICAL AND RECREATIONAL HUBS
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $20
Learn how a host of parks, forests and trails are coming together to form one of Florida's largest hubs for conservation and recreation. This workshop includes a tour of the Withlacoochee State Forest, Withlacoochee State Trail and Silver Lake Complex with a presentation from the partners involved in providing opportunities for hikers, bikers, equestrians and motorized users. This workshop will be a driving tour with a few short stops along the way. Lunch will be provided.
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SEMINOLE WEKIVA TRAIL ~ BIKE TOUR Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $43 (with bike rental); $31 (no bike rental) This mobile workshop puts participants on bikes as they learn how area developers partnered to incorporate the Seminole Wekiva Trail into their designs. The "classroom" is along seven miles of Seminole County's newest paved multi-use trail that follows an abandoned rail corridor through urban, wooded and residential areas. The workshop includes a visit to the trail overpass that is being built over Interstate 4. In addition to partnerships, trail and overpass construction, maintenance, design, and costs will be discussed. Those traveling by wheelchair will be accommodated either by a shortened route, a ride in a golf cart or other reasonable means. Participants requesting assistance should specify this need at the time of registration. Lunch will be provided. |
Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $37
This course will be provided by the ATV Safety Institute, and will take place at a nearby private tract in the Orlando area. Hands-on training in the operation of ATVs with emphasis on safety, rider ethics and environmental awareness will be given. Students will learn basic techniques for riding all-terrain vehicles responsibly. Lessons include starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, swerving and riding over obstacles. Students participate in discussions and lessons to increase safety awareness and riding skills. Expect to get dirty and have fun doing it! ATVs and helmets will be provided. Participants are required to wear long pants, gloves, boots or over-the-ankle shoes, a long sleeve shirt or jersey, and eye protection. Lunch will be provided.
DIRT BIKE DRIVERS EDUCATION AND SAFETY TRAINING
Time: 12 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $37
Nearby private land in the Orlando area will provide an outdoor classroom for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Dirt Bike School TM . This course begins with the basics: sitting on the motorcycle, location and operation of controls, and straight-line riding. As students progress, they will learn to ride in circles, make sharp turns and ride on hills. Students also discuss responsible riding practices including risk management and environmental awareness. At the end of the course, students should have a good understanding of the techniques an off-highway rider must use to stay safe, act responsibly and, most importantly, have fun in the dirt. Motorcycles and helmets will be provided. Participants are required to wear long pants, gloves, boots or over-the-ankle shoes, a long sleeve shirt or jersey, and eye protection. Lunch will be provided.
AMERICA'S FIRST LAND BRIDGE ~ OLD FASHIONED CARRIAGE RIDE
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $44
Travel the old-fashioned way in a horse-drawn carriage to America's first Land Bridge. The Land Bridge connects trails on the east and west sides of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway and provides safe passage for trail users and wildlife over Interstate 75. A 2.5-acre equestrian staging area with water, a horse-washing rack, and access to miles of Florida's finest riding trails make the trailhead a favorite with equestrians. A local therapeutic center will demonstrate equipment used for loading disabled riders onto horseback. Lunch will be provided.
TRAIL TOYS EQUIPMENT EXPO
Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $20
Trail Toys Exhibition: Vendors will demonstrate equipment, tools and materials used in the construction, maintenance and signing of trails as well as recreation equipment. Prior to the "Trail Toys" Equipment Expo, vendors will have had opportunity to showcase their products in the exhibit hall (both indoor and outdoor opportunities are available) at the conference site, and to discuss their products with interested Symposium participants. The Equipment Expo is designed to move one step farther and allow vendors to actually show "Trail Toys" at work! Exhibits will include trail building machines, GPS equipment, tools, soil surfacing materials, foundation systems, horse trailers, restrooms, bridges, and lots of things in between! Participants may also have an opportunity to "test" other items, such as bicycles, ATV's, kayaks, and the new Segway Human Transporter. If you are interested in exhibiting, contact J.B. Conner at (850) 488-3701 for details. Lunch will be provided.
GPS WORKSHOP
Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $20
This workshop provides an opportunity for hands-on experience in field application of Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Join students from the University of Florida as they demonstrate the latest techniques and equipment and discuss ways to use data collection for trails planning and implementation. This workshop will take place on the West Orange Trail, the longest paved multi-use trail in the Orlando Area. Lunch will be provided. MOBILE MOBILE WORKSHOPS
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FLORIDA'S OTHER MOUSE Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $23 Tibet-Butler Preserve features Florida's other mouse&endash;the Florida mouse&endash;and other native species unique to Florida ecosystems. Discover looping on-grade and boardwalk trails that meander through wetland and upland habitats. Learn about the Great Florida Birding Trail, programs for native flora and fauna, and how to manage trails for multiple user groups. Take a 3- mile hike through the preserve that puts theory into practice. Binoculars, pedometers, and trail guides will be provided for on-site use. Due to sandy soil, wet areas, roots and boardwalk steps, accessibility by wheelchair is not suitable. Lunch will be provided. |
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WEST ORANGE TRAIL ~ DRIVING TOUR
Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $25
Sit back and enjoy the ride as you tour the West Orange Trail, one of Florida's longest and most popular multi-use trails. Scheduled stops at trailheads along the way include County Line Station, the trail bridge over Florida's Turnpike, Oakland Preserve, and a Xeriscape garden. Stretch your legs in Winter Garden with a 1/4-mile walk along the newly renovated streetscape. Stops at Chapin Station, Forest Lake Golf Course, and Clarcona Horseman's Park are also included. The trailheads and all portions of the trail are fully accessible in accordance with ADA guidelines. Lunch will be provided.
SPLIT OAK FOREST
Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $38
Explore this 1,689-acre park as you enjoy an old-fashioned wagon ride. In addition to pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, Split Oak Forest contains scrub oak and sandhills. Wetlands surrounding the forest provide habitat for a large number of grasses, wild flowers, and shrubs. The site is under a fire management program, and visitors have a first&endash;hand opportunity to observe the positive effects this practice has on our native plant communities. Visitors may observe various state and federally protected wildlife including the gopher tortoise, Sherman's fox squirrel, and sandhill crane. The site also has a large population of white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Finally, don't miss the opportunity to see Split Oak, a distinctive live oak tree that captures the interest and curiosity of many outdoor enthusiasts. Participants will also learn how state and county agencies work together to manage the forest. Trails are not wheelchair accessible. Lunch will be provided.
THE TRAILS AT TENEROC
Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $20
Teneroc Fish Management Area is a 6,000-acre tract of land previously mined for phosphate and now a destination along the Great Florida Birding Trail. The area is being reclaimed for habitat restoration and recreational uses including hiking, biking and horseback riding. Learn how this once-disturbed site is now a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will provide information on the history of the area, management strategies, and plans for trails. The trail user will traverse up and down dikes on reclaimed and unreclaimed mined lands. Lunch will be provided.
MAKING IT CLEAR
Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $20
This workshop will introduce you to an extraordinary effort using a greenways and trails master plan to influence appropriate development around an environmentally sensitive resource. Once a pristine lake attracting fishing enthusiasts from around the world, Lake Apopka (near Orlando) was partially drained and the north shore extensively farmed for many years. Agricultural runoff damaged the lake's water quality, and the endemic aquatic species disappeared. In the last decade, extensive efforts began to restore the water quality of this heavily polluted but very significant resource. As part of this restoration effort, a vision was formed to create a system of greenways, trails, and recreation sites around the lake. This workshop will be a driving tour with short stops along the way. Lunch will be provided.
DISNEY WILDERNESS PRESERVE
Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $36
This workshop introduces you to The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve, one of the oldest and largest off-site mitigation projects in the United States. The preserve is predominately pine flatwoods and wetlands ecosystems where hundreds of wildlife species have been observed. You will enjoy a swamp buggy tour of the preserve as you learn about the restoration efforts and how this site functions as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Participants requiring assistance into and out of the swamp buggy should specify this need at the time of registration. Lunch will be provided.
TRAILS AND RESTORATION
Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. -- Cost: $20
At Paisley Woods in the Ocala National Forest, you will discover how the U.S. Forest Service is providing recreational opportunities for hikers, bikers, equestrians and motorized users while restoring and managing the forest for endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker. Participants will also enjoy a breathtaking view of a nearby natural spring, just one of many found in Florida. Some hiking will take place along loose sandy soil that is not wheelchair accessible. Lunch will be provided.
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