About us
Tropical Trekkers is a chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) responsible for maintaining the Florida National Scenic Trail form the North end of Lake Okeechobee to the north end of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.
We use this meetup group to advertise the FTA to the public by listing the activities that our volunteer leaders offer. You’ll find many activities that are listed as “FTA members only”. To participate in these activities, you must become a member of the FTA. Here’s the link: https://florida-trail-association.givecloud.co/join
Upcoming events
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OSPREY RACE VOLUNTEERS
Oxbow Eco-Center, 5400 NE St James Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL, US# Looking for Volunteers!
The Tropical Trekkers will be representing our Chapter and the Florida Trail at the Osprey Race, and we're looking for volunteers to help staff our booth and share information about our amazing hiking community!
Date & Time:
Saturday, September 19, 2026
6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Volunteers are needed throughout the event! You can help with:- Setup before the event
- Staffing the booth during the race
- Teardown after the event
Whether you can volunteer for an hour or two or stay for the entire event, we'd greatly appreciate your help. Every time slot is available, and any amount of time you can give makes a difference.
Event Location:
Oxbow Eco-Center
5400 NW St. James Dr.
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34983
This is a great opportunity to introduce others to the Florida Trail, share your love of hiking, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
If you're interested in volunteering, please contact:
Chaz Rodriguez
(718) 415-7645
chazlh1@gmail.com
We'd love to have you join us and help showcase everything our Chapter has to offer. Hope to see you there!4 attendees
BACKPACKING 101
Location not specified yetGET READY, FUTURE BACKPACKERS!
IMPORTANT!
You must email chazlh1@aol.com to sign up for this eventAre you dreaming about your first thru-hike but not sure where to start? Join the Tropical Trekkers for Introduction to Backpacking 101—the first course in a series designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and trail-ready!
September 26
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Port St. Lucie, FL
Exact location will be provided after registration as the event gets closer.IMPORTANT!
You must email chazlh1@aol.com to sign up for this eventBackpacking 101: Gear & Supplies
Our first course will focus on the gear and supplies you'll need for a thru-hike. Whether you already have a full setup or you're starting from scratch, everyone is welcome!
Experienced backpackers will be there to share their knowledge, showcase their gear, answer questions, and help you discover what works best for you and your backpacking goals.
What to Bring
• Any backpacking gear you already have—don't worry if you don't have anything yet!
• A meal you'd like to prepare on a future backpacking trip. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to prepare it on the trail, and it can also serve as your lunch for the day.
This is your chance to:
•Ask questions
•Compare gear
•Learn trail skills
•Connect with experienced backpackers
Start preparing for your adventure on the trail
This is just the beginning! Introduction to Backpacking 101 will be followed by two additional courses that build on what you'll learn in the first session.
Registration is required.
Come with your questions, your curiosity, and your excitement for the trail. Let's get you trail-ready!
IMPORTANT!
You must email chazlh1@aol.com to sign up for this event2 attendees
Past events
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