Photo: Dave Garcia Barrier Island Bliss: Service at Cayo Costa State Park, Florida Highlights:
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Trip Number: 09062A Price: $ 395 Deposit: $50 Capacity: 18 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Dave Garcia The unspoiled island paradise of Cayo Costa (Key by the Coast) is located off the Southeast Coast of Florida across from Fort Myers. The seven mile water-taxi ride from Pineland Island takes you back to the simple days of no electricity. Cayo Costa is about seven miles long and three quarter miles wide with beautiful beaches and acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks, mangrove swamps and freshwater marshes. There are over 5 miles of bicycle trails and endless hiking and kayaking opportunities. The island is teeming with a spectacular assortment of birds and unique wildlife like manatees, dolphins, gopher tortoises, otters, alligators, and anoles. This eight day service trip will include four work days and two free days, with first and last day for travel and camp set-up. On free days we will explore the island with park bicycles and kayaks. The Project  Photo: Dave Garcia We will be working with Florida State Park Staff in the removal of invasive exotic plants (Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, etc.) which threaten to displace native species. We also may be working on new trails and trail restoration. Our work trips around the island will provide us with opportunities for sightseeing and recreation in between our workday projects. Getting There The nearest airport is in Fort Myers, Southwest Florida International Airport, about 20 miles from Pineland Marina. Transportation to the marina is the responsibility of the participants. A participant roster will be provided in advance of the trip to facilitate carpooling.
The trip will start at 9 a.m at Pineland Marina, Pineland Island. Call 239-283-0015 or visit www.pinelandmarina.com for map. Cayo Costa State Park will provide free parking and boat shuttle service to the island. We will then load our gear onto the tram for the mile ride to the cabins. Check-out time is the following Saturday at 11 a.m.. We should be back at the marina by 3 or 4 p.m.
We will be staying in small rustic cabins. Each cabin has 6 bunks and mattress pads. More privacy may be obtained by bringing your own tent and camping. There are restrooms with flush toilets and freshwater showers. Bring a solar shower bag if you prefer a hot shower. Bring a shorty wet suit if you plan to swim or snorkel. All meals are included and begin with lunch and end with lunch. Everyone is expected to help clean up and assist preparing food at least one day. Our menu will consist of tasty vegetarian-friendly food. All meals are included and begin with lunch on day one and end with lunch on the final day.
We will be doing moderate to hard physical labor. You will be digging, bending, crawling, lifting, sawing and hiking. Working in the sun and high humidity is very strenuous, so it is very important that you be in good physical condition. The ability to get along with a variety of personalities both while working and living in close quarters is essential!
Tools and instructions will be provided by the park staff. Come prepared to work with sturdy boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and leather gloves due to the sun, insects, and thorny plants. You will need a day pack to carry your lunch, water, rain gear, sunscreen, etc. You should have clothing that you can layer to keep you comfortable in temperatures from 40 to 90 degrees. A full list of equipment will be provided to participants. Questions about equipment should be directed to the trip leader.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/cayocosta/parksummary.cfm http://www.pinelandmaria.com www.tarponlodge.com Alden, Peter, National Audubon Society Field Guide To Florida http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/manatee.php www.floridabirdingtrail.com www.turtletime.org www.foldingguides.com Conservation Invasive species are now clearly recognized worldwide as posing threats to biological diversity, second only to direct habitat loss and fragmentation. Invasive species alter ecosystem functions such as hydrology, nutrient cycles, and wildfire frequency. They can also out compete and exclude native plants and animals, harbor dangerous organism invaders, and hybridize with native species. “ In fact, when biological invasion by all types of organisms is considered as a single phenomenon, it is clear that to date it has had greater impacts on the world’s biota than have more notorious aspects of global environmental change such as rising CO2 concentrations, climate change, and decreasing stratospheric ozone levels,” Vitousek et al, 1996.
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.
Cook Paula Haydon has led Sierra Club trips across the United States and also volunteers for the Florida State Parks. In Florida she is Lead Volunteer for a large hospice where she teaches, does scheduling, and co-directs children’s camps. Her hobbies include travel, cooking, reading, tennis, and golf. She loves the outdoors and meeting new people. (Leader photo available from trip # 08299A). E-mail: phdh68@tampabay.rr.com
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Dave Garcia was a California State Park Ranger for 28 years. He has led Sierra Club kayak, mountain bike, and habitat restoration trips. Dave's trips are about the service commitment of working hard, playing hard, making new friends, and having fun!