mound at “Madira Bickel Park” - “Terra Ceia, Florida”
Tall gumbo limbo tree atop the Aboriginal American Mound has dark silver bark.
A few years back, we set out to find the significant Temple Mound Complex in “Terra Ceia, Florida”, which is located on the southern shore of “Tampa Bay” and is encompassed by the aquatic preserve at “Terra Ceia Bay”, where archaeological evidence of early human use has been recorded. Coincidentally, the so-named “Madira Bickel” Mound Site exhibits thousands of years of Indigenous habitation spanning at least three so-called “cultural periods”. We looked forward to experiencing the site and honoring the legacy of First Nation People.
Also, many sources report that in 1948, Karl and Madira Bickel donated the site containing the large flat-topped Temple Mound, which is 20 feet tall and 100 by 170 feet at its base, and it is said to be composed of shells, sand, animal bones, and village debris (presumably from the former surrounding village complex of ancient times). Later on, the “Prine” Burial Mound (which is the site of numerous documented burials) was donated by R.H. Prine and Shula Prine. Currently, this mound site is the focal point of a “park” system that manages preservation of these two ancestral monuments within their natural community. Additionally, the site is distinguished as the first archaeological site in ‘Florida’ and features temple mound traditions representative of this territory.
We value all of our Journeys of Appreciation and this one was no different because we truly love our Allodial Estate and it is such a pleasure to travel, document, and share our experiences. Along the route to “Terra Ceia”, we observed many beautiful expansive waterways, making the journey even more enjoyable. Finally, spotting the road sign on “Bayshore Drive”, we were so excited and followed the roadway leading to the site…or so we thought. It soon became clear that this was not an access road to the mound, and there were no indications as to where the site was located. After documenting our findings, we left this location, conceding that more research was necessary. Fortunately, we did find a large preserve nearby that featured wonderful natural habitats, tranquil waterways, and hiking trails. This turned out to be quite an exhilarating adventure.
On our next trip, we navigated to “Terra Ceia” along "US-19", enjoying scenic views of the bay. What a perfect day for experiencing this sacred mound site. The wonderful shining sun always brings on big smiles and warms our hearts…setting the tone for a delightful day. We arrived at “Bayshore Drive” and turned into the “park” entrance. Many large ancient oak trees with lots of moss draped on their extended branches immediately caught our attention, as well as many cabbage palms standing tall along the pathway leading to the large mound.
Palm trees and understory before the Ancient Aboriginal Mound “Madira Bickel site”
Before continuing further, we observed the flat terrain surrounding the base of the mound. In addition to many live oaks and cabbage palms, a coastal hammock like this features many other trees and shrubs, such as: white stoppers (tall trees with small trunks and branches, leathery dark green leaves, with edible black and red fruit that birds love); marlberry trees or shrubs (usually 12-15 feet tall with slender branches, and long dark shiny green leaves); and wild coffee (shrub, 5-8 feet tall, deep green glossy leaves, roasted “beans” can be used to make caffeine-free drinks). Trees are so interesting and we enjoy learning a few things to help recognize them. And as a reminder—before ingesting plants in nature—always properly identify the edible species in your area.
Also, there is plenty of attractive greenery, including climbing vines, adorning trees and shrubs, and even forming groundcover in certain spots. We noted that much of this understory consisted of native and possibly non-native vegetation in varying stages of life. Jamal pointed out the sloping elevation of the mound appearing through dense tree limbs, hanging vines, and dangling moss. I’m so glad he showed me—otherwise I might have missed this fantastic viewpoint.
Especially visible was this incredible looking gumbo-limbo tree with shiny, silver bark and expressive branches casting beautifully against the blue sky above. Normally, these trees can be 40 feet tall and have thick trunks and branches covered with reddish peeling bark, which led them to be referred to as ‘tourist’ trees. When the red “sunburned” bark peels away, that smooth silvery inner bark is revealed. Also, this unique tree has many valuable healing properties. In some countries, the tree bark is used topically to remedy skin irritations (sunburns, insect bites, rashes, sores, and measles) and as a decoction taken internally for pain, fevers, and urinary tract infections. In the Caribbean, people use the tree resin (which smells similar to turpentine) as glue, varnish, and incense.
We stopped at the information kiosk to peruse descriptions of the temple (ceremonial) mound, burial mound, and other nearby mounds, including colorful depictions of Indigenous People associated with particular cultural periods of habitation and examples of pottery, tools, and other recovered objects. One map outlines all of the significant archaeological locations within the “park” site and areas nearby, such as “Miguel Bay”. This waterway and natural habitat are located across the street, and records disclose an extensive shell mound exists along its shoreline. After scanning all these details, I was even more curious about seeing the rest of the site.
“Park” signage, on Aboriginal land “Madira Bickel” Mound “State Archaeological Site”
While still admiring the natural scenery around the base, we walked over to stairs leading up the mound. As we climbed, peeping over the side railing, we stopped to observe the upward incline that was covered with even more old trees, shrubs and vegetation. The steps curved slightly to further complement many interesting views of the elevating natural terrain. Incidentally, some sources recorded that this flat top structure was either the Chief’s domicile or a temple; and that a sloping ramp (approximately 10 feet wide) extended in the direction of a mound ridge along the shores of “Miguel Bay”. We are headed up there right now and it’s exciting.
Arriving at the top of the mound and realizing how high up it is…we're astonished by its magnificence. And the skyline—featuring a canopy of various tree shapes—is just gorgeous. This natural habitat of ancient trees and tropical vegetation was within our reach from different angles around the top of the mound. It was very impressive seeing so many species of grand old trees thriving and contributing to the longevity of this site along with numerous shrubs, plants and wildlife. In addition to the natural environment, another reason why Aboriginal People probably chose this location was its accessibility to abundant waterways that provide sustenance for the People, as well as facilitating transportation and trade between villages.
A natural combination of various trees under the coastal hammock atop great Mound.
There was signage that read: “Tropical vegetation on the mound are far north of their usual range. The elevation of the mound and its close proximity to water moderates winter temperatures protecting the plants from cold. Also, the shells comprising the mound provide the limestone base upon which these species grow best.” This was interesting and lends clarity to what we have studied about the relationship between mound location and elevation, waterways, trees and plants, and mollusk shells and limestone. We appreciate the confirmation.
Tropical vegetation signage “Madira Bickel Archeological Park”.
From up here, we observed incredibly large gumbo limbo trees (in the reddish-peeling bark phase) and some having strangler fig trees bonded to them, creating strange trunk and root formations. And many birds were seen and heard flying overhead—a few were surprised by our presence and flew away from their cozy roosts nearby. Most trees and shrubs have loads of moss and similar air plants attached to them. Generally, air plants anchor themselves to other plants and surfaces—yet are not parasitic—they get water and nutrients from moisture in the air, dew, rainwater, etc. We like the graceful charm they add to almost any natural setting.
Gumbo limbo tree grows with sabal palms and stoppers.
Epiphytic plants (draping moss) decorate dense forest.
We accept many feelings of gratitude as we resumed our delightful trek back down. Near the exit at the base of the mound, we noted the smaller burial mound (called “Prine” Mound), which is said to be approximately 100 feet in diameter and about 18 inches tall; and thirty burials were documented at this sacred site...although the exact location is inconclusive based on past archaeological surveys. However, it is acknowledged that the mound sits near the current “parking area” and portions of it may be found underneath this cleared area, which was already on the property when the “park” was established in 1951.
Traveling away from the site, we paused along the roadside to take in scenic views around “Terra Ceia Bay”. The pristine waters along the shoreline revealed numerous mollusk shells and shell fragments and we noticed an interesting rock formation embedded with small shells. We watched several birds walking on top of what looks like a large oyster bed or ring, with more shells visible beneath the water surface. Reefs that are exposed above water all the time, leave islands made up of just oyster shells; however, natural oyster reefs are composed of living and dead shells. It is well known that oysters play an important role along the coast by filtering water, stabilizing shorelines, and supporting healthy ecosystems as habitats for many marine species.
Rock formations at “Terra Ceia“ Bay, near Ancient, Aboriginal Mounds.
Sighting mangrove trees and other vegetation along the coastline is always delightful. Mangroves only grow in tropical and subtropical climates; their tangled roots make the trees appear to be standing above the water; they stabilize the coastline, reduce erosion, and provide food and shelter to fish and other organisms, as well as roosting and nesting sites for many water birds. Mangrove trees are definitely valuable resources in productive ecosystems.
We appreciate every aspect of this beautiful journey to honor the legacy of First Nation People in America.
Following is a video description of this journey