Two pictures showing the progress made on shore restoration

Many Improvements happening at

De Soto National Memorial

Stating in May many projects have come to fruition at the Park. First the beginning of the long overdue beach renourishment project. Over 400 tons of sand and 50 tons of rock or "Rip-Wrap" were added to the Parks crumbling North Shore. This added 8 ft. of shoreline to the North beach and created a valuable barrier against tropical storms. The second phase of the project will include the creation of over 40 cubic feet of new shell trail overlooking the vista, and the planting of over 800 plants from 12 diffrent native plant species.

The second major project underway at De Soto National Memorial is the remodeling of our bookstore and gift shop. We have added several new shelf units and display cabinets to increase the quality and availability of books and products to park visitors.

Scott Pardue, Superintendent

First ever Junior Ranger Summer Campers at De Soto National Memorial, and their native masks and personal banners.

First Ever Junior Ranger Summer Camp a Success

Our first ever Junior Ranger Summer Camp was an overwhelming success. The kids, between the ages of 6-10 started arriving before 9:00 a.m. They were given activity sheets and started on several activities like Native American mask painting, and designing your own personal family crest using photos from magazines. The kids took a much needed rest for refreshments and to watch movies on Florida Native Americans and the Spanairds who came here in 1539. At the end we took a group photo of all of our first time campers and counselors. Thank you to all the families who made our first camp day a success. 

Park Photo

Campers pose with their shields.

First Junior Ranger Summer Camp
At De Soto National Memorial
Comes to an End

 De Soto National Memorial inaugural Junior Ranger Summer Camp came to an end on Friday August 8th. Campers learned and did activities to such topics as Florida Indian culture, the De Soto expedition of 1539, the importance of America's National Parks, Conservation & the role Park Rangers play in all of these topics. Some of the activities Junior Rangers participated in were creating their own native pottery, painting shields, making paper, trail hikes and the importance of fire and the natural to the environment. Junior Ranger camp concluded with a night hike and graduation ceremony. Park Rangers led campers through the trails by candlelight and told stories about local legends.   

The first summer camp was declared a overwhelming success by parents and most importantly the Junior Rangers themselves. Many thanks have gone out to park staff like Park Ranger Sarah Schoenfelder, who organized the curriculum and camp activities, and Volunteer Ron Schoenfelder who donated his Fridays to help out in camp. A special thanks go out to all the parents and Junior Rangers who without their cooperation & participation this first successful summer camp would not have been possible. 

Park photo

Chief of Maintenance Chuck Oshaben enjoys a job well done.

De Soto Re-nourishment project almost Complete.

The re-nourishment project for the Northern Bern in front of the Park's visitor center is nearing completion. Chief of Maintenance Chuck Oshaben and his crew have been hard at work completing a new trail for visitors to access the view of Tampa Bay and the Manatee River. The new crushed shell trail has made access to the park's breathtaking view shed ADA accessible. The second phase of the project was completed with the planting of over 300 plants with a variety of 12 different native species. the project will be completed shortly with the placement of several garden benches for the enjoyment of our visitors.

Park Photo

Three new loggerhead sea turtles waiting for release at De Soto NM

First Ever Sea Turtles Born at
De Soto National Memorial 

We are glad to report that Anna Maria Turtle Watch reported to Park Rangers that on August, 13 2008 hatchling tracks were reported coming out of a Loggerhead sea turtle nest on the North beach at the park. This sea turtle nest was only the second nest reported at De Soto NM. Last year in September the park saw its first sea turtle nest, but sadly none of the eggs in that nest were viable. On August 16th Park Rangers and members of the Ana Maria Turtle Watch excavated the nest and found three live hatched turtles waiting to be dug out. also in the nest was evidence of 15 other hatches. The three turtles were recorded and released from De Soto's beaches were hopefully in 30 years those mother turtles will return to make their nests on our beaches. Suzy Fox from Anna Maria Turtle Watch stated that this was a special nest because sea turtles usually do not come this far inland to make their nests, and to have a successful hatching was very special indeed.