The month of October doesn’t have to be associated with just Halloween anymore for Florida citizens.
On Sept. 22, Gov. Rick Scott announced October as Florida’s Greenways and Trails Month.
During the month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service, Office of Greenways and Trails, will host a variety of events celebrating the state’s 600 miles of greenways and trails.
“Get out and enjoy the trails Many college students don’t leave the confines of their campuses, but at FAMU, for example, the nearby St. Marks Trail will take bike riders all the way to the coast,” said Doug Alderson, the paddling trails coordinator for the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails.
Throughout the remainder of the month, FLDEP will host events in conjunction with other organizations to celebrate the trails. The 3rd Annual Forgotten Coast Black Bear Festival will be held on Saturday.
The event taught participants about wildlife and nature, with a tour of Tate’s Hell State Forest, located about 50 miles south of Tallahassee.
“From an economic standpoint, our state’s greenways and trails provide a boost to local economies and thousands of jobs. They are a vital link in our state’s tourist industry,” said Alderson.
Experts explained the significance behind the month chosen to celebrate the importance of the recreational trails.
“The weather in October is perfect for all sorts of activities – hiking, biking, and paddling trips are in full swing at this time of year,” said Kevin Mims, the Outdoors and Nature Insider for Visit Florida.