​What We Are

    •    FOTWST is a Citizen Support Organization (CSO) for the Withlacoochee State Trail (WST).  

    •    We are a not-for-profit charitable organization qualified under IRS section 501(c)(3).  

    •    We work in conjunction with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) — specifically its parks/trails division.  

 

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Why This Matters for You Locally

    •    The Trail passes very near Inverness, your local community.

    •    By participating with FOTWST, you’re helping improve a facility that you likely use or could use for recreation, health, transportation, or community involvement.

    •    Your involvement means you can influence decisions (amenities, maintenance, interpretation) that directly affect your local trail experience.

    •    It’s a way to contribute to the community’s outdoor resources and network with like-minded neighbors.

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Key Details & Activities

    •    Membership & Funding:

    •    We accept membership dues (student, individual, family, business) and donations.  

    •    Funding sources: membership fees, merchandise sales, event registration, sponsorships.  

    •    We state that 100% of all monies collected go towards Trail maintenance and enhancements.  

    •    Volunteer & Project Work:

    •    FOTWST members volunteer for trail-amenities, maintenance, public education, interpretive signage, etc.  

    •    Example: We’re undertaking restoration of a 100-year-old wooden caboose at the Trail’s Inverness trailhead.  

    •    Events:

    •    Annual “Ride” event: a fundraising bike ride along the Trail. For example, the 28th Annual Ride in October 2025.  

    •    Meetings held four times a year: February, April, September, November.     •    Mailing address: P.O. Box 807, Inverness, FL 34451-0807.  

    •    Email: fotwst2@gmail.com.  

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How You Can Get Involved

 

Here are practical steps you could take to join or support:

    1.    Become a member

    •    Visit our website, pay membership dues (via PayPal or check).  

    •    Choose your level (student, individual, family, business).

    •    Be listed and involved in voting/advisory for the organization.  

    2.    Volunteer time or skills

    •    We need help for trail amenity installation, maintenance, signage, restoration projects (e.g., caboose).

    •    Attend one of our four meetings each year to learn upcoming volunteer opportunities.

    •    Contact us via email to express interest.

    3.    Support financially or via sponsorship

    •    Donate directly or sponsor events (especially if you know local businesses).  

    •    If you’re part of a local business, explore becoming an in-kind sponsor (We list many in our sponsor page).

    4.    Attend/support major events

    •    The Annual Ride is both a fundraiser and a community event — participating helps visibility and funds.

    •    Spread the word locally: social media, friends, local businesses.

    5.    Use the Trail & give feedback

    •    As a local resident, you can use the Withlacoochee State Trail and provide user feedback via the CSO/DEP partnership. This kind of engagement often helps guide future improvements.

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Upcoming / Regular Opportunities

    •    FOTWST holds membership / board meetings four times a year (2nd Thursday of February, April, September, November) where new volunteers can attend, get informed and sign up.  

    •    The organization invites volunteers for our big annual event: the “Annual Ride” on the trail. For example, the 28th Annual Ride on Sunday, October 5, 2025: volunteers needed for support, registrations, SAG stops, etc.  

    •    On the “Join” page, We describe general volunteer roles: building trail amenities, trail maintenance, fundraising, public education.  

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Major Project Underway

    •    One of our standout projects: restoring the historic wooden caboose (Caboose No. 5245) at the Inverness trailhead. The centenary 1925-2025 is being celebrated and funds are being raised for the interior restoration.  

    •    The Trail itself is always undergoing resurfacing in some sections: For example, a “$1.3 million project to resurface portions of the Withlacoochee State Trail in Citrus County” began August 2024.  

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How You Can Get Involved Right Now

    •    Attend the next meeting (check FOTWST website or Facebook for date/agenda) and say you’re interested in volunteering.

    •    Reach out to FOTWST (email fotwst2@gmail.com) and mention you’d like to help specifically with the caboose restoration project or trail maintenance, event planning, or to support the trail.

    •    If you’re interested in events, volunteer roles for the Annual Ride (registration desk, SAG support, safety marshals) are a good fit.

    •    If you have skills (e.g., carpentry, painting, signage, fundraising, marketing), mention that — the caboose restoration and trail amenities need varied talents.

    •    Becoming a member supports us financially (even if you don’t immediately volunteer) so you’re “in the loop” for notifications.  

 

 

    •    Email: fotwst2@gmail.com  

    •    Mailing Address: P.O. Box 807, Inverness, FL 34451-0807  

    •    Trail Management: Chris Raby (352-726-0315)         

                                christopher.raby@FloridaDEP.gov)