5 Rivers Announces October 11 Trip To Bottle Creek Indian Mounds

5 Rivers Delta Resource Center and Five Rivers Delta Safaris have always offered those looking to get an up close and personal view of the 2nd largest wetland in the country just that: an intimate look at what animals reside there, what plants can be discovered there and what a unique habitat like the Mobile-Tensaw Delta holds. For the first time, 5 Rivers is now offering the chance to learn of other secrets held by the Delta.


On Sunday, October 11th, 2009, 5 Rivers will host a guided tour into the history of the Delta by visiting its highest point: The Bottle Creek Indian Mounds. This collection of 18 earthen mounds was built using only raw manpower and primitive tools somewhere between 1200 and 1450 AD, with the tallest mound being 45 feet high. This trip gives people the rare opportunity to experience for themselves how this rich natural environment supported those who built these extensive mounds. The sight is largely undisturbed by tourists because of it's remote location and is patrolled and preserved by the Alabama Historical Commission to prevent vandalism.

The trip itself will begin at 9am with an introduction to Bottle Creek and the Mississippian Indian culture. Shuttles will then take participants to Lower Bryant Landing to board the pontoon boat, "The Pelican", for the 45 minute boat trip to Mound Island. On hand to answer questions and provide information will be the University of South Alabama's archaeologists Dr. Greg Waslekov and Bonnie Gums, herpetologist Joel Borden and 5 Rivers biologist Hank Burch. Morning coffee, lunch and snacks will be provided on the trip as well. There is a short 3/4 mile hike up to the mounds and back.

The cost of the trip is $60 per person and space is limited. Children under the age of 12 may not find this trip suitable. For reservations or questions please contact Kellie or Shonda at (251) 625-0814. Information is also available at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center's Facebook page or website at http://www.alabama5rivers.com/.