Take a walk with Mother Nature

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Pelican Way and Deer Run nature trails received a transformation in only eight days, with the help of the 2012 National Public Lands Defense Department Legacy Award and more than 40 volunteers.

Volunteers under the new Adopt-A-Trail program provided the labor for the trail projects.

Tyndall Natural Resources began an Adopt-a-Trail volunteer program in 2012.The volunteer groups that participated include four trail sponsor teams: Tyndall Chiefs, Tyndall Top III, First Shirts and the 772nd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron. Students at the Paul W. Airey NCO Academy and the Gulf Coast Women's Club Conservation Group provided additional labor.

"These improvements increased the visibility of the trails to encourage more users to discover unique native ecosystems, such as marshes, coastal dunes and pine forests," said Wendy Jones, 325th Civil Engineering Squadron Natural Resources wildlife biologist. "The nature trails provide an educational journey through multiple ecosystems, highlighting the natural resources unique to Florida and the Air Force's commitment to the stewardship of these resources.

"Improving the access and safety encourages more visitors, including guided tours for school and youth groups," Ms. Jones said. "Maintaining the existing trail network is important to protect native vegetation by keeping people on the trail and out of sensitive coastal and woodland habitats."

The maintenance renovations, including viewing binoculars, were installed at the Pelican Roost Pavilion, allowing for expanded observation of birds and marine life in the bay.

"We take the Pelican Way trail most often since it is closest to our home and we can walk there easily taking our dog and the beach at end of the trail is great," said Karen DeVite, wife of 325th Fighter Wing command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Raymond DeVite."You never know what kind of marine life you will find. I feel people are missing out if they do not take advantage of these great trails and all they have to offer."

The nature trails are open to the public, after acquiring a Natural Resources Recreation Permit.

"Our family loves to explore the outdoors and the trails here at Tyndall give us a great way to do just that," said Mrs. DeVite. "All the trails are well maintained. Some trails have posted signs along the way that make it easy to learn about the surrounding nature. We probably explore a trail at least once a month."

For more information, contact Natural Resources at (850) 283-2822.