Executive Director's Corner

Happy 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. 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.

Stay safe, be kind, and hike your own hike,

Red-shouldered Hawk

Photo courtesy of George Meek

FTA's Community Outreach Manager, Van Tran, has accepted a new position with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as their first Education Network Coordinator. Van has been a beloved member of the FTA staff since 2017, and she will be missed by our volunteers, partners and fellow staff. One of Van’s favorite duties was serving as the chief editor of the Footprint Magazine, which has seen enormous growth and improvement under her leadership. Van and her infamous trail pup, Ziggy, will remain in Florida for the foreseeable future, so you may still see her out on the trail! We wish Van the best of luck in her new role, and thank her for all she has done to promote the trail and expand our partnerships.

Plan your next day hike or overnight trip on a hike that puts the “scenic” in Florida National Plan your next day hike or overnight trip on a Scenic Trail. Featuring 30 major destinations, hike that puts the “scenic” in Florida National this 376-page full color guidebook provides Scenic Trail. Featuring 30 major destinations, step-by-step details and maps for 52 distinct this 376-page full color guidebook provides hikes along the Florida Trail. Each chapter step-by-step details and maps for 52 distinct includes multiple options to extend or shrink hikes along the Florida Trail. Each chapter your hiking mileage. includes multiple options to extend or shrink your hiking mileage.

This new book includes many of the best day hiking loops along the Florida Trail, and a few This new book includes many of the best day loops made up by using connecting trails. Hike hiking loops along the Florida Trail, and a few mileages range from a half-mile accessible loops made up by using connecting trails. Hike boardwalk to a 42-mile backpacking trip. mileages range from a half-mile accessible boardwalk to a 42-mile backpacking trip.

Order online at FloridaHikes.com or by check for $34.45 (includes shipping and sales tax) to: Order online at FloridaHikes.com or by check for $34.45 (includes shipping and sales tax) to:

Florida Hikes PO Box 93 Florida Hikes Mims FL 32754PO Box 93 6 Mims FL 32754

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