Due to a wildfire within the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness, the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness Trail in Osceola National Forest is closed until further notice.
The weekend wildfire was brought under control by USFS firefighters on Monday.
For more information, see the Osceola National Forest news release

While working on research for project in process,  I was delighted to see that Camp Helen State Park - of the notable sea monster of Lake Powell - has added a nature trail on the north side of US 98. Fully accessible, this 0.8 mile loop provides an easy stroll with rest benches along the [...]

It was a delight to see a packed room for Bill Belleville when I arrived at the Florida Trail Association’s signature event Friday eve, and the crowd swelled even larger on Saturday, thanks to a first time ever single day admission and a huge interest in seeing Clyde Butcher. His talk had the audience captivated [...]

A new subchapter of the Florida Trail Association has assembled in one of my favorite getaways, around Lake Okeechobee. Overseen by the Loxahatchee Chapter, this new subchapter is drawing folks from all around the big lake.
Here’s a report of their first get-together and meeting from Betty Loomis, a friend and long-time Florida Trail member from [...]

Every winter, hundreds of manatees converge at Blue Spring Run near Deland, as do the folks who want to see them up close in the wild. Here’s a clip from a visit I made last weekend while working on the new edition of “50 Hikes.” I loved the commentary from the two ladies next to [...]