Greetings, Friends, from the Randell Research Center! May is always a special month at the center as we move from the spring season and into summer. At the RRC, the summer provides time to reflect on our mission and our care of the precious archaeological and ecological resources and heritage at Pineland. Well, this summer is shaping up to be quite busy and this month we have been focused on two fundamental aspects of the center: ongoing site restoration and (re)introducing the center and Calusa more broadly!

The first featured newsletter story in this issue documents exciting progress on the restoration of Smith Mound in partnership with the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District. As a reminder, this portion of the trail has been closed to the public since Hurricane Ian in 2022 and we are eager to share our progress toward re-opening! The second story provides an update along the trail as we watch new blooms pop up, enjoy the restoration of Brown’s Mound vegetation and walkway by volunteers with the RRC Trail Blazers, and keep an eye on one of our resident Osprey nests and family! The third story presents an introduction to the Calusa and the RRC overall to folks who may be new to both. We recognize that it is important to periodically make a concerted effort to (re)introduce the Calusa and the RRC to encourage new visitors, interest, and collaborative opportunities. This story is led by Patricia Escobar-Torres, our Thompson Earth Systems Institute science communication intern for the RRC, and features a bevy of recent and stunning photographs along the Calusa Heritage Trail!

Also, this month the RRC staff has had a chance to think about the many interactions we had this spring with RRC visitors, volunteers, and supporters, as well as Pine Island community members, and folks from across the greater southwest Florida. A persistent theme in many of these interactions was keen interest in the role of people at the RRC, beginning with the Calusa, of course, and including our own RRC community. To this end, in this issue we begin a new series called, “Getting to Know Us” where we share the remarkable people behind the center! Many people contribute to the success of the RRC and our ability to meet our mission on Pine Island and beyond. We are excited to share profiles from the RRC staff, RRC volunteers, Friends of the Randell Research Center, local community supporters and partners, University of Florida faculty, staff, students, and more.

Finally, we include a guest feature by Nicole Fuller, the Collections Manager for the Environmental Archaeology Program at the Florida Museum. Fuller was a guest speaker and RRC Volunteer Enrichment Workshop leader this past spring. Her story offers a personal perspective of the RRC as a museum resource and the importance of our mission to connect archaeology, stewardship, and public engagement.

Director’s Message

Dear Friends of the Randell Research Center,

Fresh off the heels of the 2025 season, I am happy to say that we are moving full steam ahead on several infrastructure projects at the Calusa Heritage Trail! One major project includes the renovation of the classroom. With support from many of you and others, we are currently preparing for the installation of an HVAC system to provide a climate-controlled space throughout the year. As we get closer to determining the project’s dates, we will make a decision about trail safety, public safety, and a temporary closure.

Andy Jendrusiak clearing vegetation leading to Low Mound. Florida Museum photo by Jeremiah Scoone

A resident gopher tortoise near Smith Mound portion of the Calusa Heritage Trail. Florida Museum photo by Andy Jendrusiak

Grounds Keeper Andy Jendrusiak has been leading the restoration of the trail around Smith Mound and Low Mound. This is no small task, and along with assistance from Jeremiah Scoone, we are seeing some great progress! Please note in the photograph here, Andy is standing near Low Mound and it is nearly unrecognizable with overgrowth. At the center, we appreciate and realize what an honor it is to care for these mounds and sacred landscape, and also how meaningful it is to members of the community.

Last, but certainly not least, I am happy to report that we are about to begin the process of hiring a new Operations Manager at the center and look forward to welcoming a new member to our team on Pine Island!

Please stay tuned for announcements about these summer efforts! We will also share updates as part of the Latest News section of our website, through our general RRC email updates, and on Facebook.

My best,
Michelle LeFebvre

Newsletter Features

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