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NPS
Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700 Contact: Media Contact Linda Friar, 305-242-7714 Contact: Program Contact Jill Wilson, 239-695-3311 Everyone is invited to the Eighth Annual Calusa Days, being held March 14 through 19 in Everglades City at Everglades National Park's Gulf Coast Visitor Center.Join park staff and archeologists in free outdoor activities, a variety of programs, and interesting booth displays as we explore the deep and incredible history of the ancient Calusa Indians and the Ten Thousand Islands. The Calusa were a self-sustaining indigenous people living in the Ten Thousand Islands of southwest Florida. As part of a society extending back thousands of years, many of their practices helped modern societies learn how to live in this challenging subtropical environment. According to Everglades National Park Superintendent Pedro Ramos, "the Eighth Annual Calusa Days celebration is especially important because 2016 also marks the National Park Service Centennial, which celebrates the 100 year history of America's best idea."He added, "Calusa Days is a great way to experience the special outdoor and cultural resources that Everglades National Park makes relevant to present and future generations, so these places remain relevant for the next 100 years. We can learn a lot from the Calusa Indians, as we bring those lessons alive for the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates." On Monday through Friday, March 14 through 18, rangers will offer one interactive Calusa Day program a day (11 a.m. to 12 noon). On Saturday, March 19, all the programs will be offered back to back, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.No reservations are required. On Tuesday through Thursday, March 15 through 17 (10:15 to 10:45 a.m.), enjoy local author Marya Repko sharing fascinating stories about the Ten Thousand Islands. No reservations are required. On Thursday, March 17 (3 to 4 p.m.) join Racheal Kangas from the Florida Public Archaeology Network for a workshop for adults, "4,000 Years in the Making: Prehistoric Pottery." Reservations are required;please call the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at 239-695-3311. On Saturday, March 19, travel by boat to see the 10, 000 Islands for yourselves. Join a park Ranger for a canoe program. Canoe trips are 2 hours long, for experienced paddlers only, and will leave on the hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Reservations are required;please call the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at 239-695-3311. What:Eighth Annual Calusa Days - join park staff and archeologists in free outdoor activities, a variety of programs, and interesting booth displays as we explore the deep and incredible history of the ancientCalusa Indians and the Ten Thousand Islands. When: March 14 through 19, 2016. Where: Everglades National Park, Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, Florida 34139.Click here for directions: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/gcdirections.htm Media Note –photo and video clip available on request Calusa Days is an event supported by Everglades National Park, Florida Archaeology Network and National Park Service staff from the Southeast Archaeology Center. For more information, contact the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at 239-695-3311 (during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week). |
Last updated: March 10, 2016