On June 6 the Florida Trail Association, an alliance member of the American Hiking Society, will celebrate the 17th annual National Trails Day with a three-mile hike in Big Cypress National Preserve. The hike is open to the public. Contact Kay Ferrara at 954-609-4727.

Nationally, more than 1,500 events will take place, including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching and running.

The theme for NTD 2009, Take in the Outdoors, is an open invitation to all Americans to get outside, connect with local hiking clubs, outdoor retailers, local parks and recreation departments or federal land managing agencies to experience everything the great outdoors has to offer.

“American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day serves as a gateway to introduce youth and adults to the outdoors and an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to give back,” American Hiking Society president Greg Miller said in a statement.

Sponsors include Nature Valley, Backpacker Magazine, Merrell and Fetzer Vineyards, REI, YMCA and American Park Network.

Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired thousands of people and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors.

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. To learn more, visit AmericanHiking.org.