This summer the Friends received a $5,000 grant from Tampa's REI Co-op store to support our field-trip program for 5th graders attending Title 1 schools. The field trips provide a full-day of nature and cultural experiences and bring nearly 1,000 students to Weedon Island Preserve each year. Their day includes three segments. First, there's an [...]
Weedon hikers REJOICE. Some months ago Allison, a new member of the Friends of Weedon Island, approached us about volunteer opportunities. We learned that her avocation was wood working and we immediately targeted the need for directional signs at key intersections on the Preserve's hiking trails. In many cases, there were none and hikers found [...]
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 hope that this reminder of why Weedon is so special helps make your day more positive, interesting, and pleasant. Just [...]
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 a terrific start to the evening. Following the reception, the annual meeting introduced a sneak preview of a professionally [...]
‘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 soon would be there... With the close of Thanksgiving comes one of the most heartening times of year, when [...]
If you're tired of pounding the pavement on the same ole 5K race course, Go-pher something different and enjoy 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) of natural trails through one of Tampa Bays hidden gems!Celebrating its 9th year, the 2019 Gopher Weedon Trail Run is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th at 9:00 AM. To register, click on https://www.active.com/st-petersburg-fl/running/distance-running-races/gopher-weedon-2019?int= . The [...]
The 8th Annual Gopher Weedon Run is October 27 and REGISTRATION is now open: https://www.active.com/st-petersburg-fl/running/distance-running-races/gopher-weedon-2018. If you're tired of pounding the pavement on the same ole 5K race course, Gopher Weedon offers you the opportunity to enjoy 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) of natural trails through one of Tampa Bays gems! The Gopher Weedon Trail Tun takes runners and [...]
At a December 7th evening event, the Friends of Weedon Island unveiled a bronze sculpture of Gopher Weedon for display in the Preserve Center's lobby. The sculpture honors the federally endangered gopher tortoise that is frequently found wandering the Preserve's upland scrub habitat and is a favorite of Preserve visitors. The event also celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary [...]
The 7th Annual Gopher Weedon Trail Run, sponsored by Friends of Weedon Island, is now in the books. Congratulations to the 200 participants who made the 8K event go by, quite literally, so fast! Once again, the weather was perfect, the course dry, and the food superb. A special thanks to our many vendors and [...]
REGISTER NOW--This event sells out early each year! Tired of pounding the pavement on the same ole 5K race course? Gopher something different and enjoy 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) of natural trails through one of Tampa Bays hidden gems! The Gopher Weedon trail run takes runners and walkers through native Florida habitats, including gorgeous views of [...]
