Common Questions

Management of Weedon Island Preserve includes balancing resource-based recreational use with ecological restoration and conservation. Please help us manage this Preserve for your enjoyment and protection of its natural and cultural resources. Common questions are listed below. Feel free to contact us with any additional questions.

• Boy Scout Trail at Weedon Island Preserve.

  Fire at Weedon Island Preserve.

  Gopher Tortoise

  Birds on Boardwalk

  Roseate Spoonbill

  Can I bring my dog to Weedon Island Preserve?
  No, our Preserve is the only refuge for many native wild animals. Their continued health depends on the Preserve remaining in its natural state. Pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses, are not allowed on the Preserve. Native animals often view the family pet as a predator and will respond accordingly. This additional stress has a negative cumulative effect on our local wildlife populations. In addition, when we fail to clean up after domestic animals, the additional waste can contribute to excessive nutrient loading, introduction of invasive exotic plant species, and the spread of diseases.

• I found a cool plant on the Preserve.
  Is it okay to dig it up and take it home?
  No, native plants help us create beautiful backyard landscapes that provide wildlife habitat and reduce maintenance costs. However, all flora and fauna on the Preserve are protected and should not be disturbed. Visitors interested in native landscaping are encouraged to visit local nurseries that stock native plant species. When on the Preserve, it is important to remember we are the visitors. It is okay to look and learn, but please do not disturb local species.

   

• Can I bring beer into the Preserve?
  No, alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any Pinellas County preserve or management area. 

• Why can’t I smoke or light up fireworks?
  The Preserve has many fire-adapted natural communities that can ignite quickly. A stray cigarette butt or poorly aimed bottle rocket can result in a wildfire. Consequently, smoking and fireworks are not allowed on any of our preserves and management areas.  This restriction is in place for the safety of the public visiting the Preserve as well as our neighbors.  Wildfires do not recognize property boundary lines!

   

• Can I hunt on the Preserve?
  No, consumptive wildlife activities are not allowed on the Preserve.

• I found an animal in my backyard.
  Can I let it go in the Preserve?
  No, healthy wild animals tend to keep their distance from humans.  If a wild animal allows you to approach and handle it, there is a good chance it is injured or sick. Pinellas County codes do not allow the public to release wild or non-native animals within Pinellas County because of the risk of spreading disease. Please contact Pinellas County Animal Services for more information on how to handle a sick or injured animal.

• Can I look for artifacts?
  No, most of Weedon Island Preserve is located on State-owned land. It is illegal to dig, disturb or remove artifacts according to Chapter 872 of the Florida Statues.

• Are there bicycle trails in the Preserve?
  No, public access to the Preserve is limited to resource-based recreation, and bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trail system. Visitors who wish to ride a bicycle to the Preserve may travel on the paved entrance/exit road (this does not include the entrance road to the Duke Energy Center on Weedon Island). Please keep pedestrians safe by parking bicycles in designated racks rather than riding on sidewalks and boardwalks.

Help us keep Weedon Island Preserve a place for all to enjoy. Additional information on local rules that govern the Preserve are listed in the Pinellas County Ordinance: Chapter 90 and the Waterways Ordinance.

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