15,000-year-old Paynes Prairie an ever-changing natural marvel
Paynes Prairie Preserve, the state's first preserve, is a National Natural Landmark. Paynes Prairie's history dates to the Timucua and Seminole tribes The prairie had settlements dating back at least 15,000 years ago, with American Indian tribes choosing it because of the sinkhole-fed water resources and the game that was attracted to it. The Timucua Indians, prevalent in Florida in the 1500s, made Paynes Prairie a major settlement. “They were very powerful,” Andersen said. “They controlled the prairie. There were a lot of rocks they could make tools or weapons out of, so it's just a...
Source: gainesville.com