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 [...]
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 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 [...]
Take a step back in time when the St Petersburg Museum of History hosts Florida film historian Lisa Bradberry for a sneak peek into the film era of St. Petersburg's Weedon Island at "When Hollywood Came to Weedon Island," Thursday, May 11 at 7PM. In 1933, Weedon Island was the site of a short-lived movie studio [...]
Last October Weedon's Cultural and Natural History Center re-opened to visitors. As anticipated, the Sunday opening has significantly enriched the visitors' experience at the Preserve, attracting area residents and travelers from near and far. Throughout the fall and winter, the number of Sunday visitors to the Center has continued to climb and, on March 19, hit a record high of [...]
The holidays are here and the Friend's Gift Shop, located in Weedon Island's Cultural and Natural History Center, is a terrific place to find treasures for all. We're steadily adding new items to further enhance our offerings and it's just about a given that you'll find something for that otherwise hard-to-please recipient on your holiday list. [...]
Sorry to say, but registrations for this year's annual Gopher Weedon Trail Run are now closed. Each year, to respect Weedon's habitat, a maximum of 200 participants are able to register for the event. This year's October 29, Run is now closed. This means we cannot accept any additional registrations on-line or at the event. Keep up [...]
