The "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/ is celebrating February as Florida Hiking Trails Month by inviting the public to "Get Outside!" and explore the more than 850 miles of hiking trails on District lands.
The District has organized two "Get Outside!" guided hikes in February. District employees will guide three hikes at each property, with a maximum of 15 people on each hike. Hikers are encouraged to pre-register with the District at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4756. Any spaces still open on the day of the hike will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The public is encouraged to wear casual outdoor attire and closed-toe shoes. Other recommended items include a hat and/or sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray. The District will have drinking water available at the sites. Guests are invited to bring a picnic and stay to enjoy the campgrounds until the properties close at 1 p.m.
*Saturday, Feb.12*
*Where:* "Green Swamp West Tract(Green Swamp West Tract)":/recreation/areas/greenswamp-west.html. The entrance to the property is located at 13347 Ranch Road, Dade City. From the US 301 truck bypass, follow River Road east about 5 miles. The entrance is just over the bridge, north of Withlacoochee River Park.
*When:* Gate opens at 9:30 a.m., Hikes begin at 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m., Gate closes at 1 p.m.
*Details:* Sample a section of the "Florida National Scenic Trail(Florida National Scenic Trail)":http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/fnst.htm during this 1.1-mile guided hike in the Green Swamp West Tract.
*Saturday, Feb. 19*
*Where:* Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, "Oak Ridge Equestrian Area(Oak Ridge Equestrian Area)":/recreation/areas/lh-oakridge.html, 15847 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa. The primary access point to the area is about 7 miles northeast of I-75 on Morris Bridge Road (CR 579), 0.4 miles north of Branchton Park.
*When:* Gate opens at 9:30 a.m., Hikes begin at 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m., Gate closes at 1 p.m.
*Details:* Enjoy a stroll through shaded forested wetlands and sunny pine flatwoods with a 0.7-mile guided hike through the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area.
Many trails on "District lands(Get outside and explore your conservation lands)":/recreation are nearby and are also open for related activities such as nature study, bird watching, photography, jogging and backpacking. 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 District's "152-page Recreation Guide(Get the Recreation Guide)":/rec_guide features more than 50 parks and preserves in the region owned by the District and its partners. The Recreation Guide is a free publication to all residents living in "the District's 16-county area(Recreation Areas Map)":/recreation/map.php 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 "WaterMatters.org/recreation/":/recreation.
The District has organized two "Get Outside!" guided hikes in February. District employees will guide three hikes at each property, with a maximum of 15 people on each hike. Hikers are encouraged to pre-register with the District at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4756. Any spaces still open on the day of the hike will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The public is encouraged to wear casual outdoor attire and closed-toe shoes. Other recommended items include a hat and/or sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray. The District will have drinking water available at the sites. Guests are invited to bring a picnic and stay to enjoy the campgrounds until the properties close at 1 p.m.
*Saturday, Feb.12*
*Where:* "Green Swamp West Tract(Green Swamp West Tract)":/recreation/areas/greenswamp-west.html. The entrance to the property is located at 13347 Ranch Road, Dade City. From the US 301 truck bypass, follow River Road east about 5 miles. The entrance is just over the bridge, north of Withlacoochee River Park.
*When:* Gate opens at 9:30 a.m., Hikes begin at 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m., Gate closes at 1 p.m.
*Details:* Sample a section of the "Florida National Scenic Trail(Florida National Scenic Trail)":http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/fnst.htm during this 1.1-mile guided hike in the Green Swamp West Tract.
*Saturday, Feb. 19*
*Where:* Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, "Oak Ridge Equestrian Area(Oak Ridge Equestrian Area)":/recreation/areas/lh-oakridge.html, 15847 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa. The primary access point to the area is about 7 miles northeast of I-75 on Morris Bridge Road (CR 579), 0.4 miles north of Branchton Park.
*When:* Gate opens at 9:30 a.m., Hikes begin at 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m., Gate closes at 1 p.m.
*Details:* Enjoy a stroll through shaded forested wetlands and sunny pine flatwoods with a 0.7-mile guided hike through the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area.
Many trails on "District lands(Get outside and explore your conservation lands)":/recreation are nearby and are also open for related activities such as nature study, bird watching, photography, jogging and backpacking. 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 District's "152-page Recreation Guide(Get the Recreation Guide)":/rec_guide features more than 50 parks and preserves in the region owned by the District and its partners. The Recreation Guide is a free publication to all residents living in "the District's 16-county area(Recreation Areas Map)":/recreation/map.php 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 "WaterMatters.org/recreation/":/recreation.