RANDELL RESEARCH CENTER

To visit the Randell Research Center web site, click here.

For more information on Calusa descendants in Cuba, click here. (PDF)

To learn more about South Florida Archaeology, click here.

A colorful sign on Waterfront Drive
welcomes visitors to the Randell Research Center at Pineland, 2001.

In 1996, building on over twelve years of archaeological, ecological, and historical research and education in Southwest Florida, the Florida Museum of Natural History (FLMNH) and the University of Florida (UF) established the Randell Research Center (RRC) at Pineland as a permanent research and education facility. The RRC was made possible by a generous donation by Donald and Patricia Randell of over 50 acres of the internationally significant Pineland archaeological site, once the second largest town of the native Calusa Indians. The Pineland site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated County historical resource.

The mission of the RRC is to learn and teach the archaeology, history, and ecology of Southwest Florida. Public response has been enthusiastic and supportive, and for three consecutive years (2006-2008) the RRC's Calusa Heritage Trail (described below) was voted Best Tourist Attraction by readers of the Pine Island Eagle newspaper. Over 3,500 Lee county school children, citizens, and tourists visit the Trail annually. The site is also a designated stop on the county's Great Calusa Blueway. A picnic area is available, as are handicap-accessible public restrooms, a teaching pavilion, and book shop.

Adults and children alike are fascinated by the Indian-built Pine Island Canal, remnants of which are still visible at the Pineland Site.

Location

The Pineland site is located on the northwestern shore of Pine Island at 13810 Waterfront Drive, Pineland, across the street from the Tarpon Lodge and Restaurant. The RRC's offices are located temporarily at 4130 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, during renovations to the historic Gill House (located at 7450 Pineland Road, next door to the Pineland post office).

Archaeological/historical significance

Pineland was a Calusa Indian town for over 1,500 years. Enormous shell mounds still overlook Pine Island Sound. Remains of many centuries of Indian village life blanket the old pastures and groves. Remnants of an ancient Calusa canal that reached 2½ miles across Pine Island sweep through the complex. Sand burial mounds still stand in the woods. Historic structures of Florida's early pioneer period still exist. Native plants and animals characteristic of coastal hammocks, pinelands, wetlands, and shell mounds are abundant.

The Pineland Site Complex, home of the Randell Research Center, seen from the air, 1991.

The Ruby Gill house, headquarters of the Randell Research Center, 2002.

The Calusa Heritage Trail

Portions of the Pineland site are accessible to the public on the Calusa Heritage Trail, a 3,700-foot interpretive walking path that winds among and over the mounds, wetlands, and canal. The Trail includes museum-quality signs and wayside benches, as well as stairways to the top of both primary shell mounds, observation platforms atop the tallest mound, and a bridge and boardwalk over low-lying areas. Most of the trail is paved with reduced concrete, although portions are mulched. At the trailhead, a parking area accommodating 32 cars and two buses, and including two additional handicap parking spaces, provides access to an inclined walkway leading to an activity pavilion, wheelchair-accessible public restrooms, and a classroom and gift shop. The classroom and shop opened in January 2007. Since its inauguration in December 2004, the Calusa Heritage Trail has hosted more than 10,000 visitors, including families, school children, and tour groups.

Friends of the Randell Research Center

You are invited to join the Friends of the Randell Research Center. By means of financial and volunteer support, the Friends actively promote archaeological and environmental research and education in southwest Florida. You can join for $30 per year, $15 if you are a student. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by federal law. All Friends of the RRC receive a quarterly newsletter. Supporters at higher levels are entitled to discounts on our books and merchandise, advance notice of programs, and special recognition.