Mike Adams and Sam Carr of the Bartram Trail Society of Florida discussed the history and natural beauty of the recreational trail that covers 2,500 miles in the Southeast during Combined Circles: Bartram Trail Tales on January 12. The trails include many hiking, biking, paddling, and driving opportunities surrounding the St. Johns River in Northeast Florida.

Combined Circles is an occasional program that allows members of garden circles to meet at the Garden Club of Jacksonville for fellowship and camaraderie.

Sam Carr is a retired district manager for Ford Motor Company and now spends his time enjoying and promoting the St. Johns River. The St. Johns Riverkeeper recently recognized him as the St. Johns River Advocate of the Year. He enjoys fishing from his kayak and exploring the outdoors with his grandchildren and his wife of 37 years, Lorraine. He chaired a committee to establish the Bartram Trail in Putnam County and served two terms as a governor’s appointment to the Florida Greenways & Trails Council. Sam is the President of the Bartram Trail Conference and the Bartram Trail Society of Florida. He is pursuing the establishment of the Bartram Trail National Heritage Corridor covering all 2,500 miles of Bartram’s travels throughout the southeast. Sam’s experiences with establishing trails and collaborations with groups has led him to working with agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Park Service, the Florida Humanities Council, and the Department of the Interior. 

Mike Adams is a conservation ecologist, researcher, educator, and author. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, with studies in anthropology, and a master’s degree in environmental management. He has lived and worked in Northeast Florida for 41 years, spanning roles in state government, consulting, education, and nonprofits. In semi-retirement, he and his wife of 31 years, Carole, manage and reside on Saturiwa Private Conservation Area along the St. Johns River. He provides conservation and ecological lectures and tours, writes a nature column for a local newspaper, serves as Vice President of the Bartram Trail Society of Florida, and volunteers for Marineland Right Whale Project, St. Johns Riverkeeper, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Forest Service. In 2018, he received the prestigious Stetson Kennedy Foundation Fellow Man and Mother Earth Award. He brings natural history to life with his colorful and exciting portrayals of colonial naturalist William Bartram.  

Resources

More programs

  • Read about the Garden Club’s virtual programs here.
  • You can register for these programs on our events page.