A group of students from Flagler College spent their Spring Break doing trail maintenance in the Kissimmee River section of the Florida Trail and learning about the rich ecosystem of the restored floodplain at the Riverwoods Field Lab. 

With support from the Tropical Trekkers Chapter, the group restored a bridge along the Chandler Slough section. As we hiked into the project site, local chapter members educated the students about rampant Caesar weed and its damage to the ecosystem as an invasive species. While some crew members got equipment set up for the project, others got to work on pulling Caesar weed and managed to clear the entire site! 

Students remarked on their sense of accomplishment, the joy of team building, and learning new skills. One participant shared, “Everyone was so incredibly kind and accepting, and they've made me want to continue volunteering with the FTA in the future.” Thanks again to the Tropical Trekkers for your guidance and hospitality!