Just for Kids

What does it mean to be a Florida Trail Junior Explorer?

Florida Trail Junior Explorers pledge to help protect and conserve the natural, historic and scenic resources of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Junior Explorers also pledge to learn about the trail, share what they know with others and have fun while exploring!

What is the Florida Trail?

The Florida National Scenic Trail, or Florida Trail for short, is one of 11 National Scenic Trails within the United States. The Florida Trail is 1,500 miles long, running from Big Cypress National Preserve in the southern tip of Florida all the way to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the Florida panhandle. The Florida Trail is run by the U.S. Forest Service but it travels through public and private lands managed by over 76 partners throughout the state. The Florida Trail is the perfect place to get outdoors and experience the natural beauty of Florida.

How do I use this page?

This page is your virtual guide to adventure on the Florida Trail. As a Junior Explorer, you will learn about the natural, historic and scenic resources found on the trail and how to protect them too. Complete the activities during a rainy day at home to prepare for hiking the trail!

Humans do a lot of things that positively impact the environment, like conserving natural lands or volunteering for beach clean ups. Humans also do a lot of things that negatively impact the environment, like leaving trash or introducing non-native species into ecosystems. Not littering is one of the easiest ways to practice stewardship. Leaving one piece of trash might not seem like a big deal, but if everyone left one then there would be a big impact. Solve the math problems below to find out long it takes for trash to decompose.

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Click on HERE for a downloadable pdf and answer key.

Learn more about trash decomposition on the Leave No Trace website.

The Florida Trail passes through many different ecosystems. An ecosystem is made up of all the living and non-living parts of the environment. These include plants, animals, organisms and the weather, sunlight, soil and water that interacts with them. These Florida ecosystems are home to many native species, or plants and animals that are found naturally in Florida, maybe even nowhere else.

An endangered species is a rare plant or animal whose population is in danger of becoming extinct. There are many rare, protected and endangered species living in habitats along the Florida Trail. Learn more on our Nature on the Trail page. And to get a better look at the wildlife, bring binoculars on your next adventure!

Put your skills to the test and finish the Florida Trail Crossword Puzzle!

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Click HERE for a downloadable pdf and answer key.

As a Florida Trail Junior Explorer, it is up to you to be an environmental steward. This means taking responsibility to care for the environment. You can do this at home by saving water and reducing, reusing and recycling. Outdoors, you can practice stewardship by learning Leave No Trace principles or practicing “LNT.”

Complete the cryptogram to reveal a hidden message!

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Click HERE for a downloadable pdf and answer key.

Learn the Leave No Trace Principles

1) Know Before You Go: Before your next trip, look up weather, directions and maps of the Florida Trail. Don’t forget to bring appropriate clothing to protect you from rain, heat or cold!

2) Chose the Right Path: The Florida Trail is marked with orange blazes. Stay on the main trail while you are out to protect animal habitat. Use established campsites or make sure to camp 200 feet away from the trail, water or roads.

3) Trash Your Trash: Make sure that anything you take into the woods you also take out of the woods. If you pack it in, then pack it out! If you use the bathroom while hiking, make sure to be 200 feet away from water.

4) Leave What You Find: Take only pictures and leave only footprints. As a Junior Explorer, it is important that you leave everything looking the same or better than you found it.

5) Be Careful With Fire: Even though prescribed fires are important for ecosystems, campfires are not. Only build campfires in existing fire rings with small, dead wood found onthe ground. Be sure your campfire is completely out before you leave.

6) Respect Wildlife: Watch wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed or follow any animals you find on the trail. One of the best ways to see wildlife is by using binoculars instead of getting close. When you are camping, seal food tightly and store it out of reach of any animals.

7) Be Kind to Other Visitors: Preserve the natural quiet of the outdoors and avoid yelling or making lots of loud noises, it might scare away wildlife! Be respectful to any other visitors while you are on the trail.

The Florida Trail started as a dream to make a trail that traveled from the Everglades to the northern border of Florida. Through collaboration and perseverance, the Florida Trail was named a National Scenic Trail in 1983 for its outstanding natural, cultural, historic and scenic resources. Today the trail travels 1,500 miles and is one of 11 National Scenic Trails, or long distance hiking trails, designated by the United States Congress.

Before you start your journey on the Florida Trail, it is important to think of safety first! Being prepared is one of the easiest ways for Junior Explorers to stay safe on their adventures.

Complete the word search to prepare for your next Florida Trail Adventure!

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Click HERE for a downloadable pdf and answer key.