Turtle Mound

Turtle Mound. Canaveral National Seashore. , Mounds of History , At 35 feet high, Turtle Mound is the tallest shell mound in Florida. Throughout history, it served as an important home and landmark for Timucuan Indians, Spanish explorers, and early Floridians. , , Created between AD 800 and 1400, Turtle Mound is an Indian Midden, or refuse pile, composed mostly of oyster shells. It holds a vital archaeological and environmental record of the past. , , Washing Away , Turtle Mound is experiencing extensive shoreline erosion and loss of artifacts due to natural and human disturbances. , These include: , . Boat wakes and recreational use . Freezes and storms . High-water events and changes in sea level . Non-native plants and animals , , Going Native , The park is collaborating with scientists, archaeologists, and conservation organizations to create a “living shoreline” of native species in waters adjacent to Turtle Mound. , , Eastern Oyster , Crassostrea virginica , Stabilizing shells provide attachment surface for oysters. A live oyster reef will form, ( Unreadable ) from waves while filtering lagoon water. , , Marsh Grass , Spartina alterniflora , Grass rapidly produces below surface and runners from which new shoots emerge. This plant will help disperse wave energy and bind sediments. , , Red and Black Mangroves , Rhizophora mangle; Avicennia germinans , Protected by the marsh grass and oysters, seedlings will become established and put out roots, which will stabilize sediments and runoff. , , You Can Help , , Only walk on marked paths , , Do not walk on or bring your boat onto the “living shoreline.” , , There are thousands of volunteers who have helped with this and other restoration projects in the park!