FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORTH SALT LAKE, UT. — April 29, 2026 — Tread Lightly! is proud to announce a generous $35,000 donation from the Florida Offroad Foundation (FORF) in support of ongoing stewardship, education and trail maintenance efforts across the state of Florida. This contribution comes at a meaningful time, as Tread Lightly! celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2026.
For 35 years, Tread Lightly! has served as a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible off-road recreation through education, stewardship and partnerships. With a mission to protect public lands and keep trails open and accessible for motorized use, the organization continues to collaborate with land managers, industry partners, clubs and volunteers nationwide.
The Florida Offroad Foundation has been a valued partner in these efforts, helping fund education and outreach initiatives, as well as on-the-ground stewardship projects throughout Florida’s public lands, including Ocala National Forest, Osceola National Forest and Withlacoochee State Forest.
“We are proud to support Tread Lightly! and their mission to promote responsible off-road recreation,” said Mark Hess of the Florida Offroad Foundation. “Florida’s public lands are a vital resource for outdoor enthusiasts, and this partnership ensures that we are protecting these trails for future generations while educating users on how to recreate responsibly.”
The $35,000 donation will directly support trail restoration, maintenance and rider education programs, along with events such as Clean and Krawl initiatives, kiosk installations, updated signage and training opportunities at key off-road events throughout the state.
“The Florida Offroad Foundation has consistently stepped up to support meaningful stewardship work across the state,” said Lowell Eckart, Tread Lightly! Southeast Program Manager. “This donation not only strengthens our ability to maintain and improve trail systems, but also allows us to expand education and outreach efforts that are critical to protecting access. As we celebrate 35 years of Tread Lightly!, partnerships like this demonstrate the power of working together to Protect the Adventure.”
Looking ahead, Tread Lightly! and the Florida Offroad Foundation will continue collaborating in 2026 on projects that enhance Florida’s off-road trail systems while promoting responsible recreation practices.
For more information about Tread Light! and upcoming projects, visit www.treadlightly.org.
About Tread Lightly!
Tread Lightly! is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible recreation through stewardship programs and ethics education. Tread Lightly!’s educational message, along with its unique training and restoration initiatives are strategically designed to instill an ethic of responsibility in outdoor enthusiasts and the industries that serve them. The program is long-term in scope with a goal to balance the needs of the people who enjoy outdoor recreation with our need to maintain a healthy environment. Tread Lightly!’s award-winning materials, programs and services are solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing recreation issues. Individuals and businesses can commit to Tread Lightly! and protect outdoor access by becoming a member at www.treadlightly.org.
About Florida Off-Road Foundation
Florida Off-Road Foundation,Inc.(FORF) is a nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to restore, preserve, and protect off-road trails and their heritage. FORF’s Explore Off-Road Florida license plate supports fundraising efforts not only for these objectives, but also for Search and Rescue teams and educational programs on responsible stewardship of the environment. Through these programs and activities, the foundation hopes to sustain the off-road culture and protect the off-road environment in Florida for generations to come. Learn more at https://floridaoffroadfoundation.org/
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jerrica Archibald
media@treadlightly.org
