Mangrove Chapter, Florida Native Plant Society

Myakka State Forest is sandwiched between Englewood, North Port and Venice. It was previously a cattle ranch and was on the verge of development before being purchased by Southwest Florida Water Management District and FL Department of Fisheries. It is an example of native hydric pine flatwoods with more than 50 natural fresh water wetlands, and a few cattle drinking ponds. The tidal Ainger Creek enters from the SW area and causes growth of salt-tolerant vegetation. The Forest is actually extensive grass, palmetto and shrub-lands, but thousands of slash and long-leafed pines have now been planted. It is a remarkable piece of "old Florida" in the midst of human development. Light refreshments provided. 

Board of Directors meeting at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome! 

Mound 5 was mapped in 1895 by noted archaeologist Frank Hamilton Cushing, and is now on private property belonging to mystery writer Randy Wayne White. The dig has uncovered some very interesting data, including a disturbed human burial, a variety of pottery sherds from many different periods, and a wealth of zooarchaeological remains.

Find out about the latest research at the Pineland site, the excavation on Mound 5 of the Brown's Mound Complex, and how it fits (or doesn't fit) the 'big picture' of our theories on the site and its development over time. The current laws concerning our archaeological resources, like unmarked human burials, and how they can be protected, will also be discussed. Light refreshments provided. 

Board of Directors meeting at 5:30 p.m.  All are welcome!

Bring a dish, your own place setting and participate in the Mangrove Chapter's election of new officers.  Board of Directors meeting at 5:00 p.m.  All are welcome!