What we’re about
About Us
The Alligator Amblers Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) serves Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties and provides local hikers with numerous opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as backpacking, biking, camping, hiking, paddling and trail maintenance.
Our parent organization the FTA is dedicated to building and maintaining the 1300 mile Florida National Scenic Trail streching from the Big Cypress Swamp, around Lake Okeechobee, through Ocala, Osceola and Apalachicola National Forests to Fort Pickens on Pensacola Beach. The Alligator Amblers assist in this mission by supporting and maintaing an eight mile portion of the Florida Trail south of I-75 in Big Cypress Swamp National Preserve as well as the 6.5 mile loop trail at Collier-Seminole State Park.
The Alligator Amblers have also assisted in building and maintaining trails within Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (Collier County), Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park and Prairie Pines Preserve (Lee County) among others.
Please note: For the safety of our Activity Leaders and other participants the Alligator Amblers would like to respectfully request that your profile include a full facial photo so that you are recognizable when attending our events or activities.
Meetings
We meet monthly on the third Thursday of each month (except July and August). Check the Meetup site for specifics regarding location and time. You are welcome to join us! Most of our meetings feature educational and entertaining speakers. Come early to socialize.
Each month there is a presentation on an outdoor related topic, followed by a discussion of upcoming activities and trail related events.
Activities
Activities are scheduled throughout the year. More activities are planned during the cooler months. These outdoor events include day hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, car camping, trail maintenance, biking, plus both day and overnight paddling events. The public is welcome to all monthly meetings and many activities. Some activities must limit the number of persons or tents due to ecological, space or other factors. A few activities may only be available to FTA members to help the trip leader insure that all are capable of safely participating. These few activities may be more difficult, more strenuous or more remotely located than most.
Read each activity notice carefully. Realize that our activities are governed by the rules set forth by the FTA and are typically less casual than your typical Meetup event. An RSVP is required for participation in all Alligator Amblers' activities. An RSVP ensures that there is space available for you. Those who have not responded will be turned away from the activity
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Alligator Ambler PicnicKoreshan State Park, Estero, FL
Activity Description:
This event replaces our Monthly Meetings in April and May.
Our Alligator Ambler Season-Ending picnic will take place at Koreshan State Park near the junction of RTE 41 and Corkscrew Road. We reserved the pavilion for this event. Feel free to use the park attractions before or after our picnic. There are hiking trails in the park that are mostly in the shade. The Kayak/Canoe Launch ramp is temporarily closed for repair.
We will grill both beef and vegan burgers and provide buns and condiments. Bring your own soft drinks or water. There are picnic tables under the pavilion. You can bring a side dish to share: salad, potato salad, baked beans, dessert or whatever. If your side dish is vegan, bring a label for it
Feel free to invite friends and relatives. People who signed up for Ambler events on Meetup but who are not yet Florida Trail Members are also welcome.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Additional Information:
The park is open from 8 AM to Sunset. There is a $5.00 fee per car. Our lunch will start at noon at the reserved pavilion. There is a restroom near the pavillion. If you are bringing a dish, arrive early to set it up.
Links:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/koreshan-state-park
Recommended Attire and Items to bring:
If you plan to hike on your own, wear sun hat, sunscreen, and bring bug spray. We recommend breathable long sleeve shirt and pants and closed-toe shoes.
Activity Level: Leisure
An RSVP is required for participation in all Alligator Amblers' activities. An RSVP ensures that there is space available for you. Those who have not responded will be turned away from the activity.
Florida Trail Association (http://www.floridatrail.org/)
Amblers on Meetup (https://www.meetup.com/Alligator-Amblers/) - Walking Tour of ECHO Farm17391 Durrance Rd, North Fort Myers, FL
Skillset:
This will be a leisurely walking tour on mulch and gravel paths.Description:
We will meet at 9:30 am and complete Alligator Ambler and Echo Farm forms. We will then register one person at a time. If we have a minimum of 10 people, we will get a group discount and pay $12.50 plus tax = $13.31 each.
This will be a two-hour easy one-mile guided walking tour of the Echo Global Farm showing 7 different farm settings with unusual farm crops, farming techniques and animals from around the world. ECHO’s goal is to develop and educate for sustainable farming in developing countries around the world.
Additional Information:
Restrooms and a water fountain are available at the start of the event. There are no restrooms available during the actual tour.Recommended Attire and Items to bring:
Bring two quarts of water, a sun hat, sunscreen, and bug spray. Long-sleeve breathable shirt and pants are recommended. Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes.Activity Level:
LeisureLinks: https://echonet.org/
An RSVP is required for participation in all Alligator Amblers' activities. An RSVP ensures that there is space available for you. Those who have not responded will be turned away from the activity.
Alligator Amblers (http://amblers.floridatrail.org/)
Florida Trail Association (http://www.floridatrail.org/)
Amblers on Meetup (https://www.meetup.com/Alligator-Amblers/)
