School Programs

The Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center provides educational opportunities for teachers and students.  There are a variety of resources for students to learn about how people have interacted with ecosystems, plants, and animals throughout their history in Florida.  The following exhibits and hiking trails are available at no cost to teachers and students.  These activities are usually self guided and teachers and chaperones are responsible for guiding and supervising students.  A list of correlations to Science and Social Studies Sunshine State Standards Benchmarks is available for K-5. In some cases, we can offer volunteer assistance with some of the activities. Please call for specific details.

Weedon Island Preserve Exhibits – Connecting People and Place
Our 6,000 square foot interactive exhibit hall contains exhibits which highlight various aspects of Weedon Island Preserve’s ecosystems, plants, animals, as well as Native American culture, technology, and pottery specific to the Weeden Island Culture.  The exhibits also highlight the recent history of Weedon Island Preserve and how the landscape has changed through time.  The gallery culminates with current issues and information on the Tampa Bay Estuary and what we can do as individuals to help preserve our environment for future generations. Download full description with Sunshine State Standards.

Interperative Trail Hike
There is a series of interpretive signs along portions of our upland hiking trail and tower boardwalk.  The signs are spread out over approximately 1 mile of trail and boardwalk.  The interpretive signs highlight different aspects of the ecosystems, plants and animals, and past human interactions with Weedon Island Preserve.  The upland and boardwalk trails wind through the different ecosystems found at Weedon Island Preserve including flatwoods, oak hammocks, and mangrove swamps.  A 45 foot observation tower provides a view of most of the Preserve and surrounding areas. Download full description with Sunshine State Standards.

Sifting through the Past
People have interacted with the coastal ecosystems of Weedon Island Preserve for 2,000 years.  This interactive classroom activity explores how we learn about past cultures through evidence and artifacts left behind.  Main topics of this class include archaeology, local Native American history, and how resources of the Tampa Bay Estuary have supported cultures throughout time. Recommend for grades 4 – 12. Download full description with Sunshine State Standards.

Scheduling a Field Trip to Weedon Island Preserve and the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center
Book your trip early by visiting Online School Program Reservation and schedule your visit on Thursdays or Fridays. Registrations are on a first-come basis. Plan on at least two hours for the visit.  For more information call (727) 453-6500.

Rules and Guidelines for teachers bringing students to Weedon Island Preserve

1. Teachers must have at least one teacher or chaperone per 10 students.
2. Teacher/ chaperones are responsible for organization.
   •Larger groups need to split and flip-flop activities to avoid congestion.
3. Teacher/ chaperones are responsible for all student behavior.
   •Students should be placed in smaller groups with teachers or chaperones and closely supervised while in the exhibit gallery.  Our exhibits are interactive but can be hazardous if students run or “horseplay”.
   •Students with a documented history of disciplinary infractions should not be brought on the trip.
4. Weedon Island Preserve is our classroom and we expect students to behave according to the same standards expected of them at school.
5. Teachers and Students should NEVER leave the paved portions of the trail or the boardwalk.  STAY ON THE TRAIL AT ALL TIMES.  There are many potentially dangerous plants and animals found within Weedon Island Preserve.  
6. Students should be prepared for appropriate activities including proper footwear, sun/ insect protection, and water. 
7. Exhibit Gallery Manners – No running or climbing on exhibits; No food or drink in the gallery. Please use quiet voices and treat the exhibits carefully.