Finding a trail WWFF-02

Finding a trail

How do you find a trail?

 Start local by checking your city or county website. It might be called a park or preserve, and might be listed under “Parks and Recreation” or “Environment Department”. Most States have websites for State Parks, but may have separate websites for State Forests, Water Management Authorities, or Environmental Lands Departments. Any of these can have good trails, but one shortfall I have seen is that they do not list information on “Boardwalks” as a separate item of interest.

Mobbly Bayou Preserve is an effort of the local power company, the State Department of Environmental Protection, the regional water authority, the county, and the City of Oldsmar. I found it by accident while  searching for a wetland restoration plan on-line. More on the plan and the trail failure later...

Here are two great trail finders on-line.

The first is a family project, and is excellent for what they have. It is slowly expanding as they do all the work themselves.  Their search function includes a search for boardwalks as one option. They are looking for suggestions from the public for more trails to include. http://www.ellastrails.com/about/

Most National Parks have their own site, and some historic sites have a simple single page. The National Forests, Wildlife Refuges, National Monuments, and Recreation Areas vary from one to several pages, depending on the staff involvement in technology. There are state sites and federal sites, but this website lists both and has several search options. http://www.ohranger.com/

Many Conservation groups like the Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, The Audubon Society, and others have their own managed properties. Some of those preserved lands are owned or managed jointly among several groups. Local land trusts and preservation societies may have refuges or nature centers, and some have uncrowded trails and boardwalks waiting to be discovered in your next grand adventure. 

Please give them feedback on their websites, their trails, and any volunteer or staff you encounter. 
A $ donation can help, but a kind word can go a long way as you walk for fun.

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