Ocala National Forest Trail Cleanup: Reopening a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail

TreadLightly!—an organization RealTruck has been supporting for years, reached out to let us know of a trail cleanup that was being planned in the Ocala National Forest. OnX Offroad was the title sponsor already, but the more the merrier when it comes to projects like this.

RealTruck’s recently launched VTO policy, which awards paid time off to employees for participating in company approved volunteering events, launched in 2026, so the timing of this project was ideal. I had wanted to participate in a trail clean-up with RealTruck employees for so long; now I had that opportunity as one of our Florida site champions for VTO. I could also learn from experienced organizers and have access to a pool of motivated RealTruck employees—the stars had aligned!

As the event approached, we were introduced to “Muddy Taco” from the off‑roading club North Florida Trail Rats. His real name is Steve, but I think we can all agree that saying “Muddy Taco” is way more fun. He’s organized several trail cleanups, and it was a genuine pleasure working with someone so professional and passionate about conservation. 

The mission was to reopen the Jeep® Badge of Honor trail that runs through the Ocala National Forest, readying it for the Jeep Beach event in Daytona, which kicks off April 17. 

To get it done, volunteers were divided into two teams: 

• One group focused on removing trash 

• The other team handled cutting back overgrowth that had crowded an already tight trail 

I was part of the trail‑clearing crew, led by Ron from the Volusia Jeep Club, and the results were incredible. 

• Two construction dumpsters filled with trash 

• More than 100 tires removed 

• 13,310 pounds of debris hauled out 

• Several miles of trail cut back and reopened 

It’s wild—and frustrating—to see how much garbage gets dumped in the forest. But it’s also incredibly encouraging to see what can happen when people come together to protect public land. Side note: if you ever want to meet some amazing people, get involved with a trail cleanup.

One of the coolest parts of the event was seeing the variety of off‑road vehicles people brought out. These were purpose‑driven builds designed for real trail work, and everyone showed respect for each other’s rigs. 

I was driving the only Ford Maverick, which made me easy to spot. The rest of the lineup was a great mix—Wranglers, Gladiators, Tacomas, Silverados, Rams, F‑150s, and at least one Frontier. I’m sure I’m forgetting a few, but behind every rig was someone willing to get their hands dirty to help protect access to the trails we all love. 

I was especially proud of RealTruck’s showing. Between employees and the friends and family they invited, we had 40 volunteers representing the company. 

We also brought products—including a winch, traction boards, and soft shackles—to give away and help attract even more volunteers. When I asked Muddy Taco how many people showed up overall, he said he lost count at around 80 volunteers. I love that we had so many people helping that it was hard to keep track. 

At the end of the day, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs were provided for everyone, and product giveaways wrapped things up. Muddy Taco and his wife, along with a handful of others, planned to camp overnight. 

I had just installed a new tent on top of my Elevate Rack, and I wanted to see how it slept, so I joined the campout crew. I slept great—but that might have had something to do with working hard all day. Either way, I guess I’ll just have to take it out again for another test. 

One final goal I had was to show people something beyond the products. I think a lot of folks see RealTruck as just a company that makes cool accessories for trucks and Jeeps. 

After 16 years here, I’ve worked alongside countless people who aren’t just passionate about what we build—they also care deeply about conservation and are willing to take action to make a difference. At this event, I think people got to see the people of RealTruck, and that makes me incredibly proud.