Saturday Guided Hikes
Saturday, February 6, 2010 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Saturday, February 13, 2010 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Saturday, February 20, 2010 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Saturday, February 27, 2010 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Education Services Volunteers, Environmental Lands Division
Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve are held each Saturday of the month. Join us to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and a snack for this two-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Pre-register by 2:00 pm on the Friday prior to the tour of choice. Free. Recommended ages: 6 and up.
Project Archaeology: Investigating Shelter
Thursday, February 4, 2010 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Thursday, February 18, 2010 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
C. Rae Harper, West Central Regional Center, Florida Public Archaeology Network
Participants will learn to think and research like an archaeologist as they investigate historic shelters using the archaeological process in this afterschool program. Families are encouraged to participate in this curriculum developed by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management that teaches investigative skills of mapping, classifying, and identifying an archaeological site. Presented by the Florida Public Archaeology Network, program sessions are scheduled for every other Thursday from January 21 through May 27, 2010. Free. Spaces are limited so register early! Recommended for families with children ages 8 and up.
Bald Eagles in Pinellas County
Saturday, February 6, 2010 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Barbara Walker, Clearwater Audubon Society
Many volunteers have participated in Audubon of Florida’s Eagle Watch program for more than 15 years. They observed eagles throughout their recovery and the delisting from the endangered species status. This program addresses the current status of bald eagles in Pinellas County and how our eagle population compares to other counties in the state. Bald eagles, our national bird, remain a species in great conservation need. Please join us to learn how you can help. Free. Pre-registration is required. Recommended for families with children ages 8 and up.
Wee-time at Weedon: Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs and other Ughs
Thursday, February 11, 2010 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Education Services Volunteers, Environmental Lands Division
This program is designed to introduce pre-school children to the wonders of the natural and cultural world. Every second and fourth Thursday of each month, children are treated to a variety of stories and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This week presents Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs and other Ughs by Anthony D. Fredericks. There are many places where small creatures can live, even under a rock. This story teaches about a very special community of neighbors. Free. Pre-registration is required. Spaces are limited so register early! Recommended ages: 3 - 5.
The Great Weedon Bird Quest
Friday, February 12, 2010 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Education Services Volunteers, Environmental Lands Division
Join us on a quest to find Weedon Island Preserve birds! Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors while helping us compile an annual checklist of the Preserve’s birds. These hikes are designed to take advantage of all levels of birding experience. Binoculars and bird guides are available. Hikes are scheduled for the second Friday of each month. Please join us for a relaxing morning outing led by experienced birders. Pre-registration is required by 2:00 pm the day before the event. Free. Recommended for adults.
Weedon Island Swamp Walk
Saturday, February 13, 2010 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Education Services Staff, Environmental Lands Division
Grab your water shoes and join us for a wet walk along the mangrove shoreline and tidal flats of Weedon Island Preserve. This hike is scheduled at low tide to provide great opportunities for discovering the inhabitants of mangrove swamps, mud flats, oyster reefs, and seagrass beds that surround the Preserve. Expect to walk in water and mud. For safety reasons, please wear closed-toed shoes. Come see what plants and animals are revealed at low tide. Free. Pre-registration is required. Recommended for adults: suitable for ages 8 and up.
Finding Bimini: Florida – Caribbean Connections
Thursday, February 18, 2010 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Robert S. Carr, M.S., Director, Archaeological and Historical Conservancy
In 1513, Ponce de Leon sailed from Puerto Rico to discover and claim Bimini for the King of Spain. Historical documents reveal that Bimini was actually Florida. How did knowledge of Florida make its way to European explorers in the early sixteenth century prior to its “discovery”? This presentation examines both prehistoric and early historic contacts between Florida, the Bahamas, and Cuba, and what, if any, influences affected indigenous cultural development in the region. This program, co-sponsored by the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society, is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is requested. Recommended for adults.
Discover Our Classroom - Nature and Culture with Your Child
Saturday, February 20, 2010 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Education Services Staff, Environmental Lands Division
Discover nature and culture with your child during an open classroom session with archaeological activities. Explore materials from a real archaeology dig in a “sifting through the past” activity. Hands-on aboriginal tools help teach techniques of the ancient people of this region. Stop by our classroom anytime between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to participate in a variety of self-guided activities that will intrigue your child about past cultures. No registration required. This event is free and open to the public. Recommended for families.
Wee-time at Weedon: Planting a Rainbow
Thursday, February 25, 2010 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Education Services Volunteers, Environmental Lands Division
This program is designed to introduce pre-school children to the wonders of the natural and cultural world. Every second and fourth Thursday of each month, children are treated to a variety of stories and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This week presents Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert. This delightful story plants seeds in inquiring minds about the beauty and variety of seasonal flowers. Free. Pre-registration is required. Spaces are limited so register early! Recommended ages: 3 - 5.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping with Native Plants
Saturday, February 27, 2010 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Dale Armstrong, Pinellas County IFAS Extension
Selecting the right plants for your yard will be much easier after attending this class that introduces landscaping the Florida-Friendly way using native plants. This program is designed to assist and guide residents in water conservation and how to make positive changes in the environmental quality of their yards. Join us to get started on the path to selecting plants that are appropriate for your landscape and your needs. Your reward is less work, more wildlife, and more money in your pocket! Free. Call (727) 453-6500 to register. Best for adults.
Palm Boot Mask Workshop
Saturday, February 27, 2010 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Lilian Norris, Artist and Environmental Educator, Palm Harbor, FL
In almost every culture, masks have been created and worn for protection, as disguises, or as a means of transforming oneself spiritually. They have functioned as a dynamic medium of expression and transformation. In this workshop we use the base of the palm frond, known as the palm boot, as a foundation to create unique wall hangings. The program begins with a pictorial introduction that helps inspire participants to create their own works of art. Due to the distinctive shape of each palm boot, each takes on its own character which will be revealed to its owner. No art experience is necessary. Participants receive a palm boot to decorate with paint and natural materials. Program fee: $10 for materials. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Recommended ages: 10 and up.
Monday - Friday Half-Day, Self-guided Tours
Launch Times: 11:30 am or 1:00 pm
Sweetwater Kayaks offers half-day (4-hour long) self-guided tours Monday through Friday. Reservations for the 11:30 am or 1:00 pm launch times are recommended. Please arrive at Sweetwater Kayaks 30 minutes before your reservation. Once payment and paperwork is complete, follow our staff to the Preserve and park your car in the main parking lot. Call Sweetwater Kayaks at (727) 570-4844 to reserve your kayak.
Single Half-day Fee: $40
Double Half-day Fee: $56
Saturday and Sunday Half-Day, Self-guided Tours
Launch Times: 9:00 am or 12:30 pm
On weekends, Sweetwater Kayaks' self-guided, half-day tours are 3.5-hours long and launch at 11:30 am or 1:00 pm. Reservations are recommended. Meet us at Weedon Island Preserve at least 15 minutes before your reservation. Please park in the main parking lot. Call Sweetwater Kayaks at (727) 570-4844 to reserve your kayak.
Single Half-day Fee: $40
Double Half-day Fee: $56
Daily Rentals
Launch Anytime: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Are you dealing with a busy schedule and only have time for a short paddle around Riviera Bay? Perhaps our hourly rentals are the best fit. Every weekend, kayaks and canoes are onsite at the Preserve for rental by the hour. To arrange a drop off during the week, call Sweetwater Kayaks at (727) 570-4844.
Single Hourly Fee: $17
Double Hourly Fee: $25
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