Recently, members of The Villages-run Highlanders Chapter of Florida Trail Association wrapped its trail maintenance season for summer on April 28.
The group members hiked in and cleared 63 miles of tracks in Sumter and Lake counties from October 2020 to April 2021.
Highlanders Chapter did 19 trail maintenance hikes, or work hikes, to cover such a vast terrain. The last stop of the maintenance leg was at a section of the Cassia Trailhead in the Seminole State Forest.
Five land managers supervised the extensive tasks such as mowing brush on the paths, cutting down plantation hindering paths and painting the orange gleams that guide hikers through the Florida National Scenic Trail.
Highlanders painted more than 4,000 of these orange markers on trees, and posts guide through miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
Heavy-duty chain saws and loppers were used to clear more than 150 fallen trees from trails. All chapter leaders purchased one new mower during the season to replace an older unit.
Volunteers are sought frequently for work trips, especially around October when the weather is more pleasant. An average of 18 volunteers took part in each work hike and more are needed. The chapter also welcomed seven new enlistees during the season, which has been helpful in the whole process.
“We are always looking for volunteers,” said Sandy Bell, the chapter’s trail coordinator. “There are jobs for people with all abilities.”
People who are interested in getting involved may find additional information about the chapter at highlanders.floridatrail.org.
– Attributed Source, The Villages Daily Sun