Fort Center: Ancient History Unearthed

An exploration for another day: Fort Center is an archeological complex located within Fisheating Creek WMA west of Lake Okeechobee near Lakeport.  The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission built this beautiful observation deck over a remnant of prairie – a nice spot for birding, accessible by wheelchairs – and has blazed a combination trail – bicycle and hiking – out to a significant archeological site. Round trip is over 3 miles. The day I stopped in, my exploration was stopped short by dense smoke and beyond, a wall of flames. Seems a prescribed burn was going on, and there wasn’t a warning at the trailhead. Oops! Common sense ruled, and I beat a hasty retreat. I’ll get back here later this year to spill the full story of this site for Florida Hikes!