Weedon Island Preserve Management Plan
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center
1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg 33702
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Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center Dedicated to reconnecting people with the environment, the center offers interpretive hikes, workshops, exhibits, and other programs for public enjoyment. Visit - Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center

Weedon Island Preserve Management Plan 2012 Introduction - Section_1 Section_2 Section_3 Section_4 Section_5 Section_6 References Appendix_1 Appendix_2 Appendix_3 Appendix_4 Appendix_5 Appendix_6 Appendix_7 Appendix_8 Appendix_9 Appendix_10 Appendix_11 Appendix_12 Appendix_13 Appendix_14 Appendix_15 Appendix_16 Appendix_17 Appendix_18

Weedon Island Preserve Management:

Weedon Island Preserve is an expansive 3,000-acre natural area on Tampa Bay in north St. Petersburg. It is 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. The preserve serves as a natural floodplain, which:

 

• protects nearby development from flooding and coastal erosion by reducing storm surge,
  
• provides valuable habitats for many kinds of animals including oysters, stingrays and even small sharks,
• offers an array of recreational and educational opportunities, such as paddling, hiking, and bird watching

 

Weedon Island Preserve is a well-known birding and fishing site. Although shell fishing is prohibited in all of Tampa Bay for health reasons, the preserve's fishing pier and outlying oyster bars are ideal sites for catching sea trout, snook and sheepshead. State of Florida Regulations governing saltwater fishing apply. Commercial fishing is prohibited. Two self-guided paddling trails allow for exploration of the preserve's islands and waterways (north trail is closed at this time). More than 4.7 miles of boardwalks and trails offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy and experience natural Florida.

 

Nestled deep within the preserve is the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. Visitors are encouraged to view all of the exciting exhibits, explore the center's Gift Shop that carries cultural and natural history items. A resource center is also available for citizens to explore environmental and cultural topics.

 

Weedon Island Preserve remains one of Florida 's most important natural and cultural resources. Its proper management remains the priority of Pinellas County as caretaker of the preserve. The county is committed to restoring its natural communities while teaching the public about the interrelationships between people and the environment. Through the support of citizens and the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, Weedon Island Preserve remains "A Place to Remember."

Resource Management Activities include:

• Restoration
• Prescribed Burn
• Ecological Monitoring
• Long Term Research
  

Amenities:

• Educational center
• Guided tours and trails
• Exhibits
• Fishing Pier
• Paddling Launch / Rentals
• Parking area
• Restrooms

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