Turtle Bioartifacts
2022-07-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Turtle Bioartifacts and What They Can Teach Us

Examine turtle bioartifacts and learn about turtle biology and ecology.

This hands-on workshop will focus on turtle bioartifacts (natural history objects) commonly found during nature forays. Numerous specimens of shells and skulls will allow us to learn about turtle anatomy and explore their diversity. We will also examine a variety of eggs and dissect gopher tortoise scat. This workshop is recommended for ages 16+.
This workshop is part of “Turtle Science 101,” a 3-part series of monthly programs led by George L. Heinrich. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles.

June 9, 2022 at 2:00pm: Why Turtles Are Cool
July 8, 2022 at 10:00am: Turtle Bioartifacts and What They Can Teach Us
August 26, 2022 at 2:00pm: Turtle Eggs, Nesting, and Conservation Concerns

This program is sponsored by the Friends of Weedon Island. Our Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Learn more about our Friends at https://friendsofweedonisland.org/.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Science Sprouts: Dinosaurs & More
2022-08-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Budding scientists ages 2-5 can bring their favorite grown-up to explore and discover a variety of science and nature topics in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. The program sparks kids’ natural curiosity using imaginative play, crafts, stories, songs and more!

August’s Theme: Dinosaurs and More
When/Where: 10-11am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe
Cost: Included with Museum admission

Archaeology Day at Weedon Island
2022-10-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Celebrate International Archaeology Day at the Weedon Island Preserve!

Examine ancient artifacts and discover the rich history of Tampa Bay at our celebration of International Archaeology Day at the Weedon Island Preserve!
The Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) and the Central Florida Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS) will be on-site with a diverse showcase of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Tampa Bay region and archaeological experts will be on-hand to illustrate the use of these tools and their importance to native populations.
Local fossil collectors are encouraged to bring in artifacts such as arrow heads, lithics, and pottery sherds for identification during Archaeology Day. No dollar value will be assigned or discussed, but educational information will be generously shared.
Explore the artifacts and talk with the archaeologists at your leisure anytime between 10am to 2pm. Also, check out the 1,100 year old dugout canoe on display in the Center and visit our free museum exhibit “Connecting People and Place” that tells the story of Weedon Island and its earliest inhabitants.
This event is suitable for all ages. The Center and its museum exhibits are open from 9am to 4pm.
>>> REGISTER HERE

In Pursuit of Florida's Paleo Hunters
2022-11-04 19:00 - 20:00 | FL

500 Million Years at Brooker Creek Preserve
2022-11-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Event
Have you ever looked at an alligator or a wood stork and thought “man, they look like living dinosaurs!”? Have you ever seen fossils and thought they looked similar to creatures still around today? And what about Florida specifically – when did all of the animals and plants we see here actually get here? This webinar will take a 500 million year journey through evolutionary history, looking at the origins of many of the creatures that call Brooker Creek home! We will find out that dragonflies haven’t changed much since before the dinosaurs, but that just 15,000 years ago (the blink of an eye in geologic time) Florida was full of enormous mastodons and mammoths, saber-toothed cats and giant ground sloths!
This whirlwind tour of natural history is geared towards adults and interested youth are welcome to join.
Presented by Brian Magnier. Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

FAM Archaeology Hikes
2023-03-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of an active archaeological site at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Professional archaeologists with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) and the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) will lead a hike out to an active excavation area on the Weedon Island Preserve. Participants will learn about recent work at the site, research results, and local Indigenous history.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The total hike length will be ~2 miles. This hike may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so participants must be able to manage these conditions. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum’s exhibits.
Proceeds from this program go to support AWIARE and FPAN in their archaeological missions.
>>> MORNING REGISTRATION AFTERNOON REGISTRATION

FAM Archaeology Kayak Experience
2023-03-11 07:30 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for an archaeology-focused paddle trip to an excavation site at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Join archaeologists and environmental specialists for a unique archaeology-focused paddling event. This is a one-of-a-kind event, featuring local experts who will guide your experience of the natural and cultural history of Weedon Island.
The trip begins with a paddle from Weedon Island’s fishing pier to Ross Island, a nearby island within the Preserve’s boundary. On Ross Island, participants will explore an archaeological site with Kendal Jackson, a PhD candidate with the University of South Florida who works on Ross Island as part of his doctorate research.
This trip will be led by Rachael Kangas, Director of the West Central division of The Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), and Dr. Bob Austin with the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, Inc. (AWIARE). They will make stops along the way to discuss archaeological and historical aspects of the area. In addition, environmental specialists from ECOmersion will be on the water to interpret the Preserve’s natural areas and enhance participants’ understanding of estuaries.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Kayaks will be provided by ECOmersion. Those who prefer to use their own kayaks are welcome to do so, however, neither Sun Dolphin nor Pelican brand kayaks will be allowed.
Attendees will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the fishing pier/kayak launch located inside the Weedon Island Preserve. This kayak trip will be moderately strenuous and is not recommended for first-time paddlers.

Proceeds from this program go to support ECOmersion, AWIARE and FPAN
>>> REGISTER HERE

FAM Walking History Tour
2023-03-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided walking tour of the Weedon Island Preserve to learn about its aviation history.

St. Petersburg has a long and rich history of aviation, including the well-known first commercial flight in 1914. But in addition to this accomplishment, the Grand Central Airport that functioned on Weedon Island during the early 20th century also led to momentous firsts for flight in St. Pete. Join archaeologists with the Florida Public Archaeology Network for a guided tour of the Preserve to learn about the Island’s history with flight and visit historic sites.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The total hike length may be up to ~2 miles. This hike will traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so participants must be able to manage these conditions. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum’s exhibits.
Proceeds from this program go to support FPAN in their archaeological mission.
>>> REGISTER HERE

FAM Archaeology Day & Presentation
2023-03-25 09:00 - 15:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Celebrate Florida Archaeology Month at the Weedon Island Preserve!

Join us for a celebration of Florida Archaeology Month! Examine ancient artifacts and discover the rich history of Tampa Bay at the Weedon Island Preserve.
From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.:
The Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE), the Central Florida Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS), the Florida Public Archaeology Network, and the Tampa Bay History Center will be on-site with a diverse showcase of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Tampa Bay region. Archaeological experts will also illustrate the use of these tools and their importance to native populations. Local fossil collectors are encouraged to bring in artifacts such as arrow heads, lithics, and pottery sherds for identification.
At 2:00 p.m.:
The final event of our Florida Archaeology Month celebration will be a special presentation by Dr. J. Michael Francis as he shares stories and research from St. Augustine’s Parish archive that date from 1594 to 1821. This program is arranged in partnership with the Tampa Bay History Center as part of their “Florida Conversations” series.

To attend this talk in-person, please register here.
To watch online, please register here.

Presentation Synopsis:
St. Augustine, Florida houses the oldest surviving parish records in the United States. In this talk, Dr. J. Michael Francis will introduce this rich collection and to the open-access digital archive he helped to create to bring these records to a global audience. Francis will highlight the early history of colonial Florida, focusing on the rich corpus of baptism, confirmation, marriage, and death records housed in St. Augustine’s Diocesan Archive. He will share some of the remarkable stories that emerge from the badly damaged pages, and he will introduce a new digital archive that provides unparalleled public access to this unique collection.

History Hike: The Grand Central Airport at Weedon Island
2023-05-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of the Weedon Island Preserve to learn about its aviation history.
St. Petersburg has a long and rich history of aviation, including the well-known first commercial flight in 1914. But in addition to this accomplishment, the Grand Central Airport that functioned on Weedon Island during the early 20th century also led to momentous firsts for flight in St. Pete. Join archaeologists with the Florida Public Archaeology Network for a guided tour of the Preserve to learn about the Island’s history with flight and visit historic sites.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 12+. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Archaeology Walk & Talk
2023-06-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of the Weedon Island Preserve with a focus on its archaeological history.
Enjoy a guided hike at the Weedon Island Preserve and learn about the the peoples that inhabited this area thousands of years ago. The hike guide will also share information about the ongoing archaeological research being done to better understand these past cultures.
This hike is recommended for adults and youth ages 12+. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The hike will be two miles in length and will traverse uneven terrain so participants must be able to manage these conditions. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum’s exhibits.
>>> REGISTER HERE

The Archaeology of Weedon Island
2023-09-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Travel with professional archaeologists into the ancient past of Weedon Island.
Weedon Island has been a place for community for thousands of years, with spaces for special events, daily activities, and other parts of community life that we still see in our lives today. Join us for a presentation from professional archaeologist Rachael Kangas who will discuss the basics of archaeology at Weedon Island and why the site is so important to understanding people and communities.
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 14 and up.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Climate Change and Cultural Sites in Florida
2023-10-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how historical and archaeological sites threatened by climate change are protected in Florida.
How do we protect cemeteries, historic buildings, and archaeological sites that are threatened by climate change in Florida? How is it decided which sites get attention and which do not? Join the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education in collaboration with the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society for a special presentation of how archaeologists are currently answering these questions, what significant threats are observed in Florida, and how the public can help!
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Youth Workshop: Ancient Pottery
2023-10-21 09:30 - 10:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn to make pottery like the ancient people who once lived at Weedon Island. Over 1,000 years ago, early potters were making coiled pots out of clay and sand for cooking vessels and ceremonial functions. This workshop will teach youth how to form a small-coiled pot and add distinctive decorations using early techniques.
This workshop is recommended for youth ages 6 and up. All youth must be accompanied by an adult for the full duration of the class. The workshop is limited to 30 participants total.
This workshop will be led by Phyllis Kolianos, an archaeologist with the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, Inc. (AWIARE). Kolianos was an employee of Pinellas County and the past manager of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center for over a decade.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Open Archaeology Lab
2023-12-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn from professional archaeologists on how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Ever wonder what archaeologists do with all that stuff they dig up at archaeological sites once the fieldwork is finished? Join us for an open archaeology lab!
Learn from professional archaeologists with the West Central Region of the Florida Public Archaeology Network about how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed in the laboratory so they can be used to learn about the past. Participants will get the chance to sort through, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!
All ages are welcome to participate or observe, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All individuals planning to attend should be registered.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Talons, Beaks & Feathers Camp
2024-01-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Camps will join Natalie Lloyd to learn how to identify bones, tracks, and scat through daily hikes in the preserve.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Archaeology Hike & Site Tour
2024-03-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

Hike an active excavation area on the Weedon Island Preserve and learn about the current archaeological research.
Professional archaeologists with the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education will lead a hike out to an active excavation area on the Weedon Island Preserve. Participants will learn about recent work at the site, research results, and local Indigenous history.
This guided tour will be ~2 miles in total length and will traverse uneven, natural paths so please prepare accordingly. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Archaeological Kayak Tour
2024-03-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

Join archaeologists and environmental specialists for an archaeology-focused paddling experience.

This trip will paddle from Weedon Island’s mainland to Ross Island where participants will then be led around an archaeological site with Dr. Kendal Jackson, a post-doctoral fellow with the University of South Florida, and member of the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, who worked on Ross Island as part of his doctorate research. The Florida Public Archaeology Network and ECOmersion will co-lead this trip. During the paddle to Ross Island, stops will be made to interpret the significance of archaeological, historical, and coastal natural areas that will enhance participants’ understanding of the Tampa Bay estuary.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Ethnobotany and Archaeology Open House
2024-03-23 10:00 - 13:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants!

See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants as a part of the Weedon Island Preserve’s celebration of Florida Archaeology Month! All ages welcome.

Learn how indigenous Floridians used native plants as an everyday resource in the “Florida Native Plants Through Time” exhibit and demonstration. Exhibit designer and plant expert, Ben Metcantade, will be on-hand to answer questions and demonstrate how the plants were used. See a hands-on demonstration on fiber-thread making from the native yucca plant. In addition, find out which native plants were popular in the 19th century though the present time. The exhibit also features native plants, books and resources on sustainable design and the importance of pollinators.
Meet Weedon Island’s archaeologists and see their displays of artifacts, tools and other items.
Bring your own fossils and artifacts to be identified and their uses determined by on-site archaeology experts.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2024-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Learn how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed for study in this volunteer lab that is led by professional archaeologists with the West Central chapter of the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Participants will help sort through, clean, and identify artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites so they can be used by researchers to learn about the past.
This event is best suited for adults; children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is limited so registration is required!
If you have a homeschool group that would like to participate, please email westcentral@fpan.us to set up a separate lab time to accomodate your students.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Archaeology Lecture: Discoveries from the Garrison
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
The Garrison Neighborhood, established in 1896, was the first Black-owned neighborhood in Tampa.

Archaeology lecture hosted by the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS) and the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE).
The Garrison Neighborhood, established in 1896, was the first Black-owned neighborhood in Tampa. Until the 1940s the neighborhood flourished with Black-owned businesses, schools, and churches. Despite this, few mentions of the neighborhood exist in archaeological reports of the area. Downtown Tampa’s archaeological requirements prioritizes the National Register eligible Fort Brooke site, leaving this unique Black neighborhood underutilized in the study of Tampa’s diverse early pioneers. Since 2016 Stantec has been excavating portions of the Garrison, including the Caesar Street School, an African Methodist Episcopal Church, storefronts, and numerous residences. Through the artifact assemblages of these sites a greater understanding can be gleaned of life in this important Tampa neighborhood.
This lecture will feature Kelsey Kreiser, an archaeologist at a local Stantec office in Tampa. She has been working in cultural resource management since 2018, conducting fieldwork across much of Florida and the greater southeastern United States.
Learn more about CGCAS & AWIARE’s archaeology lecture series.
>>> REGISTER HERE
