November 25, 2022
The Friday Waypoint
Welcome to the Friday Waypoint where you'll find the latest updates about opportunities & activities with the Florida Trail Association.
Remember FTA on this Giving Tuesday
Celebrate Giving Tuesday with the Florida Trail Association and make a positive impact with your donation.

When you donate to the Florida Trail Association, you help us train and support our incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to preserving the Florida Trail today so you can enjoy it long into the future.

Your generosity helps us continue to build, maintain, and protect the Florida Trail by allowing us to:

- Provide Trails Skills Training workshops
- Provide Wilderness First-Aid certification classes to active volunteers
- Grow our Gateway Communities program
- Purchase conservation easements
- Expand our outreach and grow the organization

Together, we will protect the Florida Trail and its surrounding landscape for all to enjoy. We hope you will support this important work by making a Giving Tuesday donation today.

To donate visit floridatrail.org/ye2022
Welcoming a New Director to the FTA Board
The Florida Trail Association is excited to welcome a new director to our board, Eric Emery!

Eric grew up in central Florida. While in Boy Scouts he completed his 50 mile hike in Ocala National Forest. 40 years later he would read an article about the Florida National Scenic Trail and realize he had hiked part of it. Eric spent 28 years in the Navy, then five years owning a wine shop in Washington state before becoming a Resident Volunteer in the park system. He did not start thru-hiking until he was 55. His first attempt at the Florida Trail was a disaster and he barely made it to Billie's Swamp Safari. That was in 2017. Since then, he has completed five FT thru hikes; 2018, 2020, 2021 and his 21/22 YoYo to celebrate turning 60. In 2021, he completed both sides of Orlando and Lake Okeechobee as well as the Ocean to Lake Trail and the Blackwater connector. He has also attended FTA volunteer work parties in both the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.

Join us in welcoming Eric Emery to the Board of Directors! Read more about our board at the link below.
#OptOutside on Black Friday and Everyday
On Black Friday, we want to recognize the value of time spent outside and the impact it has on our well-being. Join us in making Opt Outside part of your Black Friday traditions with inspiration for your next adventure in the outdoors.

Check out our Grab-and-Go hikes to help plan your next hike on the Florida Trail.
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