Summer Solstice 2024 Schedule

We're looking forward to another great Summer Solstice Celebration at Shell Mound on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Friends of Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys will again partner with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) and the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) to give guided archaeology walks, a guided and space-limited archaeo-kayak tour, and a seaside talk on the pier. This event is free to the public. Registration is required for the kayak tour. Register using this Eventbrite link.

Find a map of the Refuge here and of Shell Mound here.

Refer to this post for schedule changes as our plans develop.

10:00 - noon
Land talks and tours
Land-based events, held rain or shine.

Gather -- at the Shell Mound parking lot, Some may need to park at the Dennis Creek trailhead parking lot. Friends, FPAN, and FPTA will have information tables set up.
Walk -- Dr. Ginessa Mahar leads archaeology tours of Shell Mound.
Talk --Dr. Ken Sassaman speaks about early native settlers on the newly rebuilt fishing pier.

Bring your lunch to eat on the pier.

noon to 2:00pm
Paddle tour

Paddle Tour Update- as of mid-day on 6/21/24- winds are predicted to be light with a chance of thunderstorms mainly late in the day. We're on for Saturday! See you there.

Paddle-- a space-limited event
Paddle tour participants must register using this Eventbrite link. Bring you own canoe, kayak or SUP and related equipment. You must wear a PFD at all times while on the water.

Gather -- at the Shell Mound boat ramp with your boats and PFDs, which all paddlers are required to wear at all times on the water during the guided tour. FPTA board members Dorsey DeMaster and Steve Cournoyer will lead a 5 mile round-trip paddle to Richards Island along with FPAN archaeo-kayaker Nigel Rudolf.

If this tour must be cancelled for weather-related safety reasons, registered participants will be notified via Eventbrite.

To see photos and read about earlier Solstice events, visit this blog post re-capping Summer Solstice 2023.