Friends of Weedon Island, Welcome!
We support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation, and protection of its habitat, ecology, and cultural history.
Florida’s Largest Estuary
Weedon Island Preserve encompasses 3,600 acres on Florida’s Tampa Bay, Florida’s largest estuary. Owned by the State of Florida and managed by Pinellas County, visitors can hike over 5 miles of trails covering both wetland and upland habitats. The home of countless species including gopher tortoises, armadillos, native shorebirds, oyster beds, mangroves, pines, palm trees, saw palmetto, and cacti, the habitat is a special wonder in Florida’s most populated county. The Preserve’s Cultural and Natural History Center offers visitors a thorough, and enjoyable, interactive experience that integrates the Preserve’s natural and cultural history. The Center’s auditorium and classroom also expand the Preserve’s opportunity to present interesting and educational programs that attract people throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Discover Our History
Connecting People to Place, a 6,000 square foot interactive exhibit hall in the Preserve’s Cultural and Natural History Center, introduces visitors to natural Florida, its ancient and modern peoples, and how the two shaped each other. Hidden worlds are revealed by paying close attention to the sights and sounds of the exhibit hall and adjacent prehistoric canoe display.
The exhibits are free and open to the public during the Center’s normal business hours.
Updates for Our Friends
Gulf Islanders: The Story of Weedon Island
Long in planning and production, this outstanding video from Into Nature Films, produced and funded by the Friends of Weedon Island, captures the Preserve's fascinating cultural history and magnificent Florida environment. In this difficult time, we [...]
2019’s Annual Reception and Membership Meeting
On December 6, The Friends celebrated 2019 achievements and future initiatives at its annual reception and membership meeting. The evening kicked off with members enjoying delicious "delectables" from Delectables Fine Catering. Yum. Delectables provides [...]
Shop Local and Give Back This Holiday Season: Become a Friend of Weedon Island!
‘Twas just weeks before the holidays and all through St. Pete, We pledged to shop local when buying our treats. The lights were hung in Straub Park with care, In hopes that cool weather [...]