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TALLAHASSEE – Encouraging Floridians and visitors to
head outdoors with family and friends, Governor Jeb Bush
recognized October as Florida Greenways and Trails
Month. Greenways and trails provide recreational
opportunities, protect Florida’s natural resources,
preserve historical and cultural sites and connect
communities.
“By celebrating Greenways and Trails Month, Florida
is encouraging outdoor recreation and environmental
stewardship,” said Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen M. Castille.
“Greenways and trails conserve resources and provide
nature-based recreational opportunities for residents
and visitors.”
More than 150 events around the state are planned to
celebrate Florida Greenways and Trails Month this year,
such as the 12th Annual Rails to Trails Bike Ride in
Citrus County and 6th Annual Florida Panhandle Birding
and Wildflower Festival in Gulf County. Last October,
counties throughout the state celebrated Florida’s
natural beauty with trail rides, natural history
workshops, canoe and kayak tours, festivals, trail
clean-ups and environmental education programs.
The Office of Greenways and Trails manages eight
state trails, including the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross
Florida Greenway, Florida's longest green corridor
stretching 110 miles from the St. Johns River near
Palatka to the Gulf of Mexico. DEP also maintains five
rail-trails, which are railroad tracks restored and
converted to recreational trails for hiking, biking and
skating. Through Florida Forever, the state’s premier
land acquisition program, $4.5 million dollars is spent
annually to purchase land for future trail areas and
build and maintain Florida’s greenways and trails.
For more information, list of events in your area, or
to register your event, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/news/gwtmonth_oct/default.htm.
To view the Governor’s Greenways and Trails Month
proclamation, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/files/gt_proc.pdf.
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