Weedon Island Preserve

Infobox_protected_area | name = Weedon Island Preserve
iucn_category = V

---

caption = View of the preserve from top of observation tower
locator_x =
locator_y =
location = Pinellas County, Florida, USA
nearest_city = St. Petersburg, Florida
lat_degrees = 27
lat_minutes = 50
lat_seconds = 42
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 82
long_minutes = 36
long_seconds = 07
long_direction = W
area =
established = June 13, 1972
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = Pinellas County Park Department

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. [ [http://www.stpete.org/weedon.htm Weedon Island] at [http://www.stpete.org City of St. Petersburg] ] The name for a period in southeastern Native American history, Weeden Island culture, was derived (with a misspelling) from the area. [ [http://www.stpete.org/WeedonIsland.htm Local Historic Landmarks: Weedon Island Site] Retrieved June 28, 2007] [ [http://www.weedonislandcenter.org Weedon Island Preserve] ] 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.

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. [http://www.weedonislandcenter.org/ Weedon Island Center, accessed January 21,2008]

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

Hours

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

External links

* [http://www.weedonislandcenter.org/ Weedon Island Preserve official site]

References and external links

*Milanich, Jerald T., Ann S. Cordell and Vernon J. Knig. (1997) "Archaeology of Northern Florida, A.D. 200-900: The McKeithen Weeden Island Culture" University Press of Florida. ISBN 0-8130-1538-3
* [http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/FL/Pinellas/state2.html Pinellas County listings] at [http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com National Register of Historic Places]
* [http://www.flheritage.com Florida's Office of Cultural and Historical Programs]
** [http://www.flheritage.com/facts/reports/places/index.cfm?fuseaction=ListAreas&county=pinellas Pinellas County listings]
** [http://www.flheritage.com/services/sites/fht/record_t.cfm?ID=566&type=c&index=52 Weedon Island Preserve]

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