ACT & FTA To Host Trail Accessibility Event at Prairie Creek Lodge for National Trails Day

March 11, 2025

Gainesville, FL - On Saturday, June 7th, Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT), the Florida Trail Association (FTA), and Sportsability Alliance will host a Trail Accessibility Event from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Prairie Creek Lodge in Gainesville, Florida. The event will showcase trail accessibility devices and disability organizations working to ensure everyone can experience North Central Florida’s natural spaces. Press is invited to attend.

Attendees will have the opportunity to try two unique accessible trail devices:

 • ACT and Sportsability Alliance’s EcoRovers: ACT’s EcoRover was funded by a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center. The EcoRover features an adjustable joystick for rider or buddy use, can climb up to a 20% incline, and navigates sand, gravel, dirt, mud, mulch, snow, and grass with ease. Sportsability Alliance will also be bringing several EcoRover chairs.

• FTA’s Joelette Chair: An all-terrain wheelchair with a single wheel, which allows any person with a disability to go hiking with the help of at least two guides. Both devices will be available for trail rides at the event.

Registration is strongly encouraged to reserve a timeslot; however, day-of registrations will be accommodated based on device availability.

“Creating meaningful trail accessibility and opportunity is vital to the work that ACT is doing,” said ACT Events Coordinator Ema Olmos, “We believe all members of our community should have the ability explore the natural beauty of Florida's protected areas; ACT is proud to have this EcoRover as a tool to bring the community together in the wild."

Accessible restrooms will be available on-site at Prairie Creek Lodge, and additional event details—including registration information, in-depth accessibility details, and future events—   can be found on ACT’s main website at www.AlachuaConservationTrust.org.