Spotlight from the Calusa Heritage Trail: Summer 2025 – Randell Research Center

Hello from the Calusa Heritage Trail!

As the long days of summer are wrapping up for some, here on Pine Island we are still well into the heat of the season and want to share a couple of highlights from our summer at the Randell Research Center.

We have had some beautiful sunny days, plenty of summer rains, and many of the creatures that call the Calusa Heritage Trail home have been out and about keeping us company.

large trees in a row along the pathway

Beautiful day among the gumbo limbo trees. Florida Museum photo by Christy Rau

Wetlands and canal at RRC very full with recent rain

Summer wetlands along the canal. Florida Museum photo by Michelle LeFebvre

dark clouds over the RRC trail

Storm approaching the trail. Florida Museum photo by Christy Rau

two people sitting on the bench on the top of a mound overlooking the Pine Island sound

Sunny skies over Pine Island Sound. Florida Museum photo by Michelle LeFebvre

Osprey sitting on a palm tree

Osprey in palms. Florida Museum photo by Christy Rau

large tortoise walking along RRC pathway

Gopher tortoise Florida. Museum photo by Christy Rau

rabbit on the RRC sidewalk

Daily visit from bunnies. Florida Museum photo by Michelle LeFebvre

tall white heron walking along the RRC pathway

Morning feathered trail walker. Florida Museum photo by Christy Rau

The Randell Research Center facilities and Calusa Heritage Trail temporarily closed to the public for construction on August 3, 2025.