Weedon Island Preserve

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Weedon Island Preserve
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
284px
View of the preserve from top of observation tower
Location Pinellas County, Florida, USA
Nearest city St. Petersburg, Florida
Coordinates Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Established June 13, 1972
Governing body Pinellas County Park Department
Weedon Island Preserve
NRHP Reference # 72000347[1]

The Weedon Island Preserve is an archaeological area near St. Petersburg, Florida, United States. It is located on 1800 Weedon Drive NE. The preserve, owned by the state, is leased to Pinellas County. The county's Department of Environmental Management/Environmental Lands Division manages the area.[2] The name for a period in southeastern Native American history, Weeden Island culture, was derived (with a misspelling) from the area.[3][4] On June 13, 1972, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Recreational activities and amenities

There are two canoeing/kayaking trails in the preserve, and four-and-a-half miles of nature trails for hiking. Other activities include fishing and picnicking.

A 3,000-foot boardwalk leads visitors to a 45 foot observation tower, usable for bird and wildlife viewing. With favorable weather conditions, one can see much of the Preserve and Tampa Bay from this tower, as well as the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg.

View from observation tower. Visible items on horizon, from left to right include: downtown St. Petersburg, Florida; WGES (AM) Antenna; Bartow Power Plant; downtown Tampa, Florida; MacDill Air Force Base; Big Bend Power Station.
View from observation tower. Visible items on horizon, from left to right include: downtown St. Petersburg, Florida; WGES (AM) Antenna; Bartow Power Plant; downtown Tampa, Florida; MacDill Air Force Base; Big Bend Power Station.

Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center

The Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center opened in the fall of 2002. The Center focuses on the natural, cultural and archaeological history of the preserve.[5] The Hall Gallery displays features changing displays of state and local artists and photographers.

Part of the collection of Native American artifacts from Weedon Island has been digitized and is available online as a virtual tour.

A 40 feet (12 m) canoe was found in the Weedon Island Preserve that is believed to be a Manasotan artifact. It estimated to be 1,100 years old.[6]

Hours

The Preserve is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk.

Gallery

  • Weeden Island Culture Center.jpg

    Entrance to Weedon Island Culture Center

  • Weeden Island02.jpg

    View of the boardwalk leading to the Preserve's observation tower

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Weedon Island at City of St. Petersburg
  3. ↑ Local Historic Landmarks: Weedon Island Site Retrieved June 28, 2007
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ http://www.weedonislandcenter.org/ Weedon Island Center, accessed January 21, 2008
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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