Betz Tiger Point Park Archaeological Site

This trip will be led by representatives from University of North Florida, Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks, and the City of Jacksonville.

This trip involves an interpretive hike to an archaeological dig site near the Pumpkin Hill Creek State Preserve and will be guided by University of North Florida archaeologist Dr. Keith Ashley and staff of the City of Jacksonville.

This group will observe the sites where a team of university staff and students excavated portions of shell mounds that date from 900 AD to 1250 AD and they will be given a walk-through of how the team plots the ground, looks for likely middens, performs test digs, maps locations and finally excavates pits that are dug with almost surgical precision. Attendees will see samples of what the archaeological team uncovered from the dig sites.

Note: This trip will involve an interpretive hike on a mix of open and canopied trails and may be between 1 to 3 miles. Attendees should wear outdoor clothes and shoes and be prepared to plunge into the scrub to see how researchers seek out possible sites in the second-growth forest.