Executive Director's Corner
Photo courtesy of George Meek
H
appy New Year! What a whirlwind first few months at the helm of the Florida Trail Association (FTA). Everyone has been so great in welcoming me to the Florida Trail Family. Thank you. I am very appreciative of your generosity during our year-end campaign. We exceeded our fundraising goal thanks to you. The past year has been a test of everyone’s patience, resilience, and fortitude. In this new year, the FTA team is working diligently to bring you new and exciting tools for members, volunteers, and our supporters. We will continue to be tested this year; but I think we will all come through these recent struggles better humans and with an expanded thinking on what is possible. As with anything new, there are going to be changes and glitches and pining for the old ways. One of those changes is going to be your membership number. We have been using the same system for membership since the last century and many of our long-time members have low membership numbers. But what you may not know is those numbers were assigned in alphabetical order when the last system was put in place in 1998. While we were not able to retain those membership numbers in our new online system, we were able to retain your “member since” date, which is the true notation of your long-term commitment to the FTA.
Red-shouldered Hawk As we implement new systems in the office and online, I hope we are better able to serve our members, our volunteers, and our supporters. I ask for your patience as we develop these tools to benefit the whole FTA family. I hope you enjoy this issue of the Footprint, we are calling the Wildlife of Florida issue. In the following pages you will see the beautiful photography of Paul Strauss, learn about the Florida Wildlife Corridor, get an indepth look at a small beach mouse facing big challenges, and more. Be sure to check out
our photo contest and submit your entries. Again, I appreciate the warm welcome I have received from the FTA family. I look forward to a time when we can all meet in person. Until then, your comments, feedback and well wishes are welcome by phone and email.
Footprint
Winter 2021
Stay safe, be kind, and hike your own hike,
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