Calusa Days Celebrated at Everglades National Park

News Release Date: March 12, 2015

Contact: Media Contact, Linda Friar, 305-242-7714

Contact: Media Contact, Mary Plumb, 305-242-7017

Contact: Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 239-695-3311

Have you ever wondered what life was like in prehistoric south Florida, before window screens, air-conditioning, and bug spray? Come to Calusa Days to find out how the Calusa Indians survived this harsh environment! The event is being held the weekend ofMarch 28 and 29, at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City, Florida. There are many activities for both kids and adults, and all are invited.

The Calusa were a self-sustaining indigenous people living in the Ten Thousand Islands of southwest Florida. As part of a society extending back thousands of years, many of their practices helped modern societies learn how to live in this challenging subtropical environment.

Learn how to make fire from scratch, weave mats from palm fronds, and even how to throw a spear like a Calusa hunter! Additional activities include mask decorating, pottery making, and a mock archeological dig. Nature Walks will be led by park rangers, exploring how the Calusa used native plants.

In addition, there will be special boat tours out to the Calusa's manmade shell mounds!  There is a fee for the special boat trips. All other activities are free.

What:Calusa Days

When:March 28-29(Saturday-Sunday),9 a.m. to 4 p.m.(Ranger-led Nature Walks are being held at11 a.m. and 2 p.m.)

Where:Everglades National Park, Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, Florida 34139.(Click here for directions:https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/gcdirections.htm

Boat Tour Information (reservations required):

Turner River Mounds Tour:

9:00,9:15,11:00, and11:15 a.m., on both Saturday and Sunday.

Go towww.evergladesnationalparkboattoursgulfcoast.comand select, "Mangrove Wilderness Tour" for the corresponding times.

Sandfly Island Loop Tour:

1:30 p.m., on both Saturday and Sunday

Go towww.evergladesnationalparkboattoursgulfcoast.comand select, "10,000 Islands Tour" for the corresponding times.

For more information, contact the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at 239-695-3311 (during regular business hours,8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week).