April 2018 - Parks & Recreation - 45

The 1,000-mile main trail of Alaska's Iditarod
National Historic Trail system was formerly
known as the Seward to Nome trail.

Celebrating 50 Years of Protection
During this year's 50th anniversary
of rivers and trails, groups across the
country are celebrating their rivers and

trails
through community building events.
Check out river festivals, like FeatherFest
celebrating California's Feather River
and NoliFest celebrating Tennessee's
Nolichucky River. Or, participate in
educational and artistic events, like
Northern Arizona University's first
Student Water Symposium and writers'
retreats on the Salmon and Missouri
Rivers. On June 2, National Trails
Day will feature guided hikes and
rides on trails across the country. The
Arizona Trail Association will traverse
the entire Arizona National Scenic
Trail in a day, and the National Pony

Photo courtesy of Bob Wick,
Bureau of Land Management

Wekiva Wild and Scenic River
Crossing the Florida Nationall
Scenic Trail multiple times, thee
Wekiva Wild and Scenic Riv-er is a complex mix of springs,,
seepages, sinkholes and blackkwater streams. Since almostt
all the river flows through statee
forests, preserves and parks, lo-cal communities are vital to thee
management of this " partner-ship " river - a unique category
y
of designated rivers managed
d
through long-term partnershipss
between federal and state govern-ment and citizen stakeholders..
The Wekiva's subtropical river
basin supports diverse plant and animal
life, including the needle palm, shield
fern, gopher tortoise, Florida black bear
and American alligator. Paddlers and
fishermen enjoy hour- or day-long trips
on this river's popular paddle trails.
Learn more about visiting these and other National Trails at www.trails50.org and
Wild and Scenic Rivers at www.rivers.gov.

n
ac Heritage Trail Associatio
Photo courtesy of Potom

Flagler National Recreation Trail
The Flagler Trail, designated as a Seminole County, Florida " Showcase Trail, "
is located along an abandoned railroad
and runs for approximately 14 miles.
The journey begins at the St. Johns River Trailhead and Lake Harney State Wilderness Area. Along the way, experience
an untouched, completely shaded canopy of trees. The entire Flagler Trail is
designated for local unpaved horseback
riding and also allows bicycling. The
southern portion of the trail is part of
the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Cyclists survey the land from the
Salisbury Viaduct along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

Express Association will
E
complete
a Re-Ride, from
c
California
to Missouri.
C
These and countless other
e local events embody the
unique
connections people
u
have
to all rivers and trails
h
- scenic, historic, wild or
otherwise - and to the federal, state, regional, county and city public lands and
open spaces that surround them. You
can participate in this unique time in
river and trail history by joining existing
celebrations or spearheading a new community event or activity where you live.
Learn more about river events near you
at https://arcg.is/15j9nC and trail events
at https://arcg.is/4OP9H.
Lisa Ronald is the Wild & Scenic Rivers 50th
Anniversary Coordinator (lisa@wilderness.net).
Leigh Schmidt is the Communications
Coordinator for Trails 50 (communications@
trails50.org).

W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | A P R I L 2 0 1 8 |

Parks & Recreation

April 2018 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2018 - Parks & Recreation