b'PAGE20 FPAN RETROSPECTIVE 2005-2020 PAGE21CENTRALREGIONThe Central Region today stretches through the southern half of Floridas Nature Coast from Levy to Hernando Counties. Moving from west to east across the region reveals salt marsh fringes and maritime hammocks of the Gulf Coastal Lowlands, through sandhill ridges to the swamps and uplands of Central Florida. Throughout the region, a unique geological characteristic is also evident, karst topography, which often exposes Floridas chert stone, known for its ease of tool manufacture and used extensively by the first Floridians. Farther inland, the eastern boundary of the region is defined by spring runs that feed the Oklawaha River. This meandering and cypress-lined waterway carves through the Ocala National Forest before connecting with the St. Johns River. To the north and northwest, the region circles through Alachua and Bradford Counties to again reach the Gulf Coast where a historic railroad line terminates at Cedar Key. The highlight of the region, drawing visitors from across the globe, is the interconnected public lands showcasing an extensive biodiversity of plant and animal life. The natural areas also include several of Floridas ancient and storied archaeological sites and historic places. These locales mark the booms and busts of the Florida story. The Florida Park Service manages the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, a National Historic Landmark. The archaeology is set within a rich estuary consisting of a village made famous by the remains of over 900 years of indigenous American peoples lives and architecture. The staff of FPANs Central Regional Center has operated at Crystal River State Park since 2008. Top left: Central Region staff lead a History Bike Gainesville ride through historic African American neighborhoods of Gainesville. Top right: Central and West Central Region staff in a group photo after a successful HMS training at Crystal River Archaeological State Park. Bottom left: Public Archaeologist Nigel Rudolph sets up for an outreach event in Crystal River. Bottom right: Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research archaeologist Jason ODonoghue speaks at an Archaeology on Tap program at First Magnitude Brewery in Gainesville.'