On December 10, 2004 at 10 a.m., the Randell Research Center will proudly open the new Calusa Heritage Trail to the public. The Trail is made possible by a generous grant-in-aid from the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the services and volunteer efforts of many individuals.

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Sign titled “People of the Estuary,” is located on top of Randell Mound, facing west. Visible on the distant horizon is Captiva Pass. Photo by J. Worth

Based on more than 20 years of research in archaeology, history, and ecology, the Calusa Heritage Trail is a 3700-foot interpretive pathway that leads visitors among the mounds, canal, and other features of the Pineland archaeological site. Synergy Design Group of Tallahassee designed the museum-quality signs. Featuring text written by Darcie MacMahon, Bill Marquardt, Karen Walker, and John Worth, new full-color art by Merald Clark, and maps and drawings by John LoCastro, the 13 signs will educate visitors about the Calusa Indians, their environment, and the history of Southwest Florida after the Calusa.

The Trail also features two observation platforms atop the site’s tallest shell mound, eight benches, a bridge across the ancient Calusa canal, and boardwalks over low-lying areas. The Trail will be open to visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Guided tours of the site will be offered during peak season (January–April) on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Guided tours may be scheduled at other times by calling the RRC at 239-283-2062. Members of Friends of the Randell Research Center will be admitted free. Recommended donations for other visitors are $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. The income from donations and memberships will be used to help maintain the Trail and site.

Sign #13, located on the northern end of the citrus ridge, features events at Pineland since the Calusa lived there. Photo by W. Marquardt
Sign #11, explains changes in settlement patterns, climate, and sea level at Pineland from 2,000 to 1,200 years ago. Photo by W. Marquardt
Sign #2, is located at the teaching pavilion. Easily accessible from a wheelchair, it portrays the high-lights of Pineland’s 2000-year human history and shows events in southwest Florida juxtaposed to happenings else- where in the world. Photo by W. Marquardt

Visit the Calusa Heritage Trail

This article was taken from the Friends of the Randell Research Center Newsletter Vol 3, No. 3. pp1-4 September 2004.