Volunteer Resources
Save the Date
2024-2025
Save the date for our Florida Trail Volunteer Work Parties! Join us for a scheduled trail maintenance event where you can meet new people, enjoy great food, and help keep the Florida Trail in top shape. Whether you can come for a day or stay for the entire event, we’ll provide everything you need for a safe and fun experience. Registration opens soon at floridatrail.org/portal
Welcome New Volunteers!
When you volunteer for the Florida Trail you ‘re not just building trails, you’re building community. By maintaining the Florida Trail’s 1,500 mile corridor across Florida, you are promoting natural resource awareness for generations to come!
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Florida Trail Association. Every year, hundreds of people from Florida and beyond contribute thousands of hours to building and maintaining the Florida Trail! Our volunteers make generous contributions of their time and resources to help preserve the trail for the enjoyment of future generations.
Getting Started
1. Create your Volunteer Profile. By creating a profile, you help us learn more about your interests, abilities, and where you are located. To receive updates about events near you, “Become a fan” of nearby chapters. Be sure to check out the calendar of events located in the top right corner. You can also log your volunteer hours to receive swag in appreciation for your efforts.
2. Find your local FTA Chapter. There are 19 FTA chapters across the state, and every Florida county has a chapter. Most chapters use Meetup to share their events. Check out your chapter’s upcoming events and see how you can get involved! If you have difficulties reaching your chapter, please email [email protected]
3. Check out the Volunteer Roles continued through this page to learn more about the many different ways to volunteer on the Florida Trail. We need many different skills and abilities to achieve our goals!
4. Sign up for the Waypoint Newsletter, our email newsletter that will help you stay up-to-date with trail news, events, and opportunities to get involved.
5. Follow us on social media to stay informed and learn more about the trail every day!
6. Learn more with the Volunteer Portal help. Understand and learn more about how to navigate the Volunteer Portal system with direct links to common used areas.
7. Email [email protected] if you have additional question.
How to Volunteer on the Trail
Find a Local Chapter
The Florida Trail Association is made up 19 chapters. Each chapter is a little different, but they all have something great to offer. Whether it’s trail maintenance, camp hosting, attending outreach events, hosting chapter fundraisers, or leading local hikes, there’s something for everyone!
Join a Volunteer Work Party
A Volunteer Work Party is a scheduled trail maintenance event that includes meeting new people, eating great food, and getting trail work done! These can range from a few days to several days. Come for one day, or for the entire time! We provide the food and everything you need to have a safe, fun time. Find an event and respond that you will participate.
Group Opportunities
Are you an organized group (nonprofit, business, club, school etc.) looking to give back to your community? You’ve come to the right place! We accommodate several different group types on the trail to build teamwork while getting outdoors to do basic trail maintenance, construction, or restoration. To get your group on the trail, contact us at least two months prior to your anticipated day of service. We’ll discuss the number of volunteers, desired dates, and approximate region where you’d like to work. Email [email protected]
Volunteer Roles
Not quite sure how you can contribute to the Florida Trail? You don’t have to be familiar with trail maintenance to be of service to the Florida Trail! Check out other volunteer roles below.
Trail Crew Leader – Do you have a passion for environmental stewardship, coordinating volunteers and doing cool work in the outdoors?! Consider becoming a Trail Crew Leader! Check out our Trail Crew Leader Corner, and get in touch with your chapter’s Trail Coordinator. We offer some great training opportunities to our trail maintenance volunteers. Check out our annual Trail Skills Training, First Aid/CPR courses, and our regional chainsaw certifications!
Trail inspection and evaluation – Turn your recreational hike into a volunteer opportunity by providing your chapter with up to date conditions and maintenance needs.
Shuttling trail workers – When working on a linear trail, having shuttle drivers can greatly improve a crew’s productivity.
Mechanized tool maintenance – Keep equipment in working order and troubleshoot repairs.
Trail Infrastructure – Have construction or engineering experience? Help us build and maintain puncheon, bridges, picnic tables, kiosks and more.
Removal of litter – This can be done on your own or as a large organized event!
Hours entry – After every event, hours must be submitted in our online database. If you are organized and have great attention to detail, this job is for you!
Camp Cook – One of the key elements to a successful volunteer work party is the FOOD! Do you like to cook or act as the camp host? If building trails and getting dirty isn’t your thing, consider becoming a camp cook or camp host!
Activity Hike Leader – This helps grow your chapter and its volunteer base.
Administrative work – Our Gainesville office can always use a helping hand
Chapter leadership – Each chapter has officer positions that could utilize your skill set, including chapter chair, treasurer, trail coordinator, section leader, activity chair, public relations, and newsletter editor.
Volunteer FAQ's
How do I sign up for a project? – If you are an individual interested in volunteering, first create an online volunteer profile on our Portal. Click on the calendar on the top right to view upcoming events. You can also check in with your local chapter for upcoming events and projects and find one you are interested in.
What is the cost to join a project? – There is no cost to volunteer on the Florida National Scenic Trail. For each project the FTA provides tools and safety gear (including a hard hat and gloves). Food is provided on a project by project basis, check the registration to see if this applies.
What does a typical day of trail maintenance look like? – Before the event, make sure you know the exact location of where to meet, and how to get there. Most trailheads are not searchable on Google Maps. If you are new, try to arrive early so the project leader can help you get acquainted.
Before beginning trail work, the crew leader will facilitate a “tailgate safety session.” During this time, you will meet other volunteers, sign paperwork, decide plan for the day, learn emergency protocol, go over how to avoid hazards on the trail, get your protective equipment, and learn basic trail maintenance techniques.
Building trails in wet, tropical environments like Florida requires different tools and techniques. Due to the incredibly fast rate of vegetation growth, bulk of trail maintenance in Florida consists of corridor clearing—opening a 5’ by 8’ path to allow for easy passage. This needs to be done on a yearly basis on every foot of the ≈1,500 miles of trail!
What do I need to bring? – For all projects you will need to bring a day pack, sturdy boots, and appropriate clothing. Long pants are required to do trail work and long-sleeved shirts are recommended. Sunscreen and bug spray are also advised. Plenty of water and food (for projects that don’t supply it) is a must. For extended projects you will need to provide your own camping gear, this includes a tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils, and personal items.
What kind of environment can I expect? – Florida’s environment changes across the state and depends on the time of year. As a general rule, you should be prepared for heat, freezing temperatures, sun, rain or wet terrain, and insects.
Do I need to have prior experience – Most FTA projects do not require prior trail maintenance experience. You will receive a training session by the trail crew leader before you begin working on a project. Training will include proper techniques and appropriate tool use. If prior experience is required, this will be listed in the project description.
What type of work will I be doing? – Trail crews are a vital component in building, maintaining, and protecting the Florida Trail. Projects are dependent on the needs of the trail in that area. This may include:
– Cutting and removing fallen trees to clear the trail corridor
– Maintaining, removing and building structures such as boardwalks and bridges
– Clearing vegetation that has started growing on to the trail
Do I have to stay for the entire project? – You are welcome to participate in a portion of a project. However, it is helpful for volunteers to attend the first day of the project period. On the first day, crew leaders present safety information and a project overview to the entire group. First priority is given to volunteers who can participate in the entire duration of the project.
What are the age requirements? – Youth 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or must have their parent or guardian fill out our youth liability waiver. Please contact the FTA to learn more.
Crew Leader Corner
Headed out to lead a volunteer event on the trail? Use the lists below to make sure you have what you need to run a safe and well-coordinated workday. All volunteers will need to have filled out a volunteer profile in order to log their volunteer hours. If they have not filled one out prior to the project, below is a printable profile that the volunteer can fill out at the worksite.
If you have just finished a work project you can report your crew’s volunteer hours and other details in our online Volunteer Hours Entry System. For log in information, email [email protected].
Crew Leader Packet
The entire Crew Leader Packet must be completed prior to any trail construction or maintenance project.
Complete Crew Leader Packet – PDF (For Viewing)
Complete Crew Leader Packet – PDF – Print Ready (Portrait Setting)
The packet includes the following documents separated and listed below:
This is a summary of all the forms and paperwork a Florida Trail Association Crew Leader will need to lead trail maintenance. Consult this form to learn the Purpose and Procedure for each of the forms below.
What are volunteer hours? Do my hours count? How can I document the work I did? The work our volunteers do is an invaluable contribution to recreation in the State of Florida. Help us capture that contribution by making sure you report the hard work you and your crew have done. You can enter your hours online or use this hard copy. Answers to all your volunteer hours and work questions are on the form.
Online Project Report Form – Interactive PDF
**To use this form: First save the blank document to your computer. Then fill it in with the appropriate information. This document can not be saved with the information filled in, but can be emailed and printed.
Make sure volunteers feel prepared for what they should expect on the project. Use the tailgate safety session to discuss project specific hazards and details. This document will help you make sure you have covered all your bases and your volunteers feel like they know what to expect.
Encourage your volunteers to sign up with our online Volunteer Profile system before your project, but bring a few hard copies just in case! Once you have hard copies, you can scan and send to [email protected].
Volunteer Profile – PDF
*First save to your computer. Then fill out the form online and either print and mail or email to the information above.
Make sure all your volunteers sign FTA’s Assumption of Risk form before your project. Please mail this to the Gainesville office.
You are ten miles into the back country, how will you get your volunteers to definitive medical care should they become sick or injured. Who do you call to get help? These are all questions the Trailhead Communications Plan will help you answer.
Online Trailhead Communications Plan – Interactive PDF
*Does not save as a filled in document. You must email or print once the document is filled in.
Emergency situations can get hectic. Make sure you get help from your crew and assign roles ahead of time just in case!
The Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) ensures volunteers have been briefed on the activities, the associated hazards, and how to mitigate those hazards. Please mail these to the Gainesville office.
FNST General Trail Maintenance JHA – PDF
For all youth under the age of 18 to participant in volunteering on the Florida Trail, this document must be signed by a guardian
This is the current version of the printable Galaxy Digital Training Guide for help with entering in hours.
For Chapter Managers here is a workflow map of the Crew Leader Corner event creation, response and hours adding. Clickable links available throughout the map.
Also, we offer a open forum Zoom training. Reach out to us at [email protected] for more details. Submit questions for the open forum at floridatrail.org/forum. Here are recordings of previous Galaxy Digital Open Forum Zoom trainings for your review.
Volunteer Injury Packet
The Volunteer Injury Packet contains information on how to report injuries, seek medical treatment and document the incident. This packet should be downloaded in its entirety and carried with the volunteer crew leader during the project.
Injury Packet Revised March 2024
The packet includes the following documents separated and listed below:
The SOAP note is a useful tool for the volunteer. It is a way to document pertinent medical information on your patient for relay to a higher level of medical care and can save valuable time and provide critical information. Volunteers attending WFA, WAFA, or WFR certification will become better acquainted with how to use this form.
Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment from the US Department of Labor
Form to be filled out by someone who witnessed the incident
The purpose of the form is to provide information to Trail managers on incidents, problems on the trail, problem persons, etc. The Florida Trail Association is the repository for incident reports.
Form to be filled out when an injury from the use of a chainsaw or crosscut saw occurs
Field Resources
Here’s where you can find resources to learn more about tools and equipment, trail maintenance and construction, and basic crew leadership.
FTA Trail Manual – This manual serves as a guide to Florida Trail Association (FTA) volunteers and staff for engagement in trail development, trail construction, and trail maintenance-related activities for the Florida Trail (FT) and the Florida Trail System (FTS).
Your Hardhat: Inspection and Maintenance – This technical manual goes in depth on how hardhats are constructed and how they save lives. Learn how to test your hardhat to ensure it is still able to protect you!
Eye Protection – Wrap around safety glasses, goggles or shield (ANSI z87.1)
Hearing Protection – If working with loud power tools or engines you need plugs or muffs to cover protect your hearing.
Long-sleeve Shirt – We recommend this at all times to protect your arms from scratches branches can give you.
Gloves – Required for any trail work. Preferred slip-resistant, appropriate for the weather conditions.
Pants/Trousers – Loose fitting long pants to protect your legs in thicker trail conditions.
Boots/shoes – Hiking shoes is best for general trail work but many use boots to protect their feet better. No open toe shoes aloud while doing trail work.
First Aid – OSHA-compliant kit (1910.266 App A)
USDA FS Chainsaw and Crosscut Saw Student Guidebook – This booklet is given to all Chainsaw and Crosscut saw students during their initial chainsaw and crosscut training course. It includes valuable information on safety, cutting techniques, proper saw maintenance, and is an invaluable resource to sawyers of all experience levels.
Inspecting, Cleaning, Repairing, and Retiring USDA FS Chainsaw Chaps – This technical manual is an overview of how chainsaw chaps are constructed and how they help save lives and serious injuries. Understanding your chainsaw chaps and what can affect their performance is a fundamental skill for all sawyers.
Stihl Chainsaw Manuals – The majority of saws purchased by Florida Trail Association for use by our certified volunteers are Stihl saws. Click the above link to find your particular saw’s maintenance, repair, and use manual.
To learn more about our FTA chainsaw training program please reach out to us at [email protected]
Lightly on The Land– “Lightly on the Land” by Robert C. Birkby has it all! Starting with the history of trails, the book goes into trail design, risk management, crew leadership, and all types of trail building and maintaining, this is the trail maintainers “bible”.
Proper Blazing Techniques – Check out this video by the Choctawhatchee Chapter and Caroling Geary, which demonstrates proper blazing on the Florida Trail.
Trail Clearing – Check out this video by the Choctawhatchee Chapter and Caroling Geary, which demonstrates clearing standards for the Florida Trail.
USDA FS National Trail Drawings and Specifications – Here you will find standard drawings and specifications for trail maintenance and construction
USDA FS Wetland Trail Design and Construction – Building trails in wet environments like Florida requires different tools and techniques than many maintainers on mountain and desert trails employ in other parts of the United States.
Florida National Scenic Trail Land Manager Resources – Check out the USDA Forest Service’s webpage for information on Trail Class Standards and design parameters.
USDA FS Geosynthetics for Trails in Wet Environments – Unlike bridges or boardwalks, the right application of geosynthetics can provide an optimal user experience with minimal visual disturbance once the projected is completed.
USDA FS Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook – The Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) has compiled basic Trail Maintenance and Construction information into an easy-to-read format.
USDA FS Trail Bridge Catalog – Check out some of what goes into building trail bridges with these sample templates.
USDA FS Handtools for Trail Work – Get detailed information on care, use, proper application and history of a variety of hand tools; every trail crew worker should read in this publication by MTDC.
USDA FS “An Axe to Grind” – Want to learn more about axes? Look no further. This publication is also available on DVD and VHS and can be ordered from MTDC.
USDA FS “Saws that Sing” – The essential crosscut sawyer manual. Even today there are times when a qualified, well trained crosscut sawyer can clear trail more quickly and easily than with a modern chainsaw. Here, sawyers can find information on the history of saws, different styles and their application as well as much, much more.
USDA FS Crosscut Saw Manual – Here volunteers can find information on crosscut saw types, specifications, proper care, and use.
Activity Leader Resources
All recreational activities conducted under the auspices of the Florida Trail Association must be led by approved Activity Leaders. FTA Activity Leaders undergo training followed by a local apprenticeship co-leading activities with established Activity Leaders.
Activity Leader Forms
Forms for planning, conducting and reporting activities. *It is mandatory for Activity Leaders to submit Activity Proposals to their Chapter Activity Chair for approval before advertising and leading any activities – whether hikes, events, or trail maintenance.
Activity Proposal Form (PDF)
Activity Proposal Form (Word Doc)
Assumption Of Risk Form (033022) (PDF)
Assumption of Risk Form (033022) (Word Doc)
Post Activity Report Form (PDF)
Post Activity Report Form (Word Doc)
Activity Leader Guidebook
The Activity Leader’s Guide contains requirements for becoming an Activity Leader and FTA emergency protocols as well as information on planning, preparing for, and leading activities. Click HERE to download the Activity Leader Guide.
Activity Leader Presentation
The Activity Leader’s Presentation is for training Activity Leaders in a classroom setting. Click HERE for the web view of the Activity Leader Presentation. Also downloadable by clicking <File> when in presentation.
Outreach Resources
These items are available to print at your convenience for use at outreach events. For details about printing specifications, please see this list.
Landscapes Coloring Cards
Panhandle Coastal System
Ocala National Forest
Suwannee River
Kissimmee Prairie
Big Cypress
Junior Explorer guide
English
Spanish
Reach out to our Membership Manager with any questions: [email protected]
USFS FNST foldout map brochure
It has been requested that this not be printed. Please follow up with the FTA office or your Regional Trail Manager to have them get you what you need.
If you would like to create a FTA name badge, for consistency among everyone, please follow this template.
Videos that are commonly used at table events.