Photo: Sherry Zoars Wildlife and Warm Springs, Ocala National Forest, Florida Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 08439A Price: $495 Deposit: $50 Capacity: 14 Leader: Sherry Zoars
The Trip  Photo: Sherry Zoars The Ocala National Forest, one of central Florida's last remaining traces of forested land, comprises 383,220 acres in northern central Florida, north of Orlando. The Ocala's sand pine scrub ecosystem is the world's largest continuous forest of this type. Native to the Ocala, the sand pine is the only tree capable of growing to a usable timber size in this forest's dry, sandy soil. A variety of vegetation is found in the Ocala National Forest, including palmetto bushes and sand oaks, slash pine, hardwood hammocks, and cypress. Trails include interpretive trails, canoe, hiking and bicycle trails, and the Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs north-to-south through the Ocala. This is a really beautiful place to spend a week in winter! Florida's ecosystems face unique threats from development and overuse as more people move to and visit the warm climate of Florida's central area. Despite the fact that the Ocala receives more visitors than any other Florida forest, its size and undeveloped atmosphere make it seem remote and undisturbed. As always, our federal resource agencies have more projects than resources to complete them, and our work will help allow staff more time for native ecosystem management and program development. The Project During the day we'll assist with wildlife habitat restoration; rare plant monitoring; alien plant removal, and/or ATV trail barricades. We'll also participate in any other projects the staff has for us. Such projects may include erecting interpretive signs or assisting ecologists with endangered species projects. We will know more about the work assignments as the trip nears. Be prepared to be flexible.
Evenings (for non cook-crew members) may be spent hiking the nearby trails, birding, or just relaxing in this beautiful ecosystem. After-dark stargazing is astonishing due to the low light pollution at our campground. Getting There The Ocala National Forest is located about 65 miles north of Orlando, Florida.
The trip begins at 2:00 p.m. on day one, setting up camp and getting organized,
followed by an orientation meeting at 5:00. Our first meal will be dinner this
evening. The trip ends with breakfast on the last day, after which we will break
camp. Extra help organizing and stowing group gear is always appreciated. You'll
receive complete directions to the meeting place, a trip roster, and information
on transportation options from the Orlando airport prior to the trip. Car pooling
is encouraged, but all such arrangements must be made on your own.
We will stay at a quiet, shaded, auto-accessible tent campground with showers.
(Participants must provide their own tent, sleeping bag, and mattress.) Meals
will be hearty vegetarian (not vegan) fare with occasional meat options (not
every meal) and plenty of variety. Our proximity to town means we'll serve
fresh fruits and vegetables. We will share the daily cooking and cleaning duties.
On
Wednesday evening we will eat at a local restaurant to sample the local cuisine.
This meal is at participants’ own expense.
Most activities will be moderately strenuous with repeated lifting, bending,
digging, or carrying. Trail maintenance and habitat restoration may include cutting,
sawing, and clearing brushy shrubs, digging out herbaceous plants, repairing
boardwalks, and spreading chips with a wheelbarrow, pitchfork, or rake. Planting
native plants and removing alien species will involve repeated bending and digging.
Other work may include painting buildings and digging holes to erect signs or
barriers. Light carpentry or other similar jobs may be offered by our staff.
Plan to be on your feet most of the days, possibly in sunny, open areas.
On Sierra Club outings, participants furnish their own personal equipment, including items such as boots, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, a basic first-aid kit, toiletries, and eating utensils. The Sierra Club provides group gear such as kitchen articles and stoves, all meals and snacks (except Wed. dinner), and first aid kits. Work equipment other than personal work gloves will be provided by the park, but you may bring your own small bow saws, rakes, and other garden-type tools if you wish. You'll receive a more detailed equipment list from the leader before the trip
departs.
Books
Websites
Conservation One evening will feature a conversation with the district ranger or a wildlife
biologist about specific challenges faced by the Ocala National Forest.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Leader
Sherry Zoars grew up camping and has led base camp trips for Sierra Clubbers, women, and families. She has worked in the natural areas restoration field and is a naturalist and birder. Cook Susan Ziering has prepared fabulous meals in kitchens and campsites, enjoys
relating to her daily kitchen crew, and is a creative presence in the kitchen. General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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