Celebrate Florida Hiking Trails Month on District trails

News Release

The "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us is celebrating February as Florida Hiking Trails Month by inviting the public to ""Get Outside!"(Get outside and explore more than 50 recreation sites on conservation lands)":/recreation/ and explore the more than 850 miles of hiking trails on District lands.

The "Florida Department of Environmental Protection(Florida Department of Environmental Protection)":http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ has joined with the "Florida Trail Association(Florida Trail Association)":http://www.floridatrail.org/ to encourage Floridians to take advantage of Florida's extensive trail system. Many trails on District lands are nearby and are also open for related activities such as nature study, bird watching, photography, jogging and backpacking.

The District recently revised its 152-page "Recreation Guide(Download the Recreation Guide)":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/publications/search.php?id=13, which features more than 50 parks and preserves in the region owned by the District and its partners. Some of the outdoor activities available include hiking, bicycling, picnicking, nature study, horseback riding, fishing, paddling, camping and hunting.

Many of these lands are maintained directly by the District and offer a very natural experience, while some of these properties are managed as county and state parks and offer a broader range of amenities. The majority of these lands offer free parking and admission.

The Recreation Guide is a free publication to all residents living in the District's 16-county area and includes detailed descriptions and a map for each property. The guides are part of the District's "Get Outside!" campaign to promote the recreational opportunities available to the public on District-owned lands.

The District and its partners acquire conservation lands primarily through the state's land acquisition programs to protect the 16-county region's water resources.

To order a free Recreation Guide or to find out more about District lands and upcoming "Get Outside!" events, visit the District's web site at www.WaterMatters.org/recreation.