1. Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors and help compile an annual checklist of the preserve’s birds during Weedon Island Preserve’s Bird Quest. This two-hour hike beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, is designed to take advantage of all levels of birding experience. Binoculars and bird guides will be available.
2. Hiking opportunities are plentiful at Weedon Island Preserve each Saturday in December. A special two-hour hike designed for adult photographers, the perfect opportunity to hone skills, is scheduled for Saturday Dec. 15, starting at 8 a.m. After a classroom session highlighting specific wildlife behaviors and focus tips, guides will assist participants in capturing the natural beauty outdoors.
3. Also, the ongoing two-hour guided hikes, beginning at 9 a.m. will continue each Saturday in December. Participants learn about ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and along boardwalks through mangrove forests. These hikes are best for ages 6 and older.
4. Children ages three to five continue to be treated to 45-minutes of a selected story, crafts, games and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment through Wee Time at Weedon. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, they will hear Where Would I Be in an Evergreen Tree? by Jennifer Blomgren, and on Thursday, Dec. 27 the featured book will be Mary Manatee, A Tale of Sea Cows.
5. Wild Wetlands, Florida Aquarium is the topic of this Saturday’s, Dec. 8, one-hour presentation beginning at 10 a.m. Since the Florida wetlands are home to many diverse animals, this group will explore the wonders of Florida’s wetlands through biofact investigation and encounters with live animal ambassadors from the Florida Aquarium.
6. On Thursday, Dec. 20, from 7 to 8 p.m., an archaeology lecture – Life and Death at Windover: Excavations of a 7,000-Year-Old Pond Cemetery is presented. Dr. Rachel Wentz’ latest book examines the discovery, and analyses of Windover, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. This fascinating site at Titusville, Florida produced the well-preserved remains of 168 individuals along with hand-woven textiles, a beautiful assemblage of artifacts and ancient soft tissue. 7 to 8 p.m.
7. Connecting People and Place is an art-inspired, permanent hands-on educational exhibit of the area’s history, ecology and people at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. The center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; closed Sunday through Wednesday and holidays.

To learn more about Weedon Island Preserve and its upcoming programs and events, call (727) 453-6500. To register for programs and events visit www.weedonislandpreserve.org. Videos featuring Weedon Island Preserve can be viewed at www.youtube.com/pcctv1.

Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in a class or event, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. At least seven days prior to the class, please contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 500, Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 464-4062 (Voice/TDD).

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org, now with LiveChat, or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobile on any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act