Shell mounds at "Maximo Park-St Petersburg, Florida"
Quaint view of “Boca Ciega” Bay captured from under a shady coastal hammock near beach.
We decided to continue our day’s journey experiencing Indigenous Honoring Sites in “St Petersburg, Florida” by spending the rest of the afternoon at “Maximo Park,” an incredible location along beautiful “Boca Ciega Bay”. More importantly…this site is said to have been inhabited and appreciated by Aboriginal People for more than 14,000 years, based on deposits and artifacts found. Amazingly, portions of their mound villages still remain and we’re excited about going there to pay homage to our generous Ancestors.
On this visit, traveling along the winding road inside the entryway, we were delighted that the warm summer weather was cooperating and offered plenty of great sunlight for a 5:30 PM hike. We realized this was a pretty big site (40-plus acres of archaeological wonderment) with roads leading in varying directions; however, we were mainly interested in finding nature trails located near waterways…places where Indigenous signatures are usually found.
Palms and other trees on sandy soil shoreline (“Maximo Park, St. Petersburg, Florida”).
Alright—there’s the water…“Boca Ciega Bay,” which was beautifully reflecting the sky’s many shades of blue; spanning a generous natural shoreline; and ushering in lengthy rows of waving tides. Heading towards the water, we are fascinated viewing its vastness and we wonder what resources are prevalent in other regions along the Gulf Coast. And then, smiling, we remember—this is why Indigenous People chose to live, raise families, and sustain themselves along such naturally abundant shores. Surely, they experienced a similar sense of gratification and contentment as we feel today—after all, we are the beneficiaries of their great legacy and vast Estate.
It was challenging to turn way from such a captivating water scene; however, it was getting late and the forest area was awaiting our attention. Along the pathway, there was a very old tree stump. Curiously, it was difficult to know what kind of tree this was originally since the bark around the outside was in shreds like cabbage slaw. Also, shells and shell fragments were embedded in the trunk mostly at the base, as well as scattered on the ground. These shells are equally as important and valuable as other Indigenous artifacts found at this site.
We continued following a path lined with so many old trees that we lost count. Each one seemed to have its own personality with expressive branches that proudly beckoned to be photographed and we were glad to acknowledge their presence. We walked through wonderful canopies of oak trees, pine trees, palm trees, and other eye-catching natural vegetation.
Image captured under a dense shady hardwood hammock just off “Boca Ciega” Bay.
Of particular note was this one tall tree that appeared to have another type of tree attached to it. Both trees looked stable in this cozy position, with the one snuggling all over the other and creating quite a fascinating combination. We found out later that over time, the tree doing the snuggling was actually helping itself to survive by draining nutrients from the other tree. What an interesting life story these two trees share.
Strangler tree rising on oak (host), which is likely being depleted of needed resources.
Our journey of appreciation of this site was enjoyable and enlightening, especially after we encountered elevations in the terrain surrounding the path and spotted shells and fragments scattered on the ground near many older trees. Also, this caused us to ponder about the ingenuity of our Ancestors; who established these mounds and crafted the supplies and tools required to maintain such a large complex or community. We are thankful for their vision and our memories.
Weathered shells and fragments rest on “midden” (sandy soil) with decomposing leaves.
Upon exiting the site, we spotted a large mound located in the middle of the circular roadway and noted there was no display referencing it. Jamal walked to the top, taking pictures all around and noting the downward slope with views of surrounding palm trees at the base. I strolled along the perimeter, looking for signs on the ground similar to those seen in the forest area. Most of the flat top mound was covered with green grass and I came across a few small shell fragments in the dirt around some trees and occasionally shells were visible in the browning grassy area. However, we assessed that further research is necessary regarding this area.
The mound behind palm trees and before the Bay is likely a reconstructive example, and not an Aboriginal Mound, based on budgetary reports published for the “park”
Following is a very brief video of our 1st visit to "Maximo Park."
Second Journey to "Maximo Park-St Petersburg" (winter Season)
Later, after reviewing information related to the site, we realized several areas of interest were bypassed on the previous journey. This time we arrived in the afternoon (2:40 PM) on a cold, overcast winter day and planned to take full advantage of another opportunity to honor the heritage of First Nation People in the area.
Regarding the flat top mound located in the center of the roadway circle near the boat dock, with several sabal palms surrounding the base, our research was inconclusive. Reportedly, a recommendation was made to reconstruct a mound; however, we are unsure of the originality of this particular mound.
Heading towards the path near the water, we were again drawn to beautiful views of the bay. Beyond the daylight reflections on the water, we could see the “Indian Key Wildlife Reserve” (a kayak accessible rookery). Interestingly, we were able to observe nearby water that was clear enough to distinguish algae growing on limestone rock formations defining the shoreline and rows of mangroves filled to capacity with natural vegetation. And continuing further, we encountered an interesting looking object nestled in the sand. Closer observation revealed it was a rock murky with deposits of sand and hardened shells.
Distant view of “Indian” Key from shoreline Boca Ciega.
Rock formation on sandy beach-near “Tampa Bay”.
Also, there was a passel of small birds huddled together, wading and foraging along the shore, seeming to embrace the same chilly air that caused me to zip up my jacket. Looks like Mother Nature blessed them with perfect bodies for enjoying this abundant shoreline habitat.
Flock of busy birds on shoreline near “Frenchman Creek, Boca Ciega and Tampa Bay”.
Walking along the trail adorned with a canopy of animated live oaks, sabal palms, palmettos, and pines trees, we were appreciating the peacefulness emitting from this environment. Then our eyes gravitated to an elevated terrain of which obviously is a mound, highlighted by dried leaves and ground cover, shielding an abundance of various shells. We paused at an intriguing spot where huge live oaks, palms and other vegetation were wondrously cohabiting; and there was even fruit growing on an orange tree. The area is teeming with natural resources conducive to Indigenous cultures requiring noteworthy ingenuity. We are very proud and grateful for this memorable experience, humbly standing in the eternal shadow of such greatness.
Continuing down the path abounding with natural vegetation and gorgeous old trees, we stopped in our tracks at the sight of a beautiful majestic live oak tree. It arrogantly stood, gracing the top of another mound site. What an incredible, picture-book setting and we weren’t the only ones glad to be here…a cute little bird took flight after scurrying on the ground and many squirrels were scampering between trees, slowing down to assess and grab anything edible. We wandered over to get a closer look at this marvelous old tree and to bask in its glory. Glancing down at our feet, we spotted lots of shells and shell fragments in the soil beneath this tree and other nearby trees, as well as embedded in the ground under a ridge of native vegetation and sea grape bushes surrounding the shoreline side of the mound. We also enjoyed hearing birds singing; seeing pretty white flowers with yellow centers; and noticing what we suspected were red Yaupon berries on nearby shrubs. Plus, soothing sounds of water heard in the background, helps to strengthen our resolve to continue on this bliss-filled journey.
We’re feeling quite honored being surrounded by another extraordinary mound area at the southeastern portion of the site. The area showcased an astounding network of ancient oaks, pines, palms and other native vegetation, with branches and trunks stretching and leaning into odd shapes. And, curiously, there were dark vines clinging and hanging down from some trees. We also noted many elevations in terrain around this area, yielding dark and sandy soil blended with varied shells.
Vines hanging on tall palm tree among palmetto palms, oaks and various other trees.
We experienced a wonderful moving meditation while canvassing the area under a hammock, harboring many more expressive old oak and pine trees amid natural vegetation within this semi-marshy environment. Shortly thereafter, we encountered a beautiful area inundated with tall pine trees, shedding needles and cones everywhere. This was a fitting culmination to a great adventure, honoring the legacy of First Nation People at this site and we took advantage of every opportunity to scope different areas of natural abundance on the trek back.
To follow is a video presented in greater detail of our second visit to the Indigenous mounds at "Maximo Park-St Petersburg."