Ranger said he's been a problem for years. What sold, and for how much? Wild turkeys and monkeys loiter in the parks. It covers 607 square miles (1,570km2) of northern Florida. 2. There are incredible wildlife values that are in the area, McCarthy said. The PCT is pretty 420 friendly. It's been ranked among the "10 Coolest Places You've Never Been in North America" by World Wildlife Fund, and it certainly deserves a spot on your radar. During that time all camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground. So, what do you think about The Florida Trail? Its nearly 400,000 acres are located in Lake, Marion, and Putnam counties, and contain several hundred lakes, as well as Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Springs. We have hitchhiked into town many times and have yet to be disappointed or scared. General gun season runs from mid-November to early January. The Atlantic examined this unique and overlooked danger to women, He said rangers have found people cooking methamphetamine in their campers or by the campfire.In the past year, the US Forest Service has discovered 20 meth labs in the Ocala National Forest. Fall is a great time of year to visit the Ocala National Forest. If the reasons why you shouldn't carry a gun aren't already self evident, then we probably can't convince you otherwise, but let's give it a try: The risk of accident alone when carrying a gun, to yourself and others, is not worth it. It providescritical habitat to the regions animals. Mountain bikes are ideal and encouraged for this environment.[3]. Big Bass Lake southernmost campsite in the forest, known as a halfway mark between, Big Scrub two miles (3km) northeast of Doe Lake campsite, the nearest town is Moss Bluff, Buck Lake three miles (5km) north of Altoona, six miles (10km) north of, Alexander Springs about four miles (6km) northeast of Buck Lake, close to CR 445, ten miles (16km) southwest of, Lake Delancy northernmost major campsite, three miles (5km) east of Rodman Reservoir, 10 miles (16km) southeast of. Tell them your lazy friends are dragging ass behind P-3 Orion and P-8 Poseidon aircraft will also use an instrumented range in the southeast quadrant of Lake George to conduct aerial mining training utilizing inert 500lb mines. The forests porous sands and largely undeveloped character provide an important recharge for the Floridan Aquifer. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Indeed 106 km of the famed Florida National Scenic Trail is part of Ocala, with numerous recreation areas to stop at and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Longleaf pine used to dominate the Southeast, McCarthy said. "A group has developed almost like a gang controlling an area in a city, where people know that they can't go because they control that," Lint said. Some additional hiking destinations in Florida include Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Little Talbot Island, Big Shoals State Park, Bulow Creek State Park, Little Manatee River State Park, Torreya State Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Osceola National Forest, Collier-Seminole State Park, and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Near the Juniper Prairie Wilderness and Juniper Springs is "The Yearling Trail", the location where The Yearling was filmed. Sun Plaza Motel, 5461 E Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, (352) 236-2343. Promote your events on our website, membership directory and social media accounts. Trail winds within a mile or two of most towns. cluster into informal camps and hang around for 2-4 weeks with people constantly coming and going. The Ocala National Forest contains a high proportion of remaining inland scrub habitat and is noted for its sand pine scrub ecosystem. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WESH-TV. With miles of OHV trails and muddy terrain, theres plenty of fun to be had behind the wheel of a ATV in Ocala. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates water vessels and should be consulted for safety requirements, registration and other regulations. The FTA includes a list of Trail Angels in its "thru-hiker packet." To help us meet this goal, certain activities, such as firewood . Ocala is also full of campsites, hiking trails, and great boating access with plenty of fishing and snorkeling in the area. So, to properly capture this other-worldly destination, we partnered with the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau to create a breathtaking film on the forest. Perhaps it is because the NRA and others 12-position 100-yard rifle/handgun shooting range Shopping for groceries? Last December, mid-pandemic and emerging from a decade of family loss, my partner Daniel and I moved to Silver Springs. The forest contains the largest concentration of sand pine in the world as well as some of the best remaining stands of longleaf pine in central Florida. Read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here, heres our favorite hotel near the Ocala National Forest, 14 BREATHTAKING National Park Videos to Inspire Your Next Trip, 10+ Must See National Parks This Fall (A Stunning Guide), Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, UTAH National Parks ROAD TRIP: An Epic Guide + Overlooked Spots, ALL 63 National Parks Ranked from Best to Worst 2021, 10 Best National Parks Road Trips in America, The DESCHUTES is Americas Most Beautiful National Forest (Photos), Gifford Pinchot: A 2023 Lesson from Americas First Forester, See Idahos EPIC Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (+ Video), Boating (kayaking, canoeing, motors, etc). Do's and Don'ts for Campers in Ocala National Forest, List of Criminal Activity in Ocala National Forest Since 2005, Improving Recreation Management on the Ocala National Forest, Current Rules and Regulations (Changes that take effect July 1 to be posted next week. A major component of the area's appeal is its location within the Ocala-to-Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor, a 100-mile chain of public and private lands connecting the two national forests and . Florida is an outdoor lover's paradise, offering everything from swamplands to coastal views, dense forests, caves, rivers, and everything in between. Ocala: 1-352-351-4718 or Gainesville: 1-352-451-4513 frontdesk@showcaseocala.com The Ocala National Forest has an accommodating climate for year-round recreation. Nature has this funny way of protecting us and providing all of this for us, and we just take advantage of it, he added. Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands. under the US90 bridge crossing the Suwannee River - festivals at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park seem to attract at least a few drifters who end up camped under the nearby bridges Wildcat Lake - campsite, boat launching, and water skiing area along State Road 40 0.9 miles (1.4km) east of State Road 19. In fact, study after study has shown that owning a gun makes women in particular more likely Your email address will not be published. The only difference, we're more spread out," Forest Service law enforcement officer Chris Crain said. The only difference, we're more spread out," Forest Service law enforcement officer Chris Crain said.With only two forest rangers patrolling 400,000 acres, it's going to take a very long time to get this Wild West back under control.Additional Resources: One single-station, self-throw shotgun pad Alexander Beach entices with a beach-like shore, making it easy to inch into the water gradually, and Juniper Springs has remnants of an old pioneer village. The National Forests in Florida manage three national forests: the Apalachicola, Osceola and Ocala. Hunting is very popular in the Osceola National Forest. The Ocala National Forest lies between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers in North Florida. The Forest Service manages the national forests for multiple uses, including recreation, timber, wilderness, minerals, water, grazing, fish and wildlife. The Navy has used the area for target practice for 50 years under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Its nearly 400,000 acres are located in Lake, Marion, and . In the wild heart of Florida lies this primeval forest teeming with rare birds, alligators, manatees, and jaw-droppingly beautiful natural springs. The forest contains several slow-moving rivers and numerous wet "prairies". In other words, you won't save any money at the campground versus a hotel in Palatka. When it enters aquifer recharge areas like the forest, however, people get a free and natural way to purify and replenishdrinkingwater. Some areas are restricted to off-road vehicles; a detailed forest map can help provide information on areas open to off-road vehicles. A $26.50 Wildlife Management Area Permit is required for all hunters (except those indicated as exempt) to hunt in this area. Lake George Ranger District 4-wheeling, ATV riding, quad biking, or just plain wheeling is a popular past time in the Ocala National Forest. Once in someone's car, be alert. Free The forest is also home to drug dealers, stabbings and gangs of squatters who run off, threaten and harm anyone who gets in their way. Ocala National Forest Camping: Campendium has 133 reviews of 22 Campgrounds in Ocala National Forest. While thru-hiking exercise a Swimming, boating, water skiing, kayaking, and paddling are popular activities. The summer season is much warmer and wetter. Commuting across SR 40 in Silver Springs, I see neglect, litter and unmet potential, not to diminish the efforts of a handful of intrepid entrepreneurs selling whoopie pies and providing unique and valuable goods and services. If reconnected, boaters could travel from the forest to the Atlantic Ocean, and a healthier waterway would also result in increased tourism revenue and employment in Marion and Putnam counties, say stacks of reports by scientists and economists. We're so inspired by Florida's natural scenery, in fact, that we put together a road trip that will lead you to the best natural wonders. Salt Springs and Alexander Springs are part of theGreat Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Enjoy The Creekside Hiking Trails At The Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve In Florida, The One Loop Trail In Florida Thats Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year, If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Florida, Make Them These, 7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Florida To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead, The Tucked-Away Forest Setting For This Short Loop Hike In Florida Is Transcendent, The Landbridge Trailhead In Florida Is The Very First Wildlife Bridge In The State, The One-Of-A-Kind Trail In Florida With Black Bears And Boardwalks Is Quite The Hike, Come Hike Through The Florida Treasure Known As Hidden Waters Preserve, This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Florida Like Youve Never Seen It Before. A travel destination in its own right, the Ocala features more than 600 lakes and rivers where visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, canoeing and boating. Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! They No you wont find the mountain peaks and valleys commonly associated with other national forests here. I'm not sure what that code is. The crystal clear waters of these immaculate springs have been marveled upon by humans for thousands of years and are sure to blow you away when you visit. In the past year, the US Forest Service has discovered 20 meth labs in the Ocala National Forest. We happen to like this one because it works AND its not full of a bunch of chemicals. Have you heard about this dangerous hike before? Stay vigilant and avoid startling or provoking alligators in any way. sand pine, and oak hammocks. They are a The Ocala National Forest, established in 1908, is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River[1] and the southernmost national forest in the continental U.S. You may make reservations online or by telephone, toll free: 877 444-6777. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case. Hopefully Ive given you enough of a nudge to check out this spectacular and underrated outdoor destination. Hitching a ride might take a little longer than on the AT or PCT, but it will happen. One of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the state is Ocala National Forest. Listings Map. McCarthy says the trust has had the area on its radar for over two years and has beenlooking at it more closely the last year and a half. These developed sites offer varying levels of facilities. You might run into a few Rainbows, but Ocala NF is a big place and their camps are usually far away from the Trail itself. The Ocala Forest is also known for having over 600 natural lakes and ponds. The temperatures for the dry months of November through February range from a daily average of 50 F to a high of 72 F. The summer season is much warmer and wetter. In addition, each national forest has different rules as outlined below. One of those meth labs blew up at the campground at Lake Dorr.Forest rangers said the forest has become the Wild West of the new millennium.Even in broad daylight, the I-Team stumbled upon a naked man riding his bike out the woods. Would they ask a woman to leave her large purse outside? But whats surprising is that so many hikers and even Florida residents havent even heard of the hike! To find out more, visit freetheocklawaha.com. Here visitors can discover a primeval forest teeming with rare birds, alligators, manatees, and jaw-droppingly beautiful natural springs. likelihood that you will be killed. The Florida Trail is not the PCT. This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee (annual pass). The Ocala National Forest is home to 14 developed campgrounds and two cabins that can be rented. Male hikers are not asked if they carry a gun as often as women. There is a "campground" in Starke, but tent camping is banned within the Yes theres a quiet, intimate beauty to be found in the Ocala National Forest and its sure to amaze you if you let it. Both of these pine communities are sustained by frequent fires. Hunting seasons, permits, limits and other rules are posted on the FWC website atApalachicola WMA Brochure Detail. When prisoners are released, they often end up Beneath a tightly-knit canopy of live oaks, Juniper Springs is a beautiful pool of crystalline water in the heart of the desert-like Big Scrub. An official website of the Around 600 springs, lakes and rivers interrupt palmettos and rows of sand pines. Dates are updated every year in the FWC WMA brochure for the Osceola National Forest. Of these wilderness areas, Juniper Prairie Wilderness is the only one with foot trails. The black bear population has its highest concentration here. It was built with the cooperation of the U.S. Forest Service with funding provided by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR).[4]. Ocala National Forest Area Status: Open Nestled between well-known theme parks and white, sandy beaches, the jewels of the Ocala National Forest attract visitors from around the world. RELATED: 10+ Must See National Parks This Fall (A Stunning Guide). Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. "I've met a 450-pound bear one night which scared me less than these people," she said.She's witnessed beatings, rapes and stabbings by members of squatter gangs. This is always strange, since the question assumes the woods are filled with vagrants and besides, homeless people are not inherently 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL (850) 488-4676 McCarthy is hopeful that the"tremendous outpouring of supporthes received will translate into the acquisitionmoney. Once a popular artery for loggers, growers and tourists, the river nearly dried up when the federal government cut off its connection to the Silver and St. Johns rivers. The I-Team came across another man who said he's been living in the forest off and on for the past seven years. He has a daughter, doesnt own a phone or computer, and holds a masters in counseling psychology. you, or something similar. General gun season runs from mid-November to early January. The forest offers a variety of activity options for locals and tourists alike! Get more stories delivered right to your email. "I came in here and said that's not acceptable. Ocala National Forest is a vast wilderness where you can pitch a tent along a trail or station your recreational vehicle at one of 14 developed campgrounds. Ocala, Marion County deed transfers from March 8-12, Marion County seeks federal funds to provide Lowell area with central water, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. McCarthy says this wouldbegin toease some of the management challengesthat come with having a "doughnut hole" of sorts insidethe forest area. Leave No Trace: Were big fans of Leave No Trace, here at MTJP. A new trail system was added in 2008 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the forest. Suite F-210 Explore one of 12 easy hiking trails in Ocala National Forest that are great for the whole family. If you will be hiking alone and are uncomfortable hitching, there is good news. A major component of the areas appeal is its location within the Ocala-to-Osceola(O2O)Wildlife Corridor, a100-milechain of public and private lands connecting the two national forests and spanning 1.6 million acres. Both are proven highly effective against mosquitoes and ticks for 12 hours and are approved as safe to use by the EPA. Regulations concerning hunting dogs can be found in FWC's. The misty Ocklawaha floodplains impart a lost-in-time, deep-in-the Amazon feeling. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Us too! Learn how to safely store food with these handy tips. They tied one guy to a tree using duct tape because he didn't live up to their code. Osceola & Apalachicola National Forests - a few campsites are free, accessible by car, and do not have on-site campground hosts. Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs and Clearwater Lake now take reservations through ReserveUSA, in addition to a first-come, first-serve basis. Ocala National Forest is located near Belleview, Lady Lake and Ocala. The Ocala National Forest has four wilderness areas designated by Congress as places where habitats are untrammeled by man, protected and managed to preserve their natural state. The United States Navy's Pinecastle Bombing Range in the Ocala National Forest is the only place on the East Coast where the Navy can do live impact training. ( COPYRIGHT REGISTRY TAMPA BAY 2023 | WEBSITE AND BRANDING BY THE MUG CREATIVE, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/ocala/recreation, https://castawaysontheriver.com/rentals/cottage-rentals/, https://www.facebook.com/kernsfamilykitchen/, https://www.marioncountyfl.org/departments-agencies/departments-o-z/parks-and-recreation/ma-barker-house, https://www.facebook.com/FloridaBlackBearScenicByway/, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1124193221068730/permalink/1972066812948029. Take your pack into the woods with you. Ocala has a wide variety of wildlife. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Ocala National Forest Recreational Activities, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. At over 1,000 miles from Big Cypress National Preserve to Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore, learn all about the most dangerous hike in Florida. Checking into a motel? Meanwhile, the black bears in the Ocala National Forest are mostly harmless, but theyll let you know when they dont want to be bothered with whats called a bluff charge.. Some of the destinations along the way include Falling Waters State Park in Chipley, Florida Caverns State Park, Torreya State Park, Devil's Den, Ocala National Forest, Blowing Rocks Preserve, Everglades National Park, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. A permit is required for all hunters (except those indicated as exempt) to hunt in this area. List of Criminal Activity in Ocala National Forest Since 2005 If you are hiking alone, never tell this to someone you dont know on or off the trail. She's witnessed beatings, rapes and stabbings by members of squatter gangs. President Johnson set off the first blast of deforestation, and the resulting river stagnation gave way to invasive plant species and diminished wildlife. FromSilver Springsto Juniper Springs, Marion County has numerous household names when it comes to nature preserves and recreation areas. The springs, especially Silver Glen, can get quite crowded in the summer months so we recommend the fall or winter if you want to soak in the beauty of the springs without the crowds. Sunscreen: For many of us visiting national forests in the summer means lots of sun. What are the top natural wonders in Florida? Migratory songbirds are seasonally abundant along the wooded trail to Salt Springs. Learn more about the full itinerary when you read our previous article: This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Florida Like Youve Never Seen It Before. If you can go anytime, I recommend enjoying a nice respite from the cold in this underrated outdoor destination. Dry, sandy areas support Florida longleaf pine sandhills and Florida peninsula inland scrub. Forest riding trails are old roads 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4m) wide, marked at intervals with painted spots called blazes on the trees. Put your pack in a shopping cart and push it around with you. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock I think they make it up as they go along," she said.That's why the Forest Service has begun cracking down, making more arrests, writing more tickets, stiffening the rules that say who can stay in the woods and reducing the time campers can stay to only two weeks before having to leave. The terraces flora-bordered pond looks so inviting that a baby gator once popped in to take a dip. During that time all camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground. Security guards have their guns taken from them at alarming rates, and you run a similar risk of having your own gun turned on you. Forest rangers said the forest has become the Wild West of the new millennium. these two towns, Florida State Prison and Union Correctional Institution. Marijuana is legal for recreational use in Washington & Oregon, and legal for medical use in California. OCALA CANNIBALS ROLLER DERBY Skate Away South is our home rink. Would you please In short, it's a hiking enthusiast's dream come true. Regardless, here are the places you are most likely to meet a homeless person: North of Ocala the Florida Trail passes within a few miles of Starke and soon after the trail goes through the town of Lake Butler. A part of the fabric of everyday life for thousands of people who live in communities inside and around its boundaries, the Ocala National Forest is a significant public resource for residents and visitors alike. One of those meth labs blew up at the campground at Lake Dorr. It's here you'll find beautiful scenery and even caves to explore. If youd like to be on the safe side you can purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks or online here). There are many trails for horseback riding in the forest. Even though Florida black bears don't really love humans, they sure do love the food and garbage we leave behind. Suite F-100 'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality. Whether you prefer short-and-sweet trails or something challenging and invigorating, you're bound to find a memorable hiking experience in Florida. At least two of those labs blew up into balls of flames. Ocala Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is part of the Ocala National Forest, the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River. I'm not sure what that code is. Tallahassee, FL 32303 Please remember to get a valid hunting license and follow all regulations outlined by the FWC. Fishing is another popular activity on the Ocala and renting a boat is a great way to enjoy a day of fishing. Located in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs is 90 minutes north of Orlando, 22 miles due east of Silver Springs on State Road 40. Fore Lake- Government campsite located 6.5 miles north of Hwy 40 on CR 314. The trust would also consider pursuing other areas that borderLake Kerr through purchase or donationbut are not currentlypart of theBig Pine PreserveorOcala National Forest. Currently, two trail systems offer a variety of recreation experiences: (1) the Ocala North OHV Trail System offers a longer experience with six distinct trail loops totaling 125 miles (201km) and (2) the Wandering Wiregrass OHV Trail in the Southeast portion of the forest offers shorter day-use riding with a trail length of 17 miles (27km). Our neighbors to the right, Terry and Lillian Gease, moved here from Holiday around four years ago and have accentuated their yard with a garden and patio. Now that you've learned all about the Florida Trail, one of the most dangerous hikes in Florida, it's time to dive into some other remarkable hiking spots in the Sunshine State. Hitchhiking is a part of trail culture on the FT and every other National Scenic Trail. Recreational opportunities abound on the many water bodies of the Ocala National Forest as well as on land. Dates are updated every year in the FWC WMA brochure for the Osceola National Forest. But the quiet scrub brush and pine also hides an ugly secret. Take rides from people who are clearly a part of the outdoor community like day hikers and fishermen. When rain falls over land, it usually runs off into other bodies of water. Originally from Montana, Todd Foster shared that his grandmother is a full-blooded Cherokee. "They make up their own rules. History can be found all around us: Seminole and Timicuan relics, wartime remnants, pioneer settlements, a replica of a prehistoric beast found in the springs. This thru-hike remains one of the most dangerous hikes in Florida and is not for the faint of heart. They work as day laborers in Tavares, Eustis and Ocala earning between $50 and $150 a day. They tied one guy to a tree using duct tape because he didn't live up to their code. The best time to visit the Ocala National Forest is during the Winter when the temperatures are mild and pleasant (highs in the mid 70s), crowd sizes are down, and the year-round constant temperature of the natural springs can continue to be enjoyed. The results are pretty stunning if I do say so. The word Ocala is thought to be a derivative of a Timucuan term meaning "fair land" or "big hammock". Summer sees tourists and locals flock to the forests famed natural springs, with the most popular ones seeing cars lined up for nearly a mile in the morning before opening. These fears are not entirely irrational either, with 2,727 deaths in U.S. national parks over the past twelve years. Getting it into the Florida Forever area was significant because it opens up the possibility of Florida Forever funding, so that was incrediblyimportant, Jim McCarthy, president of the trust, said. Since the area sitsadjacent to Lake Kerr, spanning half a mile of the shoreline, water quality impacts from developmentarea main concern. The Ocala National Forest is a wildlife management area, in which hunting and fishing activities are managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Navy drops nearly 20,000 bombs a year at the site, a few hundred of which are live. Unlike the AT and PCT, the Florida Live ordnance is restricted to the Live Ordnance Impact Area; inert ordnance is used on all other targets. The Ocala Forest is also known for having over 600 natural lakes and ponds. Plus the natural springs offer the perfect place to cool off on those hot summer days. All rights reserved. There are numerous affordable lodging options in nearby Ocala to suit any need. Hiking trails, boating, and driving the forest roads are a great way to spot wildlife throughout the forest. Situated in north central Florida, the Ocala National Forest comprises 430,447 acres of immense beauty. 850-523-8500. "I've met a 450-pound bear one night which scared me less than these people," she said. AllTrails has 22 great trails for hiking, walking, and camping and more. Some of the best trails include the One Hundred Mile trail and the LAM trail. A few hundred feet from Silver Glen,The YearlingTrail takes hikers past the home, tombstones and other landmarks of the real-life Long family that inspired Marjorie Kinnan Rawlingss novel. Some areas are designated fee areas, such as the popular springs in the forest, but no fees are required in the rest of the forest. Castaways on the River, clean and comfy cottages along the St. Johns River in Astor, Fla.: https://castawaysontheriver.com/rentals/cottage-rentals/, Ocalafornia Eco-Retreat Center, https://www.ocalafornia.com/, Kerns Family Kitchen, Silver Springs: https://www.facebook.com/kernsfamilykitchen/, Odd Todds, Salt Springs: https://facebook.com/Oddtodds/, The National Association of Counties Funding Campaign the USDA: http://naco.org, Free the Ocklawaha: https://www.freetheocklawaha.com/, Blackwater Inn on the St. Johns River: https://blackwaterinn.com/, Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center: https://www.marionschools.net/Page/50763, Ma Barker House in town of Ocklawaha: https://www.marioncountyfl.org/departments-agencies/departments-o-z/parks-and-recreation/ma-barker-house, Capt Ernie Brundage St. Johns River Tours: http://www.stjohnsrivertours.com/, Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway: https://www.facebook.com/FloridaBlackBearScenicByway/, Ocala National Forest Pictures & Wildlife Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1124193221068730/permalink/1972066812948029.