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 Amblers Monthly Meeting with SpeakerEstero Recreation Center, Estero, FL
Our next meeting will be Thursday, November 21st at Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, Florida from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. This meeting, like all our meetings, is open to the public.
Brittany Piersma, the Field Biologist for Audubon of Western Everglades, will give a presentation on shore birds. She will also demonstrate how to care for injured birds or animals prior to their transportation to either the von Arx Center (for Collier County) or the CROW clinic (for Lee County). This will be a interesting and very useful presentation.
Please join us! We look forward to seeing you.
Florida Trail Association (http://www.floridatrail.org/)
Amblers on Meetup (https://4142298.xyz/Alligator-Amblers/) - Four Mile Nature-Walk at the Gordon River Greenway1596 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples, FL
Skillset:
Walk at a comfortable paceDetails:
The Gordon River Greenway passes through a mangrove forest alongside the Gordon River. Although this pathway is close to many tourist attractions in Naples, it has abundant natural features and wildlife. This will be a leisurely walk along a pathway that is a combination of a paved walkway and a raised boardwalk. Depending on ground conditions, we may take an optional unpaved half mile walk through a mangrove forest.What to Bring:
Bring two quarts of water, a sun hat, and bug spray. Long sleeve shirts, pants, and close-toed shoes recommended. Binoculars and camera suggested.Activity Level:
Leisurely
(https://bit.ly/DifficultyRatings)Links:
https://www.gordonrivergreenway.org/
https://www.collierparks.com/collier_park/gordon-river-greenway/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://4142298.xyz/Alligator-Amblers/)
