On Florida’s gulf coast, where the trails that hosted the footsteps of the area’s first inhabitants weave beneath the shade of the mangroves, the wind rocks in oak hammocks and time is still set by the sun, a 3,700-acre sanctuary awaits. This is Weedon Island Preserve—gateway to the past and keeper of ancient cultures.
Weedon Island is home to an intricate ecosystem and centuries of human history. This interdependent duo of habitat and society inspired the creation of AWIARE—The Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education.
The group is dedicated to scientific exploration and research that can illuminate the impact of environment on human life. Through ongoing excavations, more and more about the first Weedon Islanders are revealed—stories that should be included in the public history of our gulf coast region.Weedon Island’s hallmark pottery—among the most exquisite collections in the southeastern United States—is under continuing study, as the messages and patterns imprinted in the fine clays still remain a mystery.