Longleaf Pine, Fire, Prospect Bluff

Delving into the rich tapestry of historical and ecological interplay, the project is anchored at Prospect Bluff within the longleaf pine savanna. Embracing the site's historical integrity, it intertwines the Maroons' story with the intricate dynamics of the ecosystem. This fusion provides both visitors and locals with a deeply evocative experience, nurturing a profound sense of connection and empathy to the Maroon community and the delicate longleaf pine ecosystem. This project aligns with the values of interdisciplinary exploration, is spurred by environmental engagement, enhances landscape awareness, and continues to reflect on the complexities of the site’s social history.

CONTEXT

Nestled in a longleaf pine savanna along the Apalachicola River in Franklin County, Florida, the Prospect Bluff Historic Site was a British fort during the War of 1812. It later became a refuge for escaped slaves known as Maroons, Native Americans, and some British soldiers. In 1816, American forces attacked, leading to a battle, that ended in a deadly explosion. Despite being largely forgotten, Prospect Bluff symbolizes African American resilience in the fight for freedom, showcasing a brief but impactful experiment in self-liberation and serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for emancipation.

PRINCIPLES

The project aims to vividly depict the history of the Maroon community at Prospect Bluff, immersing visitors in its rich past and the surrounding longleaf pine savanna. It enhances appreciation of the Maroons' struggles, from slavery to their connection with nature. The proposal outlines six design principles for sensitive intervention at this historically significant site:

Acknowledge History: Recognize the site’s significance and preserve its irreplaceable natural state.

Enhance Memorability: Uncover past stories to deepen understanding.

Enrich Experience: Improve accessibility and explore diverse areas for engagement.

Foster Regeneration: Integrate design within a natural environment study, emphasizing the role of ecosystems in shaping social histories.

Embrace Dynamics: Prioritize resilient plant ecology over static graphical patterns of planted forms.

Encourage Interaction: Cultivate connections between people and surroundings for a more interactive future.

DESIGN

The project can be interpreted through six perspectives: Allusion, Revelation, Mourning, Exploration, Reciprocity, and Participation.

Allusion: At Fort Gadsden along the Apalachicola River, visitors will encounter the fort's prominent earthworks. The burnt pine paving, arranged in an ever-changing manner to adapt to current conditions, alludes to the shifting thresholds of space, accentuating the fort's terrain.

Revelation: The barely noticeable earthwork of the “Negro Fort” blends with dense vegetation. The occlusal alignment of charred pine wood platforms and paths resonates harmoniously with the gentle topography, unveiling the site.

Mourning: Over 200 Maroons, bombing victims, rest at the powder magazine and cemetery at the trail's ends. Burnt pine sculptures depict two ant colonies, their nests over 2 meters deep where the deceased lie, relocated every one to two years. This design symbolizes reunion and sparks conversations on life and death.

Exploration: With a new trail system, visitors can experience an ecosystem reminiscent of the Maroons' lives a century and a half ago. Specific paths draw attention to the “Negro Fort”, recalling the vigilance of Maroons protecting their homes. Meanwhile, other trails seamlessly integrate into the savanna, encouraging exploration.

Reciprocity: Centuries ago, Native Americans cherished fire for its role in improving habitats and hunting. Today, we'll use prescribed fires to revive longleaf pine savannas, boosting biodiversity and curbing invasives. Analyzing fire timing and frequency across zones aids ecological understanding.

Participation: The annual prescribed fire ceremony bridges Indigenous and outsider communities, emphasizing solidarity and environmental care. Recognizing ancestral legacies and contemporary values, it offers enriching activities such as crafting charred pine materials.