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   Welcome to the Wilderness Trekkers outdoor organization.  We are an organization built on principles of respect for and enjoyment of the out of doors. Rivers, spring fed creeks, blackwater tributaries, forest, and the open space, typically within the Florida peninsula area, are the places we plan our adventures.   Event Hosts are the backbone of our organization and will be your primary contact for each event that interest you.  Our Upcoming Trips are the activities of the organization.  Please take time to review that list as it speaks directly about the types of outdoor events we provide. Becoming a member of the Wilderness Trekker organization allows you to participant in adventure outtings hosted by experienced leaders.  We will take you places where the hosts have already organized the trip (the distances, the intensity, the equipment requirements and camping sites). As an organization, we do not have a lot of rules and regulations; however, the few we have are designed to make Trekker experiences more pleasant for everyone.  It is incumbent upon you to read and understand the full content of this web page when joining the Wilderness Trekkers. Outdoor activities are meant to be fun, but don't assume anything; always be prepared.  Please take the time to read all topics below.   If you have any questions, please ask (as listed in the Board Members link) We will be glad to help you.  Most of all – enjoy being a Trekker!

   WT Activities. Outdoor activities that are both educational and recreational are scheduled regularly.  Some trips require reservations while others do not.  Because our trips fill up quickly, be sure to sign up early to avoid disappointment.  Some trips are designated as “members only”.  Guests are permitted on trips that are designated by the host as “members and their invited guest” or “open to the public”.  Non-members may attend two trips – after that, we ask that they join WT to continue enjoying activities. Please read the trip information carefully before signing up to attend an event.  It is recommended that if this is your first overnight trip with the organization, you should contact the host directly and introduce yourself.  Ask questions, especially about intensity and contigencies.

   Fitness Considerations. Trips are rated as leisure (a short hike or paddle with average conditions), moderate (a hike or paddle of 7-12 miles with more challenging terrain or current) or strenuous (a hike or paddle exceeding 12 miles with a challenging environment requiring solid skills).  If you have any concerns please discuss them with the trip host before attending.  Wind conditions can adversely affect any water or cycling sport, and could increase the difficulty of the trip.  Stay in tuned with the weather conditions and decide appropriately for your abilities.  Also consider your experience. If this is the first time you have paddled, hiked or cycled, or haven't done so in years; you might consider some personal time under similar distances prior to enrolling in an event. Even a leisure event may exceed your expectations if you simply have not been physically active in your personal life. Remember, the objective is to have an enjoyable time.  

   Nurishment Considerations. For day events of any type, bring at least 2 Quarts of water.  Sport drinks that replenish nutrients and minerals are a good supplement.  Hydrate before the event starts so you don't wear down too soon, especially if the activity does not plan to have an initial stop for some distance.   During a mid-day event, you should bring a lunch and/or snacks.  Salty peanuts or crackers, dried fruit, bananas, nuts, powerbars, and a wide assortment of grain bars are ideal.   For overnight backcountry events, it is best to contact other members if you are a novice. There are so many variables and it would be best to speak to an experience hiker or paddler. In fact, it is a requirement that you speak to the Event Host if this is your first overnight event.  Explore our Gear List page for some basic ideas

   Safety. Paddling trips require a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and a noise maker such as a whistle or air horn.  These are Coastguard and State requirements and individuals will be responsible for this knowledge and there possession.  Make sure if your are  borrowing or renting canoes/kayaks, that these items are to be included.  Bike riders require helmets and riders cannot have headphones or ear buds while riding.   The Wilderness Trekker organization will host safety events for kayaking or canoeing.  Please take the time to participate in these events when they are scheduled.  A host has the right to cancel a trip due to inclement weather.

For Your Safety!

ALWAYS let a trip host know if you have any concerns about an upcoming trip—call or email.
ALWAYS be honest about your skill level and experience.
ALWAYS let the Host know that you have a new kayak or new hiking boots or a new tent and aren’t totally comfortable yet.
ALWAYS ask for advice on how to pack for your first overnight paddling trip or backpacking trip, hike or bike.

   Be considerate to the hosts. When indicated on the trip details, RSVP the host as soon as possible and give them your phone number in case they have to call you at the last minute.  The host will reply back promptly that you have been placed on their roster.  They will also contact you a few days before the trip, typically via email, just to ensure you that all is still on schedule and the note will probably include addition information about the trip.  If you cannot make the trip for which you signed up for, please contact the host as soon as you know because it could mean that when there are limited slots, additional people might be able to join.  Under all RSVP circumstances, please contact the host when you cannot come; even if it is the same morning of the event.  That courtesy goes along way in helping the host continue their event without undue concern of leaving someone behind.  Be punctual – start times are listed.  Bring the phone number of the host with you in case you are lost, are running late or just simple got confused about the instructions. You are responsible for yourself – please provide your own gear, essentials and equipment and ensure that you have spent some time prior to the trip ensuring your equipment is in working order.  The trip host has the right to deny anyone participation in an activity where your preparation, skill level or physical condition would pose a concern to you or other participants or jeopardize the successful and safe conduct of the activity.

   Communication.  Modes of communication among WT members include email, this website (www.wilderness-trekkers.org) and for those that want to pay the extra $5.00, a bi-monthly events list.  The website includes all organization information, activities schedule, Board member information, past activites, special links and the Message Center.  Our Message Center is used for communications among members, including updates from trip hosts, searches for trip partners, buying and selling gear, impromptu trips and trip reports.  Make sure you check it out – it’s a great way to keep in touch with the club and other members.

   State Parks. For overnight events that involve State Park Campgrounds, typically you are personally responsible for making your reservation with that campground unless otherwise stated in the event write-up.  Keep in mind that Florida State Parks fill-up very fast on the weekends.  If you wait even as much as 5 or 6 weeks before the event, you might be too late.  Reserve as soon as you think the event interests you.  Keep in mind that Florida State Parks allow 2 tents and 2 vehicles per site, so share when you can.  Sometimes, Wilderness Trekkers will use the facility's group camping.  In those cases, typically, you will work directly with the Host Leader for your reservation.  But even so, group areas still has a capacity limit; hence, make your arrangements early.

   Event Costs.  WT is a not-for-profit organization.  Unless otherwise stated, all WT events are free except for individual use costs such as  equipment rental, park fees, launch fees, shuttle fees, etc.  NO member financially profits from events hosted by WT.  Profit events sponsored by individuals or organizations may appear in the newsletter as paid advertisements.

   Member Directory.  The directory lists current members, their addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. It is available to current members upon request.   Under no circumstances is the directory to be used for solicitation of any kind.  If you receive a solicitation and think it came from this list, please contact the President or another Board Member immediately.

   Volunteer!  We are always looking for people who are interested in hosting an event or teaching a skill.  If you are interested, contact the Activities Director.  Wilderness Trekkers encourages participation by members in the management of the organization.  Let a Board Member know if you are interested in sharing a skill, conducting a seminar or workshop or serving on our Board.  We welcome your help, participation and new ideas.  At the same time we want our event host to be experienced and prepared.  Please read the Event Hosting details for those requirements.

   Prohibitions.  For the comfort and safety of others, jet skis, outboard motors, firearms, radios or TV’s are not permitted on WT events.  Pets are not permitted at WT events except with the express permission of the trip host. The exception is working guide dogs.  As a courtesy to others experiencing the wilderness during the event, no public display of cell phone conversations beyond emergency or event organizational situations should be endured by fellow trekkers.