As a reminder, when foraging in nature, it is always best to rely on experts to accurately identify the plants with edible and healing qualities. Our research also revealed many important modern-day medicinal applications utilizing these plants. These relic plants were highly venerated by First Nation People for their many uses and healing properties.įor instance, trillium root was a sacred female herb, facilitating childbirth and treating female related concerns mayapple was used to induce vomiting and expel toxins from the body and bloodroot was nicknamed “warpaint” because red sap bleeds from the roots of the flower and was used as dye for clothing, baskets, and face paint. Additionally, rare plants (including trillium, mayapple, and bloodroot) associated with the southern Appalachian Mountains, were found near limestone outcrops. Also, according to geologists, some sands in the “park” were derived from erosion of the ancient Appalachian Mountains, said to be among the oldest mountains on earth and extending from Canada to Alabama. It is said that the river disappeared into a sinkhole creating a half-mile long natural land bridge which was used evasively by Indigenous people. Substantial natural and cultural communities are protected along the Chipola River, which is 80 feet wide and runs 1.9 miles within the “park”, except for the section that is subterranean. Reportedly, there are over 30 dry caves within the “park”, and the dry terrestrial and aquatic caverns feature exceptional geologic formations and habitat for rare species of bats and other cave creatures. Our research revealed that the purpose and significance of “Florida Caverns Park” (1,449 acres) is to preserve and interpret irreplaceable natural, historic, and cultural resources for guest enjoyment and recreational uses like hiking, camping, and paddling. Purpose and Significance of “Florida Caverns Park” More importantly, surveys state that “human beings are known to have used portions of the park for at least 5,000 years” and “two Native American village sites have been recorded.” Now-we were better prepared to take this wonderful Journey of Appreciation. Before the visit, we gathered information about the namesake park that harbors these caverns and is situated along the Chipola River which runs down the middle from north to south. Our first trip to the caverns took place in 2016 after a close friend gave such fascinating details about her experiences inside these amazing caves and we knew this was a place to see with our own eyes. We also enjoyed traveling on tree-lined streets while sightseeing through picturesque neighborhoods near the “downtown” area. Actually, this was our second journey to see the “Florida” Caverns situated just two miles north of the “City of Marianna”, which is appropriately nicknamed “The City of Southern Charm.” That’s the feeling we got arriving there along “Highway 90” which runs through town where many buildings are restored to reflect that wonderful old-time charm of years gone by. We went to another amazing location that honors the legacy of First Nation People in the northwest Territory.
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