About us
*Please consider paid membership to FTA*
Membership on Meetup does not mean you are an FTA member
Founded in 1964, the Florida Trail Association is a private non-profit organization that oversees the volunteer effort to build, maintain, protect and promote the Florida Trail, one of eleven National Scenic Trails in the United States. Based in Gainesville, FL, the Florida Trail Association's mission also includes:
- Building and maintaining hiking trails on other public lands.
Providing educational opportunities for people to learn to appreciate and conserve the natural beauty of Florida.
Providing recreational opportunities for hiking and camping.
With 19 local chapters dispersed geographically throughout Florida, the Florida Trail Association draws on local support to build and maintain hiking trails, to provide guided outdoor recreation opportunities for the public, and to work with landowners to acquire protected natural lands to ensure a quality hiking experience for hikers on the Florida Trail corridor.
The Florida Trail Association works directly in concert with the federal land manager of the Florida Trail, the USDA Forest Service, to facilitate the acquisition of land, to direct volunteer efforts, and to provide public outreach.
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One must understand that joining this Meetup site does not automatically make you a member of the Florida Trail Association. "Real" membership requires becoming a paid member of the FTA. Please consider joining by clicking the Florida Trail link below.
We are the Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association. Our Chapter is located in the Palm Beach County area. If you enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, eco-volunteering, this is the group for you!
FTA membership is not mandatory to hike our trails, but it is encouraged. To join the Florida Trail Association (includes membership in the Loxahatchee Chapter) go to http://www.floridatrail.org. Members receive many benefits, including automatic membership in the Loxahatchee Chapter, which holds its own meetings and activities and sends out a newsletter pertinent to what's going on in your area; a subscription to the Florida Trail Footprint newsletter; free trail maintenance training workshops, including chainsaw certification; free participation in F-Troop, our team-building volunteer trail crews that tackle large projects like building bridges and boardwalks; a window decal and logo patch; opportunity to participate on decision-making committees covering major hiking issues; and voting privileges.
Activities are organized by authorized activity leaders. Participants in activities must sign an Assumption of Risk form and agree to accept personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of accompanying minors. Always contact (phone call) the activity leader in advance for more information, to let them know you are attending, and to find out about any special requirements for a trip.
Upcoming events
33
Beginner Backpacking Overnight - Corbett WMA
JW Corbett WMA, South Grade road, West Palm Beach, FL, USBeginner Backpacker's overnight - 4 miles each way, primitive site
Meet by 9:30am - On the trail by 10:00am.This beginner’s backpacking event is a great way for new hikers to gain some experience and confidence on the trail. The hiking portion of the trip is kept relatively short to make it easier to focus on enjoying the hike and get comfortable with carrying a pack. Experienced members of the chapter will be there to answer questions and help along the way. There may be gear demonstrations upon request as well as the opportunity to learn skills like fire making and tent setup tricks.
Although listed as a beginner's backpack event experience backpackers are welcome as well who can share their expertise with the beginners.
We will park and meet at Campsite N on South Grade (Corbett dirt road). This site is on the west side of the road and approximately 1 mile south of where the OTLHT crosses South Grade Road. This is about 10 miles from both the North and South Corbett gate/entrance. We will then hike in a total of about 4 miles to the Little Gopher primitive campsite
At the campsite we will set up our tents and assist the new backpackers with theirs if needed. There will be time in camp for some instruction on useful backpacking skills such as fire building, water collection and filter, camping knots and other tips.
You will need to bring a hammock or tent to sleep in as well as food for Saturday and Sunday morning.
It is common for the group to meet for a meal after the hike out on Sunday morning, but that is left TBD until Sunday.There is a canal nearby for water once we are at camp, this water must be filtered so you need to bring a filtering solution.
Please plan to start your hike on Saturday morning with 2 liters of water. I know this may seem like a lot of water for most people on a 4 mile hike, but this is a common starting point we recommend and require on most guided hikes.**Keep your gear to a bare minimum, but pack like you intend to start your OTLHT hike.**
Minimum Hiking Gear List:- Backpack
- Tent
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag
- Insect repellent
- Flashlight
- Whistle
- Food for one lunch, one dinner, one breakfast (You could always bring food that does not need to be cooked and cut out cookware/ stove/ etc.)
- Snacks
- Stove
- Cookware
- Eating utensils
- Toilet paper and lightweight trowel to bury waste there will be no outhouse/ privy)
- Water filtration/ treatment
Public/ Moderate
Activity Leaders: Wayne Vassello
If you have any questions please let me know.
Wayne Vassello - wvassello@hotmail.com3 attendees
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