Trail CATS Workday 9/10/22: Alafia River Corridor North Nature Preserve

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September 10th was forecast to be rainy, but these CATS weren't afraid of water. This workday at the Alafia River Corridor North Nature Preserve was attended by 20 determined volunteers. The pounce was divided into four groups, each led by a different Trail Boss, Daniel Allen, Bob McElroy, Dave Reed and Joe Guidry and Annita Nall shared the final group. Two groups took to the red trail and two to the yellow trail.
 

Moises Tourgeman

This workday was unusual because we were accompanied by Environmental Lands Management Coordinator Danielle Ivey and Environmental Specialist Travis Parker. Danielle and Travis transported the tools and two groups of yellow trail volunteers via truck and UTV. The red teams headed out by foot and parted ways at the loop to care for half of the red trail. By splitting up, the team was able to complete work on both trails simultaneously which total almost eight miles in length.

Alison Hughes & Jenn Groff

Our brand new Senior Outreach Coordinator, Alison Hughes, also joined the crew and we were delighted to have her. She came ready for action and got her fill by the end of the experience. With one workday under her belt, she is ready to carry the torch. We're all very glad to finally have her on our team.

This day was incredibly muggy and some spots at the start of the hike were wet and soggy; however, the cloud cover helped kept the heat of the sun from causing us to overheat. Because this preserve was previously phosphate-mined, there are changes in elevation which added variety to the hike. The site has a few primitive camping sites and some picturesque views of the Alafia River.

Greg Wilkins

Both trails were freshly blazed, cleared of overgrowth and debris. By the time the two red groups had finished their job, the yellow team was already being transported back to the parking lot. Seeing Danielle and Travis return to pick us up felt like the cavalry had arrived. Even though the weather forecast for the day was set for heavy rains and flooding, the clouds held back the deluge until we exited the trail. Only a light sprinkle occurred as the last of the team got in their cars and it was welcomed.


Carter Wing & Sandra Wing-Tolleson
A big thank you to the Trail Bosses who led and all the Trail Blazers who showed up for their efforts. We were happy to welcome Gerald Stinnett, Moises Tourgeman, Greg Wilkins, Carter Wing and Sandra Wing-Tolleson attend their first workday.

Nice work staff and Trail CATS! Happy Trails.

To learn more about the Hillsborough County Trail CATS, click here.


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