Nov. 22-25, 2024
We’re inviting Gulf Scholars to join GatorCorps at the Florida Museum of Natural History Randell Research Center on Pine Island in southwest Florida to assist with post-hurricane recovery. The center includes the Pineland Archaeological Site Complex, a Calusa village for over 1500 years that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This trip, scheduled for November 22-25, 2024, offers you a chance to volunteer, learn, and network at a site of archaeological and environmental importance.
We have limited spots available. Travel, lodging and some meals will be covered for students selected to participate.
During this trip you will:
Assist with post-hurricane recovery
Pine Island was severely impacted by hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton , and the area is still in the recovery phase. You’ll contribute to the recovery efforts through manual labor, helping the Randell Research Center restore its environmentally, archaeologically, and community significant resources.
Learn and explore
The Randell Research Center contains archaeologically significant areas like Brown’s Mound, Randell Mound, the Grand Canal, and the Calusa Heritage Trail. In addition to volunteering, you’ll hear from experts about the site’s rich history and ecology as well as heritage resilience and community response. This is a chance to explore one of Florida’s key cultural and natural treasures!
Trip Details:
- Dates: November 22-25, 2024. We will be departing UF at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22, and returning around 6 p.m. on Monday, November 25.
- Location: Florida Museum of Natural History Randell Research Center, Pine Island
- Partners: Florida Museum of Natural History Randell Research Center and Gator Corps
- Funding: Travel, lodging, and some meals will be covered for students selected to participate
- Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 10
- Notification of Selection: By November 12
- This trip also counts toward your campus engagement requirement for the Gulf Scholars medallion program!
What you will need:
- Closed-toe shoes, pants, and long-sleeved shirts for work
- Additional personal items for the trip (packing list will be provided to selected students)
- Bug spray, sunscreen, hat
- Water bottle
We will provide:
- Leather work gloves
- Eye protection
- Travel and accommodation
- Some meals
Benefits of Participation:
- Hands-On Service: Engage in meaningful community work by helping with post-hurricane recovery, contributing directly to the local environment and community.
- Field Experience: Explore one of Florida’s important archaeological and environmental sites while learning about the cultural heritage of the Calusa people and the environmental significance of the region.
- Network with Experts: Network with researchers, faculty, and potential community partner mentors for your Gulf Impact Projects, building valuable relationships that could support your academic and professional journey.
- Fulfill Program Requirements: This trip satisfies a campus engagement requirement for the Gulf Scholars Program and could offer insights and connections for your Gulf Impact Project.
- Most Expenses Covered: With travel, lodging, and some meals included, this is a low-cost opportunity to expand your knowledge and contribute to meaningful work.
Apply
DEADLINE EXTENDED: We have limited spots available, so make sure to apply by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 10. Selected students will be notified by November 12.
Submit your application at the following link: Hurricane Recovery Trip to Randell Research Center
We look forward to your participation and the chance to make a lasting impact on the Pine Island community while enriching your Gulf Scholars experience!