Weedon Island Preserve

Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center lies within Weedon Island Preserve and is part of Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources. The Center supports the applied management and ecological monitoring objectives of the division through educational programming and volunteerism.

The education program at the Center interprets the natural, cultural and archaeological history of the Preserve through interpretive tours and hikes, education programs, exhibits and public outreach activities, presentations and workshops, and other events.

The three-story Center was designed with the help of Native Americans and keeps with their traditions. For example, the orientation of the Center in the Preserve is along the cardinal points of the compass (north, south, east, and west) with the entrance facing east. A special curved wall is representative of the remarkable pottery of the early Weeden (alternate spelling) Island people who lived on the island some 1,000 to 1,800 years ago. Portions of the Preserve are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Weedon Island Preserve's rich human history began with prehistoric peoples who thrived on the abundant fish, shellfish, plants, and mammals of the wetlands, islands, and estuaries of Tampa Bay. The Center offers adult-oriented educational programming, some occurring each month, others only periodically. Generally, these topics are suitable for children 12 years or older.