Get Away From It All at Weedon Island Preserve July ProgramsWhy are mangroves critical to the environmental health of Pinellas County? What can be done about those pesky mosquitoes? How can the bullies of the plant world, invasive exotic plants, be controlled? These questions and more will be answered in July programs at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg. Listed below are a few of the free special programs offered. Also scheduled are many other opportunities to step into nature with guided hikes, canoe trips and book programs for toddlers. Call (727) 453-6500 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/environment for more information or to register for programs. Art exhibit rooted in nature … Discover the joy of Christina Evans, who is a graphic artist and designer with a remarkable talent in photography, at a free In My Backyard – Hall Gallery Exhibit through Sunday, Aug. 26. A resident of Largo, Evans’ goal is to capture striking images that show how native plants attract a diversity of wildlife, even in a small suburban landscape. The exhibit is open during the Cultural and Natural History Center hours from Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday Nights are meant for movies … Watch the dramatic story of photographer Edward S. Curtis unfold during the Friday Night Movie Friday, July 20, from 7 to 8 p.m. This free movie, Coming to Light: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indians showcases the talents of Curtis who was the preeminent photographer of North American Indians. Curtis (1868-1952) was a driven, charismatic, obsessive artist and a pioneer photographer who set out in 1900 to document traditional Indian life. Register by calling (727) 453-6500. Experts share their know-how… Meet Devesh Nirmul, Regional Specialized Agent, University of Florida Extension Services, and learn about mangroves that are a unique family of coastal forest systems found throughout the world’s tropical regions and in Florida. You will understand how global environmental changes and statewide management are impacting the potential sustainability benefits of those valuable resources. This free Mangroves: Living on the Edge presentation takes place Thursday, July 12, from 7 to 8 p.m. Please register by calling (727) 453-6500. Learn what’s new about mosquitoes, their life cycle, where they live and why they bite from Glen-Paul Edson from Pinellas County Mosquito Control. This free New Buzz About Mosquitoes program is Saturday, July 14, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. You will discover more about controlling mosquitoes and virus transmission. See mosquitoes at every stage of their life. Registration required by calling (727) 453-6500. Meet Dale Armstrong, from Pinellas County Extension, and learn about aggressive exotic plants, or bullies of the plant world, and why they threaten Florida’s natural eco-systems. This free Invasive Destroyers – Aggressive Exotic Plants program is Saturday, July 28, from 10 to 11 a.m. You can learn how to identify aggressive exotic plants and the most effective control methods. Hear information about why they threaten Florida’s natural eco-systems. Please register by calling (727) 453-6500. The Preserve is located at 1800 Weedon Drive NE in St. Petersburg, on the shores of old Tampa Bay near the Gandy Bridge. For more information, call the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center at (727) 453-6500. More details about the Preserve can be found at www.pinellascounty.org/environment.
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