| Resources of Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve |
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Archaeological Resources
Most of the archaeological sites in the vicinity of Alligator Harbor are small and
disturbed to varying degrees. However, one of the best known examples of the late
Deptford-early Swift Creek (1,000 B.C. - 500 A. D.) ceremonial mound is the Yent Mound,
located on Alligator Harbor. Another important site located on the
harbor is the Tucker
site, which contains some Swift Creek phase materials, but is primarily an example of
the Weeden Island Phase (500 A.D. - 1,000 A.D.). This site also contained a burial mound,
as well as a village area.
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Physical Features
The Alligator Harbor area is part of a broad, sandy shore plain which is constantly
being altered by wind, rainfall, and sea level change. The barrier islands and spits
in the area began forming about 5,000 years ago when sea level had risen essentially to
its present position.
Alligator Harbor is bordered by several prominent offshore shoal systems, Dog Island
Reef to the southwest, South Shoal to the southeast, and the Ochlockonee Shoal to the
east. Dog Island Reef is considered to be an example of a submerged barrier island; the South
Shoal was probably deposited by the Ochlockonee River during a lower stand of sea level;
and the Ochlockonee Shoal probably represents a downed barrier island or headland.
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The dominant natural communities of Alligator Harbor are unvegetated soft-bottom communities
(unconsolidated substrate). Other natural communities that can be found in Alligator Harbor are
seagrass beds, saltmarshes, oyster reefs and algal beds.
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Wildlife
The seagrass beds and saltmarshes of Alligator Harbor
are important nursery grounds for many species of
juvenile fish and invertebrates. Alligator Harbor is an
important forage area for shorebirds and migratory
birds, particularly trans-Gulf migrants. Alligator Point
is a vital resting spot these birds. Alligator Harbor is
one of the world's largest feeding grounds of the Kemp's
ridley, the world's most endangered sea turtle.
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Last updated:
April 12, 2013
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3900 Commonwealth Boulevard M.S. 235
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
850-245-2094 (phone) / 850-245-2110 (fax)
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