Wilderness Explorer Departs Key Largo on 4,500 Mile Conservation Trek
A wilderness explorer departed Key Largo for Quebec today on a trip powered by nothing but his own body. John Davis, a 47-year-old Essex, NY resident, launched his blue kayak into the sparkling waters of John Pennekamp State Park this morning to begin a 4,500 mile wilderness trek by foot, bike, kayak and skis. The trip will take him through some of Florida's most spectacular natural areas before heading up the Eastern U.S. this spring and summer and ending in Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula in November.
The Wildlands Network and Davis put together the epic trip known as TrekEast to showcase wilderness areas, promote connectivity and spur conservation action. Davis will, among other things, cycle across Everglades National Park and canoe through its Wilderness Waterway, slog through the Big Cypress National Preserve, cycle the Fakahatchee Strand, hike across the Kissimmee prairie, and hike from the Ocala to the Osceola National Forest.
Sierra Club joined him at the launch and will provide him information and support.
Davis will stay in touch with his followers by blogging about his journey. He will be carrying a solar-powered Iphone and GPS.
To follow Davis and learn more about TrekEast, visit The Wildands Network's TrekEast website.
—Jon Ullman, South Florida/Everglades Senior Organizer, Sierra Club