Activities/Outings

Become a Ancient Islands - Sierra Club Outings Leader!

Do you love being outdoors with good friends and like-minded enthusiasts? Are you always on the look out for the best wild places in Florida? Do you care that others learn how to "explore, enjoy, and protect" these places? Become an Ancient Islands Sierra Club Outing Leader. You will learn how to conduct outings, including planning the event, managing participants, handling the unexpected, and of course the conservation issue(s) connected to your outing.

In order to participate in one of the Sierra Club's outings, you will need to sign a liability waiver which will be furnished at the beginning of the outing. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please see http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms/ or call 415-977-5630.

In the interests of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel. Please note that many of the below listed activities are events that we think you will find interesting and fun, but they are not official outings.

If you have suggestions for outings or if you wish to lead an outing, volunteer to be our Outings Coordinator!

Use the links to the right to check these out in our current newsletter. Don't forget to look for other activities with members of the Florida Chapter on the Chapter website!

Reminder: By the middle of this year all outing leaders have to recertify if they have not taken OLT 101 within the last four years. This is according to the leader standard policy, and it includes all leaders that was grandfathered before. If you have any question please contact me or review the policy at: http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/outings/policy/requirements.asp#Exceptions. There are many different ways you can recertify, please refer to the national training web site.

picture Copyright © 2003, Phil Griner, All Rights Reserved

Picture taken at Kissimmee River Clean-Up on April 12, 2003.

Chapter-wide Outings

November 2009

Nov 6    Women's Weeki Wachee Kayak Trip. Join our annual Fall Trip as we paddle down this beautiful crystal clear river where fish, playful otters and manatees will keep us company. We will explore some of the problems caused by the rapid development of this area. Cost about $40 to rent kayaks. Please reserve a spot at least a week in advance. Sue Brandon, brandon11@earthlink.net , 813-622-1800. (Suncoast)

Nov. 7    Shark Valley Bike Ride. Sue and Brigita are leading a moderately-paced 15-mile bike ride in Shark Valley (located in the Everglades) Shark Valley is 25 miles West of the Florida Turnpike and about 70 miles east of Naples. The terrain is flat and grassy and participants should expect to see a good deal of alligators and probably other wildlife as well. Eat lunch before and bring snacks. If you do not bring your own bike, the National Park Service rents bikes for $7.00 an hour and helmets are provided. Those needing to rent bikes must be at the park by 12:30 to complete the necessary paperwork and Sue will be available to assist with the rental process (Sue will also rent a bike herself!). All rental bikes must be returned no later than 4:00 PM. Interested participants should email Sue at susiesstuff@mac.com or call her at (239) 595-1873 and leave a voicemail. All participants are required to wear helmets, regardless of age. (Calusa)

Nov 7 Davie Bike and Brunch. A leisurely 7-8 mile bike ride, beginning with brunch at Robbins Park and a stop at the recently opened Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area to learn about this archaeologically and environmentally rich area. Rated leisure. Cost: TBA (see website for updates or contact leader). Leader: Jackie Fisher 954-434-2855 or jsfisher@bigfoot.com (Broward Group)

Nov 8 Glades 101 Everglades National Park Day Walk. Introductory visit and “walk-hike” sampler in the ‘Glades for beginners and refresher for veterans and guests. We’ll preview our experience with film, displays and visiting art show at the Coe Visitor Center then stroll the Anhinga Boardwalk Trail and nearby Gumbo Limbo Trail followed by a visit to the Pinelands area for a gourmet lunch (included) and walk an unimproved trail there. Time and weather permitting, we’ll visit Pa-hay-okee Overlook boardwalk. Each trail less than one mile long. We’ll look for gators, birds, turtles, fish, maybe a snake or two and bugs in season. Leisure. Limit 8. Cost $15. Please email: Leader Kaatje Bernabei, kaatjebernabei@bellsouth.net , 305-223-6551 and Asst. Alan Nowell, mrhitnmiss@aol.com, 305-253-4250. (Miami)

Nov 14    Ocean to Lake Trail Day Hike. We’ll hike from the Jonathan Dickinson State Park marina north of Jupiter to Riverbend Park west of Jupiter. The total distance is 11 miles. More details are available at http://lox.floridatrail.org/our-trails/the-ocean-to-lake-trail/ Strenuous. Limit 10. $5. Donna Brown, 561-317-8288, donnabrownintl@gmail.com. (Loxahatchee)

Nov 14-15 Myakka State Park Camping Trip. Leisurely weekend of hiking, canoeing, biking, camping, birding, airboat, canopy walk. One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the state´s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway. Choose your own activities. 4 hour drive on Saturday a.m. and return late Sunday. We will Carpool. Rated moderate Cost: members: $75, non-members $85. Leader: Nancy Lunz 954-658-8531 A101nunzie@aol.com (Broward Group)

Nov 15    Brooker Creek Dayhike. Hiking trails at Brooker Creek Preserve are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quiet place to relax and experience nature. The trails meander through pine flatwoods, mesic hammocks and cypress swamps. Come join us for an easy hike of the 4-mile, 4-loop trail system. leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com (Suncoast)

Nov 19    Midweek Spoil Island Cleanup. Show your thanks to nature by cleaning up two spoil islands we have adopted in an effort to make them a better place for birds and other wildlife. Participants must bring own kayak or canoe. Possibility of lunch together afterwards at the Sanbar Grill in Dunedin. Sue Brandon, brandon11@earthlink.net , 813-622-1800. (Suncoast)

Nov 21 Hillsboro Lighthouse. A trip to our own historic lighthouse (which is also a Coast Guard station). Built in the 1920’s, the lighthouse was on the path of the Barefoot Mailman who traveled by foot from Palm Beach to Miami. He disappeared while delivering the mail, swimming across the Hillsboro Inlet because his boat was not there. We will learn history and have fun. Those who wish can climb the lighthouse. We’ll have a gourmet lunch on the grounds. Meet at 8:30 am at Sands Harbor Resort and Marina, Atlantic Avenue, a block north and on the east side of Riverside Drive. for the boat ride over. Cost: $15 each. Afterwards anyone interested can have a beer or cold drink at the Resort outdoor bar. Call Barbara in advance to sign up. Leader: Barbara Curtis 954-946-7359 legalbarb@aol.com (Broward Group)

Nov 27-29 Two night Canoe trip on the Suwannee River. Learn why this is one of the most popular paddles, as we discover springs, wildlife, and natural Florida. Primitive camping along a sandy white river beach. Rentals are available. There will be the cost of a shuttle depending upon group size. Limit 10 participants. This is an easy to moderate trip. Leader Rudy Scheffer at 727.726.8375 or rudy@adventuresworldwide.com (Suncoast)

Nov 28 Hike the Big Cypres National Preserve Wildernes Trail. We’ll hike 8 miles on a wilderness trail off a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, north of Alligator Alley (about 50 min from Downtown Ft. Lauderdale). You will learn the difference a few inches of elevation makes to the local flora, as you trek through cypress forest, hammocks and prairie. Rated leisurely w/ identification of birds, wildflowers and butterflies. Bring your own lunch, which we’ll eat on the trail. Cost: $3 members, $5 non-members Leader: Kathleen Rhoad 954-627-2665 katrhoad@prodigy.net . (Broward Group)

Nov 28-29    Backpack to Bee Island in Myakka River State Park. 11 mile loop trail. Discover and explore a Florida grassland prairie park and learn how it is being restored. We camp under large old oaks and hike through varied habitat. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com. (Suncoast)

Nov 29    Biking in Riverbend Park in Jupiter. Leisurely bicycling on hard-packed bike trails in the new Riverbend park though Cypress stands and around watery sloughs. Email or call Ron Haines for more info and reservations ronaldhaines@bellsouth.net 561 315-0528 (Loxahatchee)

December 2009

Dec 4-6 Bahia Honda State Park Camping. Enjoy the beautiful beach, the fresh air, visit Key West and relax before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Limit 6. Adults only. Rated leisure. Cost approx. $65 to $85Leader: Judy Kuchta 305-308-8913 judykuchta@yahoo.com . (Broward Group)

Dec. 5    Kayak Isles of Capri (Marco Island area) Explore the backwaters off Isles of Capri in a kayak with a certified Florida Master Naturalist. Bring your own or rent one from the local outfitter. We'll paddle into Johnson Bay and head north until we agree to turn around and head back to Sea Oat Island or another nearby stop for lunch. Chances are we'll see ospreys, manatees, dolphins and other wildlife as we take a leisurely paddle. We'll then return to the Capri Fish House to relax and go our separate ways. The trip is open to kayakers of all skill levels. However, you must be able to make a wet entry and exit. Per Sierra Club policy, every must wear lifejacket. Limited to 10 participants. Call outing leader Victor at 239-438-5286 for details and trip packet. (Calusa)

Dec 5 Glades 101 Everglades National Park Day Walk. Introductory visit and “walk-hike” sampler in the ‘Glades for beginners and refresher for veterans and guests. We’ll preview our experience with film, displays and visiting art show at the Coe Visitor Center then stroll the Anhinga Boardwalk Trail and nearby Gumbo Limbo Trail followed by a visit to the Pinelands area for a gourmet lunch (included) and walk an unimproved trail there. Time and weather permitting, we’ll visit Pa-hay-okee Overlook boardwalk. Each trail less than one mile long. We’ll look for gators, birds, turtles, fish, maybe a snake or two and bugs in season. Leisure. Limit 8. Cost $15. Please email: Leader Kaatje Bernabei, kaatjebernabei@bellsouth.net , 305-223-6551 and Asst. Alan Nowell, mrhitnmiss@aol.com, 305-253-4250. (Miami)

Dec 6    Morning bike ride. We will ride on the Pinellas Trail from Curlew up to Tarpon Springs for a Greek meal by the sponge docks. Learn about the Pinellas Trail, a linear park stretching almost the length of Pinellas. An easy ride of about 18 miles. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com. (Suncoast)

Dec 13    Ecowalk at Seacrest Scrub in Boynton Beach. We will walk quietly, for about 1 1/2 hours, with frequent stops to discuss what we have seen. Three hurricanes and a 1996 controlled burn have changed the natural area. Bring your water and binoculars. There are no facilities. The Seacrest Scrub is located on Seacrest Blvd, one mile south of Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach. FREE. Leisure but SOMETIMES we will walk in DEEP sand. Limit 10. Lisa Hanley, 561-732-9578, lisa.hanley@Juno.com. (Loxahatchee)

Dec 19 Nine-Mile Pond Canoe Trail Day Canoe Outing. This canoe trail is situated deep in Everglades National Park nine miles north of Flamingo. This shallow-water canoe trail winds hauntingly 5.2 miles through a shallow grassy marsh with scattered mangrove islands. Watch for alligators, wading birds, and an occasional endangered snail kite. We will eat lunch (not included) in our canoe amidst this remarkably solitary space which frequently offers spectacular bird and other wildlife sightings. Moderate to strenuous. Limit 6. Cost: $25, includes transportation, admission to park and canoe rental. Please e-mail: Leader Kaatje Bernabei, kaatjebernabei@bellsouth.net , 305-223-6551 and Asst. Alan Nowell mrhitnmiss@aol.com, 305-253-4250. (Miami)

Dec 26-30    Holiday Hike - Four night/five day backpack trip to Myakka River State Park. A moderate hike of about 30 miles. We plan to explore and stay at several of the parks best campsites. Your leaders will help you learn about the history of this park and what it has to offer. Limit of 8 participants. Cost is $20 plus campsite reservation fees. Co-leaders Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 or revmp777@earthlink.net, Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com (Suncoast)

2010

Feb 6-13, 2010    Fundraising Trip to the Enchanted Island of Puerto Rico Spend 7 days on the beautiful island having fun hiking, kayaking, swimming, exploring the tropical forests and learning about the rich culture and history of Puerto Rico. Learn about the environmental issues the island faces from our local Sierra Club guides. We will spend one night in San Juan exploring the old town and the rest of the time we will be at the Patillas Eco Resort www.patillasecoresort.com. The cost of the trip is $650 per person plus airfare and includes all lodging and transportation. Limit 10 participants. For reservations and details contact: Rudy Scheffer, rudy@adventuresworldwide.com, 727.726.8375. (Suncoast)

Many local activities (from star gazing to hikes) take place on the lands acquired by the county through its Environmental Lands Program (ELP). Check their website at http://www.polk-county.net/Environment_Services/Natresources/acquired.htm for a map which locates all these acquisitions and call the ELP at 863 534 7377 for a list of planned events.

Ancient Islands Group Home

Meetings

Activities

About Our Group

Ancient Island / Bone Valley Issues

Newsletters

Who To Contact

Sierra Club Florida
(formerly Florida Chapter)

national site
sierra club.org

To the top of the page