Fishing was central to the Tocobaga Indians that lived at the northern end of Tampa Bay from 900 to the 1500s. Artist Hermann Trappman captures the essence of their lives at the exhibit, Obscured by Time: Discovering Florida’s Gulf Coast Ancient People, on display at Weedon Island Preserve. Meet Trappman Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. and experience his talents firsthand.
ST. PETERSBURG - December’s calendar at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg reveals an ancient people art exhibit, a program about going green during the holidays and two guided opportunities to explore its evening and discover its winter birds.
Along with these programs, other chances to enjoy the Preserve can be found during guided hikes, canoe trips, book times for toddlers and much more.
To learn more, call (727) 453-6500 or visit the Preserve’s new Web site, www.weedonislandpreserve.org. Remember that registration is required for all programs by calling 727-453-6500.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., a Season’s Green-ings – Holidays for a Healthy Planet is scheduled. Visit the Preserve for a one-hour program hosted by Pinellas County Extension experts who will take you on a fun journey to greening-up your holidays. From food to family and from decorating to shopping, there are many ways to make sure your holidays are fun and easy on the environment.
On Sunday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., enjoy a presentation by artist, Hermann Trappman, as he relates his on-going research to show the early people of Florida in ecological scenes of the rich estuarine environment of this region. Experience his talent as his work represents teaming up with archaeologists to create paintings of native prehistoric existence. Also at this program, Terry Tomalin, outdoors editor at the St. Petersburg Times, talks about his adventures paddling a dugout canoe for long distances in Gulf coastal waters. The exhibit, Obscured by Time: Discovering Florida’s Gulf Coast Ancient People, will be on display through Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009. This exhibit opening and presentation are free and best for visitors 10 and up.
On Friday, Dec. 19, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., you can develop your inner nocturnal self while exploring the depths of the Preserve without flashlights and with guidance from the experts. You will have a rare opportunity to explore the Preserve’s far corners on this three mile Weedon Extended Night Hike. Register early for this free, rich and exciting night experience that is best for adults.
On Sunday, Dec. 21, from 8 to 11 a.m., enjoy a pleasant stroll along the trails and boardwalks to search for coastal and migratory birds at this Winter Birds of Weedon Island program. Afterwards, a classroom presentation allows for more discussion to talk about bird sightings and review past species identification lists. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair. This free program is best for adults and children ages 10 and up.
Managed by the Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Lands Division, Weedon Island Preserve protects more than 3,700 acres of natural ecosystems and is located at 1800 Weedon Drive N.E. in St. Petersburg. The Preserve is open to the public seven days a week and offers many outdoor activities. In the Preserve, the Cultural and Natural History Center welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Center features the new, permanent exhibit, Connecting People and Place, which is an art-inspired, hands-on educational approach to the area’s history, ecology and people. The Center also holds a wide range of programs and events for people of all ages.
To register for these programs, please call 727-453-6500. To learn more about Weedon Island Preserve, visit www.weedonislandpreserve.org.
For more information on Weedon Island Preserve and Pinellas County’s Environmental Lands Division, call 727-453-6900 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/environment.
For more information about Pinellas County and its events, visit www.pinellascounty.org.
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