Brooker Creek PreserveBrooker Creek Preserve is approximately 8,700 acres, and the largest natural area in Pinellas County. It consists primarily of forested wetlands and pine flatwoods. Bordered by dense urban development, the Preserve provides both a unique refuge for native flora and fauna, as well as an opportunity for citizens to explore the natural beauty of wild Florida. The Preserve also serves to protect a significant portion of the Brooker Creek Watershed. A complex of hiking and equestrian trails provide visitors an opportunity to explore the Preserve's many ecosystems.
Free Admission! - Donations Welcome
Preserve Highlights
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Upcoming Webinars and EventsWebinars listed below take place via Zoom. Registration is required. EVERY Thursday, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.In person: Book Time at Brooker Connect children to the wonders of the natural world through a nature related story and a craft to follow! Geared toward 3- to 5-year-olds, meet inside the Education Center! Registration is not required for Book Time, just show up with your kiddo! This program is led by Brooker Creek Volunteers.
Friday, April 26, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.Dragonfly Discovery Walk: Join local dragonfly expert Paul Trunk as we explore some of the habitats at Brooker Creek looking for dragonflies. Brooker Creek Preserve is an excellent area that is home to approximately 20+ species of odonates. We will learn about the natural history of dragonflies and their importance to a healthy ecosystem. Bring your binoculars and a camera if you enjoy taking pictures. Registration is required. Register today
Saturday, May 4 10:30 –12:00 p.m.Frogs!: Do you know why frogs are so important to our world, and how by saving them, we save the environment? Explore challenges frogs are facing, as well as some ways that ordinary people of all ages can help. Learn about our very own Florida frogs, and maybe even croak in a human frog chorus! Join Avalon Theisen, the young founder of Conserve It Forward, Inc. for Florida Frogs! This program will be held in the auditorium. Program suitable for all ages. Register today
Saturday, May 4 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.Music in the Woods - Featuring Gale & Joey: The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve invite you to enjoy some music in the woods in the Outdoor Music Pavilion. Gale Trippsmith and Joey Interrante play music from the 60s to current in addition to many originals. Gale sings and plays acoustic guitar and Joey plays percussion drums brilliantly on his unique musical invention – the Banjoey: a banjo repurposed as a percussion instrument. Fun is always had! Please arrive no later than 7:00 pm as the entrance gate closes by then! Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and a picnic or snacks. Sorry, pets and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any Pinellas County preserve properties. $5/per person suggested donation.
Sunday, May 5 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.Sunday Bird Hike: Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa, our awesome volunteer, to seek out the resident and visiting birds of Brooker. All levels of birders welcome. Meet in the main parking lot at 8am. Register today Wednesday, May 8 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Zoom Webinar - Butterfly Biology: Everyone loves butterflies; their beautiful wings, their romantic transformation story… But there is a secret life to this group of insects that is not often discussed. Join us to learn about butterflies’ mastery of poison, deception, and assault to survive. Recommended for adults and youth over 12.
Friday, May 10 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.Botany Walk: We will identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants. Registration is required.
Saturday, May 11 10:30 – 12:00 p.m.Youth Action through Roots & Shoots: "Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." These are the wise words of Dr. Jane Goodall, an icon in the world of chimpanzee research and species conservation. In 1991, Dr. Jane launched her youth program, Roots & Shoots, to empower young people to make a difference in their own way. Roots & Shoots supports youth projects in over 60 countries worldwide, and in September, Roots & Shoots opened an office in Tampa Bay! What does this mean for you? If you have an idea for a service project benefiting animals, people, or the environment we all share, Roots & Shoots offers resources to help make it happen. Roots & Shoots supports youth projects in any setting: individuals, families, schools, after school programs, clubs, home schools, or nonprofit organizations serving youth. Come join Bonnie Eaton, coordinator for Roots & Shoots - Tampa Bay, to learn more about Roots & Shoots and how to get started on a project! Register today
Saturday, May 11 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.Sleep in Saturday Hike: Spend Saturday afternoon with a Naturalist who will lead you on a family-friendly nature hike in the Preserve! Explore the ecosystems and habitats of the Preserve with a volunteer hike guide. Register today
Sunday, May 12 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.Mother’s Day Hike: Playful baby otters? Striped tiny alligators protected by their mom? Join us for this walk through the many wonders of The Preserve as we discuss animal moms and their offspring. We will meet in the parking lot for this family friendly dose of nature. Register today
Friday, May 17 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.Youth Program: Beneath the Surface-Ocean Literacy Deep Dive: Beneath the Surface is the 1st book in an ocean exploration series that travels around the world and takes place off the coast of Southern China. Enjoy a short reading from the story with author, Carissa Welton, who found her inspiration for the story from SCUBA diving in Asia and mentoring Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots groups in China. In addition to the reading, students will have a chance to interact with the story through various individual and collaborative activities.
Saturday, May 18 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.Hidden Wonders Nature Walk: This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of "Our Wildest Place." We will investigate some interesting plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. Everyday reveals new natural wonders to enjoy in the Preserve, join us! Register today
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