 2050 Weedon Island Series
Thursdays, October 23, November 6, 20, and December 4
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
This four-part series continues an ongoing investigation into the resources of Weedon Island Preserve. Each session focuses on specific aspects of the Preserve. Classes include new topics for previous attendees, but also contain enough background information for new participants to join in the discovery. At approximately 3,700 acres on the shore of Old Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Weedon Island Preserve combines a rich cultural history with the environmental wonders of sky, land, and water. It provides an excellent stage for discovering and learning about our local natural and cultural heritage and how humans have interacted with their environment in Pinellas County for the last two thousand years.
Each class is three - four hours long and includes a classroom lecture and discussion, plus interactive field activity. All classes are based from the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center.
Thursday, October 23:
The Biology and Natural History of the Fish of Weedon Island Preserve
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
The boundaries of Weedon Island Preserve extend beyond the mangrove swamps and also protect many submerged aquatic ecosystems of Weedon Island and Tampa Bay. These ecosystems support an incredible assemblage of fish varying in size,
population, shape, and function. Over 200 species of fish are found in Tampa Bay. This class will include a lecture/discussion and demonstration of field techniques. It will also involve wading into the water for field sampling of fish. Some specimens will be further examined and discussed in the classroom/lab. Ecology and adaptation will be discussed. Participants should come prepared to get their feet wet for this class. Closed-toe protective shoes such as booties or old sneakers are recommended.
Thursday, November 6: Coastal Wetlands:
Changes in the Coastal Landscape of Tampa Bay over the Last 100 Years
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Mangrove swamp ecosystems dominate Weedon Island Preserve. These transitional areas provide countless benefits to Tampa Bay’s natural ecosystems and economy. The growth and development of the last 100 years have brought many changes to the structure of mangrove swamps in Tampa Bay. This class will address these impacted mangrove ecosystems, their differences in structure from unaltered ecosystems, and current research on the function and utilization of the present mangrove swamp. Future plans for coastal restoration and management must include a thorough understanding of the processes taking place in these altered ecosystems. This class will include a discussion, hike (at times through wet or muddy areas), and some sampling along a mangrove shoreline.
Thursday, November 20:
Weedon Island Ecology and Management: How People Aid Ecosystem Health
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Upward from the tidal mangrove swamps of Weedon Island Preserve is a rich mosaic of upland ecosystems. Although Weedon Island is technically no longer an island, it still functions, in ecological terms, as an island. The diversity of the upland ecosystems is as complex as it is fascinating. This session will explore these ecosystems and focus on current large-scale management projects designed to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function. This class will include a classroom discussion and hike through the Preserve. Sturdy walking shoes are needed as we will be hiking along the trails
(some uneven terrain) of Weedon Island Preserve for a portion of this class.
Thursday, December 4:
Significance of the Mounds of the Weeden Island People
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
One of the most distinguishing features of the landscape of Weedon Island Preserve is the prehistoric shell mounds constructed by people of the Weeden Island Culture. Contained in these mounds is the evidence of a highly sophisticated and technically advanced society which thrived along the shore of Old Tampa Bay for nearly 1,000 years. The prehistoric mounds at the Preserve are one of few mound complexes remaining intact in St. Petersburg today. This class will address the extensive mounds at Weedon Island Preserve, the structure of the different types of mounds, and what archaeologists learn from these mounds. Initial findings from excavations in the 1920s will be compared to recent investigations and discoveries. This session will include a hike to a shell mound. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for hiking on uneven terrain.
Cost includes lunch all four days.
Member: $79; Non-member: $99
Lunch and Learn with the Sierra Club:
What Does My Lawn Have to Do With Red Tide
2134 Continuing Education Center
Tuesday, October 7, Noon - 2:00 pm
2135 Palm Harbor/Dunedin
Thursday, October 16, Noon - 2:00 pm
Red Tide and other harmful algae blooms threaten our environment, the tourism and fishing businesses that our local economy depends on, and how much we all enjoy life on the Suncoast. The bad news is, scientists now tell us we’re making it worse by the way we landscape. The good news is, making small adjustments in how we maintain our yards with
fertilizer, as well as the use of more natural shorelines, can help improve our local water quality in Tampa Bay and our Gulf beaches. A representative of the Sierra Club will explain how proper maintenance of our yards and neighborhoods can play a part in improving the quality of life in our part of Florida.
Free and open to the public.
Some of our OLLI trips deal with conservation and nature issues. Click here for OLLI trips.
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