Scattered throughout the Tampa Bay Area, Hillsborough County has been able to acquire over 40,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands with thousands more awaiting approval to be acquired.  These acquisitions are key to the survival of some of Florida’s most unique ecosystems.  The preservation efforts do not end however with the acquisition of the land.  In fact, they have just begun at that point.  Often, the land will have to go through extensive habitat restoration.  This involves invasive species control, prescribed burning and other habitat improvement practices to return the habitat to its natural state. 

    Trips For Kids Tampa is committed to increasing the awareness of the ELAP Program and encouraging the public to become involved in the effort.  In addition, we have created the Earn-A-Bike program to encourage the young people we work with to get involved in conservation and preservation efforts.  Children  will have the opportunity to earn a mountain bike by volunteering on environmental projects such as trash clean up, invasive species control and habitat restoration. 

                                      ELAPP and the Public

    The majority of the ELAPP properties are open to the public.  Often tucked right in the middle of residential areas you will find ELAPP properties ranging from 100 acres to several thousand acres in size with miles of hiking trails.  Most residents probably drive by as many as 5 ELAPP properties a day on there way to work, not even noticing the inconspicuous small white sign and metal gate common to many ELAPP properties.  These properties can provide someone with hours of hiking through various pristine ecosystems rarely seen today, as well as an opportunity to see wildlife not often encountered.  The following link has a list of every ELAPP property as well a brief description and address.  Next time you are bored or have a little bit of time to kill, go for a walk and experience Florida as it once was.  Hopefully you will be encouraged to become involved in the effort to preserve our dwindling natural habitats. We are fortunate to live in a county that has taken more of an effort to enhance our environment than any other in the state, but if the public does not stay involved and support the ELAP Program it will not be able to keep receiving the funding it needs to survive.  Please join us in our effort to promote the efforts being made by the ELAP Program.

 

  http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/conservationservices/elapp.cfm

  

  click here to learn more about becoming a Trips For Kids Tampa Volunteer