We support Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation, and protection of its habitat, ecology, and cultural history.
Chartered in 1992, the Friends provide Weedon Island Preserve with financial and volunteer support for multiple programs and projects. These include environmental and cultural education and preservation, conservation initiatives, outreach, and advocacy for the Preserve, its habitat, ecology, and cultural history.
Pinellas County, where Weedon Island is located, is Florida’s most densely populated county. Despite this density, it hosts three Preserves: Weedon Island at 3,700 acres, Brooker Creek at 8,600 acres, and Shell Island in Boca Ciega Bay. It also includes numerous parks, including Fort DeSoto http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm, one of the most visited parks in the state.
St. Peterburg, the city where Weedon Island is located, has 150 parks http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/. The city’s Parks and Recreation department is one of only 90 agencies in the country currently holding national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).
In the 1950’s the area’s residents were a driving force behind Florida’s purchase of the Weedon Island property, designating it as a “passive state park.” In the 70’s, the state changed the designation to a Preserve following agreement by Pinellas County to provide for its management. In 2002, with the Friends leadership and support, the County committed $5M of Pennies for Pinellas sales tax funding to build the Preserve’s Cultural and Natural History Center.
On-going, the Friends fund and support numerous projects and programs that increase awareness of the Weedon Island Preserve, its natural habitat and cultural history, and enrich and inform visitors’ experiences.
As you click through this website, let us know any questions you may have. And please consider supporting our mission by joining or donating today. Thanks and enjoy!
FOWI Statements
FRIENDS OF WEEDON ISLAND
NON-DISCRIMINATION AND DEI POLICIES
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Friends of Weedon Island shall not discriminate on the basis of any race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, gender religion, creed, cultural or family background or beliefs, family structure, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, language, citizenship or immigration status, ancestry or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws in the development and execution of its programs. Any real or perceived concerns regarding discrimination shall be brought to the President of The Friends of Weedon Island.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
The Friends of Weedon Island are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in the development and execution of its programs. We support efforts to ensure a diversified membership and Board, and recognize that it is our responsibility to seek interested people to support that goal.
The Friends will continue to implement youth education programs including populations that have been historically underrepresented in scientific, environmental, and historical education. The Friends will actively explore ways to engage youth from these groups in its programs through coordination with local schools, religious institutions, business organizations, and community organizations.
