Introduction
Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,190-acre natural area located in Tampa Bay Florida. This is a nature reserve with ecosystems in Pinellas County, comprising coastal wetlands that form a home for plants and many animals. If you are taking a break, Weedon Island is a ‘must visit’ destination with so much biodiversity, and rich cultural experience. The opening hours for visitors are from 0700 until dusk, daily. We will take a look at this amazing nature reserve, as there is so much to do on your visit.
Where is Weedon Island Preserve
Weedon Island is in St Petersburg, at 1800 Weedon Drive on the Western side of Tampa Bay Florida. Being an estuarine reserve there are lots of mangrove forests. This is where you take the family to see and explore native wildlife. Go to the visitors center for your map, and then walk around the boardwalks. There are a lot of trails to explore, so it is better to arrange a full-day visit to fit everything thing in.
What can You do at Weedon Island Preserve?
- Go to the visitors center for information
- Arrange to go on a guided hike, this way you will get the best information
- Attend a workshop at the center.
- Learn the history of the indigenous population.
- Visit the Natural History Center to see an exhibit called ‘Connecting People and Place’. This encourages visitors to reconnect with the environment using interactive exhibits.
- Kayak in the mangroves, and go birdwatching along the boardwalk.
- Have a picnic in a picnic pavilion and do some fishing.
Are Pets Allowed at Weedon Island Preserve?
No, pets are not allowed, as this is a refuge for native wild animals. The welfare of the wildlife depends on the reserve remaining natural. So no pets include cats, dogs, birds, and horses. Many pets are predators so it is better to keep them away from native animals, preventing diseases and soil damage in the reserve. For the same reason, it is also illegal to dig up native plants on the preserve.
Parking at Weedon Island Preserve
A choice of four different parking areas is available, no parking is allowed overnight as the reserve closes, and you have to leave. Avoid parking on the grassy area as the gopher tortoises use this as a thoroughfare to travel between their habitats.
Opening Hours at Weedon Island Preserve
It is only closed for four days a year, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Thanksgiving, and the following day. So any other day between 0700 and dusk you can plan your visit. With no cost for admission, it means that it is available to everyone, and if you want to make a donation you can do so.
Every Saturday at 0730 there is a 5km timed run. This is a free event, people run for their own enjoyment and if you are new to the area it is a good way to meet other runners.
If you drive about 1.5 miles NE of the Preserve’s entrance, you will find the South Paddling Trail an 11.7 Km trail, located near St. Petersburg and featuring a lake. If you like to observe nature, and bird watching, this is good for you. Be careful not to get stuck in a mangrove tunnel, as these are not accessible.
Are there Alligators at Weedon Island Preserve?
No, no alligators at Weedon Island Preserve. Many people seem disappointed by this, but there are other places where you can see alligators in the wild. Weedon Island Preserve is a small piece of the preserved natural environment. At the interpretive center, you can learn all about local history and people. You can also get a rundown on the wildlife, and available walks, because admission to the park is free, many people offer a donation.
History of Weedon Island Preserve
The Tampa Bay Estuary provided fish and food for the early inhabitants of Weedon Island, then known as Yat Kitischee, and the culture on the island became quite complex. Two major centers of political and social significance sprang up. In the 1920s the Ethnology Department of the Smithsonian Institute named the island Weedon island after a local man Dr. Leslie Washington Weedon 1860-1937. Doctor Weedon once owned the island and sold it in 1923. In the old days, there was no bridge and a boat was needed to access the island. Dr. Weedon always hoped that his island would one day become a nature reserve, but it did not happen until 37 years later,
In 1972 Weedon Island finally became a preserve, and over the years a band of volunteers came and removed ‘exotics’ from the preserve and this took many years to achieve. In 1990 the Florida Fire Department carried out their first ecological burn in the area, controlled fire to mimic what happens when lightning strikes. The controlled burns were recognized as well-known cultural practices in indigenous cultures in many countries ( Australia)
The area then started to grow its natural vegetation once again, and the control of exotic vegetation is an ongoing project.
Visiting Weedon Island Preserve
So much work has gone into restoring this island to its original beauty, and at one stage it was going to be closed to the public. However negotiations with the city of St. Petersburg and Southwest Florida Water District to finance improvements for public access, and resulted in the Preserve remaining open for public enjoyment. In turn, Weedon Island is now one of Florida’s more important resources, attracting tourists from all over the world. It is a great place for the student to visit and learn about connecting people with the environment.
Summary
When you take a trip to Florida and St. Petersburg, you will want to see as much of the natural beauty as possible. So try to spend a day or even half a day connecting with nature and learning about the cultural history by visiting Weedon Island Preserve and attending a workshop. Then go kayaking through the Kayak loop, and you will be able to observe nature at its best.
Once you are done with a great day out at the island reserve, there’s nothing better than coming back home to the Eiko’s beach House for some well earned recovery. Chill by the private heated pool, hang out in the hot tub or even make the 30 step walk right on the beach!