This aerial view of Weedon Island Preserve shows an expansive 3,000-acre natural area on Tampa Bay in north St. Petersburg.
ST. PETERSBURG – County officials recently announced Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Wednesday in March and April on a trial basis. The center also will keep its regular hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Weedon Island Preserve is an expansive 3,000-acre natural area on Tampa Bay in north St. Petersburg. The Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center is at 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg.
A variety of events have been planned in March. To register for programs and events, visit www.weedonislandpreserve.org.
On Wednesday, March 6, visitors can go coastal and learn the life histories of some of Florida’s most beloved marine creatures and what can be done to keep them safe during the nesting season. This two-hour presentation begins at 2 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Join the Thursday, March 7, presentation to learn what happens when hurricanes make landfall. This program from 6:45 to 8 p.m. is part of the Pinellas County Sea Grant Extension-sponsored Marine Science Speaker series. Advance registration required.
On Saturday, March 9, join a Pinellas County Extension specialist and examine the basics of plant identification using simple keys to identifying critical characteristics that will help any would-be botanist in the field. This 90-minute presentation, beginning at 10:30 a.m., places an emphasis on flowering plants, but ferns will be included as well. Comfortable shoes are recommended as part of the class will be outdoors. Advance registration is required.
The new book, The Making of St. Petersburg, captures the character of this bay city through significant events, from the Spanish clash with indigenous peoples to the creation of the downtown waterfront parks and grand hotels. On Saturday, March 9, beginning at 2 p.m., author and local historian Will Michaels will present a one-hour chronicle of St. Petersburg's rich history, including the world's first airline and major league baseball’s introduction to the area. Advance registration required.
The archaeology lecture Stable Isotope Analysis of Busycon Sinistrum to Determine Fort Walton Period Seasonality at St. Joseph Bay, Florida will be offered at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21. Take advantage of this one-hour presentation by Ryan Harke and learn how the research suggests that coastal and inland Fort Walton populations represent separate cultural groups. Advance registration required.
On the second and fourth Thursday in March, children ages 3 to 5 are treated to 45 minutes of a selected story and a craft, game or hands-on activity that connects them to their environment. The Wee Time at Weedon programs begin at 10:30 a. m.
Hiking opportunities are plentiful at Weedon Island Preserve in February. Regular two-hour guided hikes begin at 9 a.m. each Saturday. Participants learn about the ecosystems and early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and along boardwalks through mangrove forests. The hikes are best for ages 6 and older.
On Friday, March 8, at 8 a.m. join the Great Weedon Bird Quest to learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors while assisting in compiling an annual checklist of the preserve’s birds. This two-hour hike is designed to take advantage of all levels of birding experience. Binoculars and bird guides are available. Advance registration required. Recommended for adults.
The two-hour Saturday, March 16, hike is a perfect opportunity for adult photographers to hone their skills. After a classroom session beginning at 8 a.m. This hike highlights specific wildlife behaviors and focus tips, guides will assist participants in capturing the natural beauty outdoors. Advance registration required.
Connecting People and Place is an art-inspired, permanent hands-on educational exhibit of the area’s history, ecology and people at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center.
To learn more about Weedon Island Preserve and its upcoming programs and events, call 453-6500. To register for programs and events visit www.weedonislandpreserve.org. Videos featuring Weedon Island Preserve can be viewed at www.youtube.com/pcctv1.
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