UNF takes central role in research and preservation of the Timucuan Preserve

University of North Florida student and faculty researchers continue to play a central role in the ongoing research and preservation of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. UNF has been uncovering and preserving history at the local state and national parks since 1998.

Some of that work was represented recently when UNF students, faculty and staff presented some of those findings and more during the Timucuan Science and History Symposium held on January 23, at the Ribault Club in Jacksonville.

The symposium provided a vital platform for UNF faculty and students to network with National Park Service and State Park rangers and local preservation companies, while also contributing eight papers and three posters. Through these presentations and interactions, UNF demonstrated its commitment to the multidisciplinary study of Northeast Florida's cultural and environmental heritage.

The University's contributions were prominent during a session on Cultural Landscapes, Identity & Community History:

• Dr. Keith Ashley, archaeology associate professor, discussed the migration and transformation of the 10th-century landscape in Indigenous Northeastern Florida
• Allison Alcántara, anthropology student, presented an archaeological and historical analysis of St. Johns Town

In a session on Ancient Places, UNF researchers dominated the agenda with investigations into shell mounds and settlement dynamics:

• Chance Courtney-Durrett, archaeology lab assistant, shared findings on the mapping and excavation of the Borgman Shell Mound on Big Talbot Island.
• Carsten Comberg, archaeology lab assistant, presented research on uncovering Mission Era households at Cedar Point Preserve.
• Victoria Hayes, UNF alum, discussed "Raising Shell for the Rising Sun: Unearthing Significance at the Cedar Point North Site." Her research into the 1,000-year-old remains of shell midden features was part of a collaborative effort involving other UNF students like Alexis McEwan and Tiana Kastanos, as well as faculty members Jacqueline Meier and Keith Ashley. This specific group also provided insights into reconstructing historical fishing seasons at the Cedar Point North site.

Several UNF students also presented research posters:

• Jenna Hiers presented her work on the taphonomy of the 2025 Ceder Point North animal bone samples.
• McKenzie Neulinger's poster, "Creating a Digital Database for Osteological Comparative Analysis," sought to digitally archive Northeast Florida fish collections to improve future zooarchaeological identifications.
• Isabella Mills' poster documented an archaeological analysis of Cedar Point North's fish remains.