Archaeology Presentation and Field Trip

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL - The Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center is hosting a presentation and guided group tour of the Oak Tree Nature Park in Mary Esther, on Saturday, Oct. 3. Attendees will meet at Heritage Park at 11 a.m. for the lecture and then caravan to the park immediately following.

archaeologist Tommy Abood, an Oak Tree Nature Park Committee Member, will present a free public lecture at the Indian Temple Mound Museum to discuss the history of the park and how archaeology played a major role in the parks preservation. 

The Oak Tree Nature Park is a 25 acre park that consists of five native plant communities. A well-marked interpretive hiking trail of approximately two miles meanders through the park, crossing Silver Sands Creek in two places.

A number of animal species can be found in the park, including otter, beaver, alligator, raccoon, opossum, fox, bobcat, squirrls, turtles, frogs, toads, snakes, and a variety of insects. Over 103 bird species have also been seen in the park. In prehistoric times, Native Americans inhabited the area, as evidenced by the discovery of an ancient shell midden and numerous prehistoric artifacts recovered during archaeological survey work conducted in the park.

The park is located off Hollywood Blvd. next to the Mary Esther Library/City Hall complex.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bottled water, sunscreen, food, and wear comfortable clothing.  Hiking boots/sneakers should be worn for comfort. The public presentation at the museum and the group tour is free; however, those interested in the field trip must provide their own transportation. 

For more information contact Programming Coordinator Mike Thomin at 850-833-9595. Heritage Park & Cultural Center is located at 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE.