Friends of Weedon Island is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the educational, conservation, and preservation efforts at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg, FL. Since our founding in 1992, we have provided essential financial and volunteer support for a variety of programs and projects aimed at safeguarding the Preserve’s unique habitat, ecology, and cultural history.

Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county, is home to three significant preserves, including the 3,700-acre Weedon Island Preserve. Despite the urban environment, these preserves offer a critical refuge for wildlife and a natural escape for residents and visitors alike. Alongside Weedon Island, the county also boasts the expansive Brooker Creek Preserve, Shell Island in Boca Ciega Bay, and several parks like the widely celebrated Fort DeSoto.

Weedon Island holds a special place in the hearts of the local community. In the 1950s, passionate residents advocated for the state to purchase the land, initially designating it as a “passive state park.” By the 1970s, this designation evolved into a Preserve, with Pinellas County agreeing to manage it. In 2002, with the leadership and support of the Friends, the county allocated $5 million from the Pennies for Pinellas sales tax to establish the Cultural and Natural History Center within the Preserve.

Today, Friends of Weedon Island continues to fund and support a wide range of initiatives that raise awareness of the Preserve’s natural and cultural significance. Our ongoing efforts enrich the visitor experience, ensuring that Weedon Island remains a treasured natural and historical resource for generations to come.

As you explore our website, feel free to reach out with any questions. We invite you to support our mission by becoming a member or making a donation. Thank you for your interest, and we hope you enjoy your visit!