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TALLAHASSEE - Emphasizing a commitment to a healthier lifestyle for all
Floridians, Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) are recognizing October as Florida Greenways and Trails Month.
With more than 5,000 miles of trails and 80,000 acres of greenway, Florida
provides residents and visitors of all ages and abilities with year-round access
to a wide variety of free health and fitness activities. Greenways and trails
provide recreational opportunities, protect Florida’s natural resources,
preserve historical and cultural sites and connect communities.
“Florida Greenways and Trails Month offers Floridians a chance to come
together and celebrate our natural resources,” said Jena Brooks, Director DEP’s
Office of Greenways & Trails. “Greenways and trails provide nature-based
recreational opportunities as well as encourage use of alternative,
energy-saving forms of transportation.”
More than 100 events are taking place in more than 59 counties around the
state to celebrate Florida Greenways and Trails Month, including the 13th Annual
Rails to Trails Bike Ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail, the Calusa Blueway
Paddling Festival and an Apalachicola Canoe Trip. Events will highlight the
natural beauty of Florida’s trails with equestrian rides, educational hikes and
birding festivals as well as paddling excursions, running and mountain biking
events.
DEP’s Office of Greenways & Trails manages eight state trails, in addition to
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 near Inglis. Of the eight state trails, six are rail-trails, which are
railroad corridors converted to recreational trails for hiking, biking, skating
and equestrian activities. Through Florida Forever, the state’s premier land
acquisition program, $4.5 million is allocated annually to purchase and preserve
land for Florida’s greenways and trails.
For a list of events in your area, 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/events/october.pdf.
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