Weedon
Island Preserve
Weedon Island Preserve,
including the associated Gateway Tract,
is an expansive 3,000-acre region on Tampa Bay in north St.
Petersburg comprised mostly of marine ecosystems with some
uplands. Indigenous peoples, including those during the “Weeden” (alternate
spelling) Island Cultural Period, occupied this site for
thousands of years. A varied modern history also is part
of the Preserve's legacy. Today, the Preserve protects this
wide diversity of natural and cultural resources for current
and future generations.
Preserve Hours:
Open Daily
7:00 am – Time posted, approximately 15 minutes before sunset
Open Holidays
Weedon
Island Preserve Cultural and Natural
History Center
The Weedon
Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center
provides an overview of the rich marine
resources of the Preserve and the interrelationship
of the environment with the prehistoric,
historic, and modern cultures that once
inhabited the Preserve. The facility
includes a small gift shop, resource center,
interactive exhibit gallery, and artist
exhibitions.
Center Hours:
Open Thursday – Saturday
9:00 am – 4:00
pm
Closed Holidays
Trails
Weedon
Island Preserve features a variety of hiking
and paddling trails. These trails are open
to the public during normal Preserve hours.
Closing time varies each day, so please
note the closing time posted on the clock
at the entrance to the Preserve.
Weedon Island Preserve Trails include:
Boy Scout Loop Trail 
Developed with the assistance of local
Boy Scout Troops, this 1-mile loop trail
takes hikers through pine flatwoods and
maritime and xeric hammocks. An additional
1.7 miles of trails are also accessible
from the main loop. Picnic areas interspersed
along the trail provide hikers a chance
to rest and enjoy their surroundings under
the shade of towering oaks. These trails
are open for day hiking only and remain
in their natural state to minimize the
impact of our presence in the area. While
footbridges allow hikers access over routinely
wet areas, other areas of the trails may
be wet seasonally.
Public recreation
on the Preserve
is governed by Pinellas
County Ordinance 08-29. We
recommend all hikers review the suggested
trail companions, safety and rules before
they visit the Preserve.
Paddling
Trails
Two paddling trails are
available for the public to enjoy at
Weedon Island Preserve. Both trails are
best accessed during high tides. Be sure
to check a tide chart before venturing
out on the paddling trails.
South
Paddling Trail
4-mile loop trail
3 hours to complete
Accessible at the canoe
launch next to the fishing pier
Meanders through
mangroves and over seagrass beds
North
Paddling Trail
2-mile trail that terminates along
the beaches on Gandy Boulevard
Meanders through
mangroves and Snug Harbor
Parking area along
the east side of San Martin Boulevard
NOTE: The
North Paddling Trail is temporarily closed
due to construction activities associated
with the upgrade to Progress Energy's
Bartow Power Plant.
All paddlers are advised to consult our
paddling companions,
safety, and rules before embarking on their
journey.
Interpretive
Trail
The Interpretive Trail
at Weedon Island Preserve can be found
along approximately 2 miles of boardwalks
located south of the Center. The Preserve
protects a wide diversity of natural
and cultural resources, and gives visitors
a glimpse of the natural and human history
that span over 7,000 years. Twenty interpretive
signs tell the story of how humans and
our environment are connected.
Fishing
Pier
Fishing
is a favorite pastime for many visitors to
Weedon Island Preserve. Located at the end
of Weedon Drive NE, the fishing pier stands
in nearly the same location of the historical
bridge that once connected Weedon Island
with neighboring Snell Island to the
south. Today, fisherman enjoy wetting
their line for sheepshead, jack and snook
from this pier. Restroom facilities and
parking are available.
State
of Florida regulations  governing saltwater fishing
apply. Commercial fishing is prohibited.
Boardwalk
and Observation Tower
Almost two miles of handicap accessible
boardwalks and pavement are available
for visitors in Weedon Island Preserve.
Boardwalks extend through tidal flats
and mangrove forests, providing viewing
opportunities over saltwater ponds, which
are often teeming with mullet and wading
birds. The paved portion connecting the
two boardwalk loops takes visitors through
a pine flatwood community as it passes
by Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and
Natural History Center. Along the west
boardwalk loop stands a 45-foot observation
tower. On a clear day, this tower provides
visitors an excellent view of the Preserve
as well as Tampa Bay and the cities of
St. Petersburg and Tampa . We recommend
all hikers review the suggested trail companions,
safety and rules before they visit the
Preserve. (link to hiking popup)
Kayak/Canoe
Rentals
Are you looking for
a paddling adventure but lack a canoe
or kayak? Not anymore! Paddlers to Weedon
Island can rent a canoe or kayak from
Sweetwater Kayaks and enjoy natural Florida
by leisurely floating along the shores
of Riviera Bay or on the South Paddling
Trail.
Click
here to learn
more.
Weedon
Island Preserve Management
Land management activities at Weedon
Island Preserve are guided by the 2002
Weedon Island Preserve Management Plan.
Activities include:
Restoration
Prescribed Burns
Ecological Monitoring
Long-term Research
For more
information and driving directions to Weedon
Island Preserve, please contact
us.
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