Nature Walks - Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

Our Sunday afternoon nature walks have been VERY popular during January and February. We've averaged about 22 people every Sunday. We see 25-35 species of wildlife during our 1.5 mile tour of the refuge. Sponsored by the West Volusia Audubon Society, in conjunction with the Friends of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, we have decided to continue the Sunday afternoon tours, 3-5 pm, through the end of March. This Blog is the ONLY notice that will be posted; no outside advertising of these tours, so the March groups can be smaller. The photo to the right, taken by Arnette Sherman, is of today's nature walk.

Reservations are NOT required, but you can always contact me through my webpage at: http://www.rogerfulton.com/

Florida Trail - Ocala National forest

We are still heading north on the Florida National Scenic Trail. Today we toughed out the longest segment of the trail through the Juniper Springs Wilderness area. We would have cut it into two segments, but there are no roads through this 8.8 mile segment of the Florida Trail. If y'all want to do it, be prepared!

The pic is of me, co-author Susan Young and Peter, our other hiking companion as we took off into the wilderness area.

We survived the 8.8 mile trek in good spirits; just a little tired. :-)

Life is good.

The book about all of the hiking and biking trails of the Ocala National Forest should be out by the fall of 2011.

Ocala National Forest - Hiking Warning!

Today we hiked a 4.3 mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail from Farles Lake to Forest Road 30. We encountered several "Rainbow" people who are camped in that area. The ones we encountered were mostly "stoned" on drugs. One young man we encountered who was armed with a big stick, and his girlfrind with a club, warned us that there were some "very bad kids" on the trails and repeatedly asked if we knew where we were going. Then he ranted about heroin, filthy dirty people and our safety. The U.S. Forest Service has clearly lost control of this area!

Either avoid this section of the Florida Trail or travel in groups.

Otherwise, it's a very pretty area to hike through, but not worth your life.

Night Hike at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.

On February 19th, under a nearly full moon, we'll take you out into the wilds of the refuge at night. We'll find out about critters and things that may go "bump in the night" on the refuge. It is free and open to the public but you must pre-register by calling the refuge at 386-985-4672. We’ll meet at the end of Mud Lake Road in DeLeon Springs at 7 pm on that date. Master Naturalist and author Roger Fulton will be one of the guides and will lead the 1.5 mile casual walk which will last until about 8:30 pm. It is sponsored by the group, Friends of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Space is limited. Don’t get turned away. Call to register today. Any problems, my cell phone is 386-956-6089.