Trail Access Post Project Report: Tread Lightly! Jeep Beach Cleanup

Tread Lightly! is a nonprofit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Its mission is to educate off-road enthusiasts about the importance of conserving and maintaining OHV areas. As the organization states on its website, “Our goal is to balance the off-road and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users’ need for adventure with the need to conserve the places where they ride and explore.”

The member-based organization relies heavily on contributions and volunteer efforts by its members. It funds and engages in cleanup, trail maintenance and restoration, and education efforts around the country. 

What Was the Goal of This Project?

Tread Lightly!’s Jeep Beach Coastal Cleanup project slightly deviated from traditional trail-based cleanup plans. Rather than sticking to the shore and other OHV areas, this project emphasized a community cleanup of the greater Daytona Beach area. 

Project Outcome

While Tread Lightly! anticipated a solid turnout from Jeepers and community members, participation was even greater than expected. From April 22 to 24, 2025, approximately 325 volunteers took to the streets to collect trash and drop it in two designated dumpsters. Some members spent hours collecting trash in bags, while others engaged in cleanup efforts while participating in a planned scavenger hunt. 

Through joint funding from various companies and local businesses, each volunteer was given a reusable mesh trash sack for the Daytona Beach cleanup and future trail use. By the end of the project, two and a half dumpster loads of trash were hauled away, leaving the Daytona Beach community’s streets that much cleaner and safer. 

According to Lowell Eckhart, Tread Lightly!’s Southeast Program Manager: 

“The second annual Jeep Beach Coastal Cleanup was another huge success. Rather than a beach cleanup, this year's focus was on the greater Daytona Beach area. It was created to instill a responsibility for Keeping Our Communities Clean, no matter what your community is or where your community resides. It is important to always leave an area better than you found it, whether that is a trail, a campground, a National Park, a National Forest, or other public and private lands. With everyone pitching in and doing their part, we can all Protect the Adventure for generations to come.”

Doug Bigelow, Tread Lightly!’s Executive Director, also stated: 

“This was an incredible community effort. Not only by the locals of Daytona Beach, Florida, but by the off-road community who took time away from Jeep Beach festivities to leave the area better than they found it. Thank you to our amazing partners who helped us achieve this.”

How You Can Contribute

The good work at Tread Lightly! isn’t done yet. The nonprofit has several additional projects in the works, and every cleanup effort or trail restoration can use the added funding and manpower. If you're able, volunteering or donating to Tread Lightly! is an outstanding way to spread the wealth. 

Become a Member

Tread Lightly! is a member-based organization that relies heavily on membership fees for ongoing and future projects. The organization offers three individual membership tiers—50-dollar, 100-dollar, and 250-dollar—as well as several business and club memberships. Select whichever fits your availability and start your support. 

Volunteer

Tread Lightly! always welcomes new volunteers to its ongoing projects. Check out the organization's events page to find stewardship programs or other events near you. 

Donate

Donations are always welcome—funding goes directly to future projects and initiatives. Visit Tread Lightly!’s donation page to help out the organization with your choice of a one-time or recurring donation. 

We at RealTruck would like to thank the good people at Tread Lightly! for helping keep the passion we all love alive and well. Their work, whether educating or embarking on trail cleanups, helps preserve the few trails and OHV parks we have left. Keep up the good work!