Shoal Sanctuary is a unique place on earth. Its history is one of intrigue, drama, and glory. The 1830 "Indian Removal Act" authorized eviction of all indigenous people from their homeland. U.S. troops drove Cherokee, Seminole, Creek, Timuquan, Muskhogean, and Apalachee west on foot along the infamous “Trails of Tears.” Mossy Head lore sites a leg of that journey along the old Indian footpath now called Crowder Chapel Road. The thoroughfare was also used for Spanish oxcarts and pioneers’ covered wagons. Local Native Americans have said that “Shoal Sanctuary” was once a ceremonial gathering place. Back then the pristine pine forest was readily passable, not dense with secondary growth from subsequent deforestation. Seized by the U.S. government the land was homesteaded in 1904 by the Crowders, hence the street name. Timber industry and a series of owners exploited the land for nearly a century. In 1959 “Grandma Warren” is said to have held off deforesters with a shot gun. But in 1999 some of the pristine forest was sold as timber; only the inaccessible ravines and ridge line were spared. 2000 was when Larsons, who owned the 16 acre hardwood forest next door, acquired the adjoining land.

Crowder Chapel Road canope

Collapsed sheds everywhere

Remediation and responsible stewardship have since become the motto. 2000 was a year of clean up. Human debris and waste (four dumpsters and 19 truckloads) were carted away. Amid the mess were dozens of dilapidated sheds, a collapsed pink house, barbed wire and electric fence strewn like spaghetti, power poles with wires in every direction, sunken tubs and coke machines for captured wiggler worms, Model T remains, airplane parts, wringer washers,…

2001 began reintroduction of the native longleaf pine forest. Over twelve thousand longleaf have been planted along with cypress, magnolias, indigenous red cedars, fruit and nut trees. Established garlic, chives, jonquils, roses, and lilies flourish wildly. Sculpture trails now adorn the landscape. Farm fence deters hunters and their dogs yet allow access to resident bear, possible panther, gopher tortoise, deer, turkey, quail, raccoon, rabbits, opossum,…even a homeless emu happened by. Work is on-going and accompanied by the serenade of hawks overhead by day and owls by night. Adjoining forest is accessible via foot trails, foot bridges across creeks and ravines, and River Road drive where a SENTINEL sculpture points the way. Wooden benches are set at observation points. A frog pond attracts migratory birds by the “Little Green Mansion,” a tiny camouflaged trailer with wings. Every hike is a potential encounter with unusual flora or fauna.

Star Anise

Ancient Oak, R.I.P.

Follow “Way to Go” past CREATION TOTEM to the back 10 acres where a screened gazebo hosts the CITIZENS’ COLUMN. A wheelchair accessible deck affords a river view. “One of Florida’s highest bluffs” is not saying much (over 200’) but the vista spans miles. Grotto Ravine is an enchanted niche that has been on the national geologic registry since 1926. Its steep walls protect it from human encroachment, except for archeological fossil digs by Smithsonian writers. Beside ancient mollusk relics a tiny waterfall flows, liverworts thrive, and two foot Jack-in-a-Pulpits bloom.

Now a private nature preserve with sculpture trails, guests are welcomed for retreat, civic-minded growth, and repose with nature. Splendid trees and attractions are given names. “Walt Whitman” has a Spanish Moss beard. “For Heaven’s Sake” stretches high and “Behemoth” wide. “Ode to Joy” is nicknamed “Oddie.” “United We Stand” is a tall grove. “Oh Deer,” where White Tails convene, houses the EMU OBSERVATION STATION and WE COME IN PEACE, a whimsical sculpture beside UFO Row. A live oak with winding, musical branches is named “I Got Rhythm” in honor of musician Martin Baker who named the Cottonwood grove, with leaves that shuffle enthusiastically in the breeze “The Audience.” Children communed with emu “Big Bird” under “Friendship Tree.” Suggested names for untitled sculptures, paths, and trees are welcomed for consideration.

Awards wall

Sunflower bloom amid chaos

Farmhouse, before	and after

I Got Rhythm and Through the Looking Glass

Time Tunnel grape arbor

Shoal Sanctuary has been blessed by
Cherokee Chief Ponaycatawa Moitoee	The Reverend Michael Dowd	Catholic Bishop John Ricard