- Active/Former Military Members ONLY - Hike Gold Head Branch State ParkMike Roess Gold Head State Park, Keystone Heights, FL
This is a Sierra Club Military Outdoors event - a joint Sierra Club Northeast Florida and YMCA outing - FOR ACTIVE AND FORMER MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES ONLY.
We will hike approximately 3.75 miles on a variety of terrain with some elevation changes. It's a beautiful hike along lakes, creeks, ponds, up to longleaf pine forests, and down into a ravine. While not extreme, this is a moderately challenging trail. Hiking poles may help.
Please register with Sierra Club and sign the online waiver.
The link is: https://tinyurl.com/3ax4e983You can watch a video preview of this hike at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isPawizM8AMDIRECTIONS: PLEASE READ
We will meet at the picnic area parking lot. Once you enter the park, drive to the parking lot located 1.8 miles from the ranger station. The picnic area is located at Little Lake Johnson. Look for the Sierra Club sign for your left turn, then drive in to where you see the two blue porta potties.Your entry fee will be reimbursed. Pay your fee, then bring me the receipt for reimbursement. After the hike, we'll go to nearby Johnny's BBQ in Keystone Heights. I will pay for your lunch.
The address is: 7411 SR 21 North, Keystone HeightsThe park is located at 6239 State Road 21, Keystone Heights, Florida 32656. Take Blanding Blvd 30 miles south from exit 12 off of I-295 West Beltway. You will go through Orange Park and Middleburg heading towards Keystone Heights. The entrance to the park is on the left. If you get to the town of Keystone Heights, you've gone too far. Park web site: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Mike-Roess
Bring bug spray and water. Children capable of a long hike with hills are welcome. No pets, please. There are restrooms at the trailhead.
- Active/Former Military Members ONLY - Paddleboard with St. Johns Co. Parks&RecDeep CreekBoat Ramp, Hastings, FL
This is a Sierra Club Military Outdoors event - a joint Sierra Club Northeast Florida and YMCA outing - FOR ACTIVE AND FORMER MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES ONLY.
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St. Johns County Parks and Recreation and the Sierra Club have partnered to provide military veterans with all abilities the opportunity to paddleboard our unique waterways in SJC.We will explore Deep Creek. This rural area is part of the St Johns River Management District and jointly owned by the state. The wetland/swamp is part of the St Johns River floodplain.
There are NO restrooms on site.
Please register and sign the Sierra Club waiver online NOW. The link is:
https://tinyurl.com/yzyj2u43DIRECTIONS:
The closest address is 7975 State Rd 207, Hastings, FL 32145. If you are heading west on 207 (towards Hastings) you will go through the light where 206 and 207 meet. You will then make the next U-turn and move over to the right lane (headed back to St. Augustine), there is a paved path on the right side just before you get back to the light at the 207/206 intersection. Look for a brown sign that says boat ramp on the right hand side.The trip will be approximately 2.5 hours; this includes a half hour for signing in, acquiring and fitting gear, and a mini paddling class. If you are bringing your own board or kayak please be sure to have a paddle and PFD (cannot be the type that self-inflate).
It is recommended that you bring:
- Headlmap
- Shoes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet (They must say on your feet for the entire duration of the trip.)
- Water
- Snack
- Rain Jacket
It is also recommended that personal items be secured in your vehicle or a dry bag, dry bags will not be provided. We are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or destroyed items.
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Our Sierra Club Northeast Florida partners with the YMCA to provide outdoor activities for current and former military members and their families. The goal of Military Outdoors is to improve the lives of veterans and their families through connections with the outdoors and inspire members of the military and veteran community to become outspoken champions for environmental conservation and justice. - Hike the Jacksonville ArboretumJacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, Jacksonville, FL
The Jacksonville Arboretum is a beautiful 120-acre urban woodland with three miles of easy trails.
- You can walk all three miles with us or bail out safely at several points if you want to walk less
- Kids are welcome
- Trails are beautiful and easy
- Trails aren't wheelchair or stroller friendly, but the short loop around the lake is.
We will meet at the entrance at 9:45 a.m. Bring insect repellent and water. Restrooms are available. Sorry, no pets.
You can preview the Arboretum at our Virtual Tours website at:
https://www.sierraclub.org/florida/northeast-florida/virtual-tours-and-programsNOTE: There is a $3 daily fee. Bring cash for easy payment or pay it online via PayPal or Venmo at:
https://www.jacksonvillearboretum.org/The Arboretum is close to I-295/Monument Road. When you exit I-295 at Monument Road go east for one block and turn left on Millcoe Road. The Arboretum entrance is on the right approximately 1/4 mile. The address is 1445 Millcoe Rd, 32225. We will meet in the parking lot.
Cancellation Policy: Event will be held rain or shine, but may be canceled if weather threatens safety such as in the case of lightning or high winds in the forecast. Also, if the heat index is forecast to be over 103, then the outing will be canceled. Participants are advised to check Meetup for current status before traveling to the event. Events may need to be canceled at short notice.
NOTE: You are required to sign our Participation Agreement to participate in our outings. To save time the day of the hike, we encourage you to sign the agreement online ahead of time at:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000TmuCBIAZ
A paper copy will also be available at the outing.* Help the environment by following these tips:
● Bring your water in a reusable container instead of a single-use plastic bottle
● Use sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are extremely harmful to coral reefs, as well as being hormone disruptors in humans.Sierra Club maintains a safe space agreement between participants, leaders, volunteers, and staff. We want to support everyone in exploring, enjoying, and protecting our natural environment, and hateful and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. We don’t want to deny participation in these outdoor programs and we will always say no to racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, impairment, and disruption. We request that all participants cooperate with the outing leader's direction to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for everyone.
- Hike Gold Head Branch State ParkMike Roess Gold Head State Park, Keystone Heights, FL
We will hike approximately 4.5 miles on a variety of terrain with some elevation changes. It's a beautiful hike along lakes, creeks, ponds, up to longleaf pine forests, and down into a ravine. While not extreme, this is a moderately challenging trail. Hiking poles may help.
Please register with Sierra Club and sign the online waiver.
The link is: https://tinyurl.com/2w5v6bhpFee: $4 single; $5 carload
You can watch a video preview of this hike at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isPawizM8AMDIRECTIONS: PLEASE READ
We will meet at the picnic area parking lot. Once you enter the park and pay your fee, drive to the parking lot located 1.8 miles from the ranger station. The picnic area is located at Little Lake Johnson. Look for the Sierra Club sign.After the hike, we can go to Johnny's BBQ at 7411 State Rd 21, Keystone Heights, for lunch.
The park is located at 6239 State Road 21, Keystone Heights, Florida 32656. Take Blanding Blvd 30 miles south from exit 12 off of I-295 West Beltway. You will go through Orange Park and Middleburg heading towards Keystone Heights. The entrance to the park is on the left. If you get to the town of Keystone Heights, you've gone too far. Park web site: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Mike-Roess
Bring bug spray and water. Children capable of a long hike with hills are welcome. No pets, please. There are restrooms at the trailhead.
Sierra Club maintains a safe space agreement between participants, leaders, volunteers, and staff. We want to support everyone in exploring, enjoying, and protecting our natural environment, and hateful and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. We don’t want to deny participation in these outdoor programs and we will always say no to racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, impairment, and disruption. We request that all participants cooperate with the outing leader's direction to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for everyone.
- Northbank Riverwalk and visit RAMRiverside Arts Market, Jacksonville, FL
This outing will provide an opportunity to both take a walk along the North bank Riverwalk, and then visit the Riverside Arts Market (RAM).
We'll meet near the amphitheater (located near the river) at RAM at 8:45 and then walk along the riverwalk, over the bridge with Love Locks, through Corkscrew Park (a public outdoor work out facility), past a battleship, and all the way to the boat/yacht club before we turnaround and head back. The total walk will be around 4 miles at a moderate pace. There will be some elevation changes.RAM advocates for the small businesses, artists, creators, and farmers of Jacksonville. The market serves as a vital economic outlet, acting as a community showcase of the arts and a communal gathering for farmers, artists, makers, and customers alike.
After the walk officially ends, we'll return to RAM, where you are free to browse, shop, or select lunch from a diversified plethora of food trucks. There may even be live entertainment from 12-1.
No pets on this outing. To be prepared for the walk, you’ll want to bring bottled water, good walking shoes, and sunblock*.
Please note there is free parking in the Black Knight/FIS parking lot next to the market.
715 Riverside Ave · Jacksonville, FLCancellation Policy: Event will be held rain or shine, but may be canceled if weather threatens safety such as in the case of lightning or high winds in the forecast. Also, if the heat index is forecast to be over 103, then the outing will be canceled. Participants are advised to check Meetup for current status before traveling to the event. Events may need to be canceled at short notice.
NOTE: You are required to sign our Participation Agreement to participate in our outings. To save time the day of the hike, we encourage you to sign the agreement online ahead of time at:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000TRNHeIAP
A paper copy will also be available at the outing.
* Help the environment by following these tips:
● Bring your water in a reusable container instead of a single-use plastic bottle
● Use sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are extremely harmful to coral reefs, as well as being hormone disruptors in humans.Sierra Club maintains a safe space agreement between participants, leaders, volunteers, and staff. We want to support everyone in exploring, enjoying, and protecting our natural environment, and hateful and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. We don’t want to deny participation in these outdoor programs and we will always say no to racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, impairment, and disruption. We request that all participants cooperate with the outing leader's direction to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for everyone.
- Hike the Sandridge Trail in Jennings State ForestJennings State Forest, Middleburg, FL
Explore with us the new Sandridge Trail in Jennings State Forest starting at the Old Recreation Area trailhead on the east side of the Forest on Live Oak Lane. This trail is beautifully designed and maintained by the same crew that developed the Pioneer Trail system on the western side of the Forest. The blazes are clearly marked and there is helpful hand-crafted wooden signage throughout the route. The trail passes through pine savannahs in a sandhill community, with gradual elevation changes on rolling hills.
These trails are well maintained and mostly sandy soil often covered by pine needles. There are occasional outcroppings of roots but the majority of the trail is smooth. The trail is a loop of about 7.2 miles with no early exit options. Please be aware of your stamina and strength and be sure you can complete this hike before signing on. If you don't think you can manage it, please look for a different hike from a number of offerings by Sierra Club or other local groups.
Our plan is to meet at 8:45 a.m. and begin the hike promptly at 9:00. We will hike at a moderate pace, taking breaks regularly and stopping for lunch or snack along the way.
Bring water, snacks/lunch, sun and bug protection*. Please carry enough water for several hours of strenuous activity - I would recommend about a liter minimum. Adequate footwear for the terrain. Hiking poles may be helpful if you use them.
NOTE: You are required to sign our Participation Agreement to participate in our outings. To save time the day of the hike, we encourage you to sign the agreement online ahead of time at:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000US8ChIAL
A paper copy will also be available at the outing.There are rest rooms at the trailhead at the Old Recreation Area, as well as a rest room at the halfway point along the trail that also services a campground .2 mile on a side trail off the Sandridge.
Cancellation Policy: Event will be held rain or shine, but may be cancelled if weather threatens safety such as in the case of lightning or high winds in the forecast. Also, if the heat index is forecast to be over 103, then the outing will be cancelled. Participants are advised to check Meetup for current status before traveling to the event. Events may need to be cancelled at short notice.
Sierra Club maintains a safe space agreement between participants, leaders, volunteers, and staff. We want to support everyone in exploring, enjoying, and protecting our natural environment, and hateful and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. We don’t want to deny participation in these outdoor programs and we will always say no to racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, impairment, and disruption. We request that all participants cooperate with the outing leader's direction to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for everyone.
- Active/Former Military Members ONLY - Paddleboard Fishing w/St. Johns Parks&RecVilano Landing Boat Ramp, St. Augustine, FL
St. Johns County Parks and Recreation and the Sierra Club have partnered to provide military veterans with all abilities the opportunity to paddleboard our unique waterways in SJC.
We will get you in hard-to-reach areas to fish without the hassle of a boat. All gear and bait provided.
Please register and sign the Sierra Club waiver online NOW. The link is:
https://tinyurl.com/yc3kwffrWe will be meeting at Vilano Landing Boat Ramp, located at 101 Vilano Causeway, St. Augustine. Please type in the address and not the name of the launch when using GPS systems to navigate to the site.
There are restrooms available.
The trip will be approximately 2.5 hours; this includes a half hour for signing in, acquiring and fitting gear, and a mini paddling class. If you are bringing your own board, please be sure to have a paddle and PFD (cannot be the type that self-inflate).
It is recommended that you bring:- Shoes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet (They must say on your feet for the entire duration of the trip.)
- Water
- Snack
- Rain Jacket
It is also recommended that personal items be secured in your vehicle or a dry bag, dry bags will not be provided. We are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or destroyed items.
- Active/Former Military Members: Hike Ft. George Island to Kingsley PlantationRibault Club, Jacksonville, FL
This is a Sierra Club Military Outdoors event - a joint Sierra Club Northeast Florida and YMCA outing - FOR ACTIVE AND FORMER MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES ONLY.
We'll start at the famous Ribault Club on Ft. George Island and hike to Kingsley Plantation. Along the way, we'll:
- Learn about the local Timucuan settlements
- Learn about the Ribault Club heydays
- Climb Mount Cornelia (elevation 64 feet), the highest point in this coastal region
- Talk about the mysterious "Oddball" discovered nearby by the Betz Family (see the WJCT podcast on "Oddball")
- Visit the once-busy port of Point Isabel.
We'll spend an hour or so visiting historic Kingsley Plantation, then return. Total distance is about four miles of flat, easy trails.
Preview this hike on our virtual tour found at:
https://youtu.be/gNAE7U2LzkYAfter our hike, we can go to the local Sand Dollar for lunch. The address is
9716 Hecksher Dr.Bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen. No pets (service dogs OK). OK for older kids who can keep up with adults.
You will need to register and sign a liability waiver.
Here's the link: https://tinyurl.com/yeetrzbwDirections:
Meet in the parking lot of the Ribault Club at 11241 Fort George Road, Fort George Island, Florida.
From Jax, take I-295 East Beltway north. After crossing the Dames Point Bridge, exit right to Heckscher Drive/Rt 105. Drive for about 9.5 miles. The entrance to Fort George Island is on the left shortly after the Mayport Ferry.
After turning on Fort George Road, at the fork bear to the right towards the Ribault Club. Drive about 1.5 miles until you see the Ribault Club on your right. Park in the lot on your left.Cancellation Policy: Event may be cancelled in case of rain or if weather threatens safety. Check Meetup for current status before traveling to the event. Events may need to be cancelled at short notice.
Help the environment by following these tips:
- Bring your water in a reusable container instead of a single-use plastic bottle
- Use sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are extremely harmful to coral reefs, as well as being hormone disruptors in humans.
