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
Brooker Creek Preserve Videos - Publications - Gift Shop - Visitor Map
Upcoming Webinars and EventsWebinars listed below take place via Zoom. Registration is required.
EVERY Thursday from 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 & a craft to follow! Geared toward 3 to 5 year olds. Register today
Saturday, July 16 from 5:30 - 7:30 a.m.In person: Songbird Sunrise Bring your coffee and favorite folding chair to join a quiet sunrise listening experience! The event begins in total darkness to allow participants to hear the nighttime calls of nocturnal birds. As the sky lightens with the sun’s ascent, daytime birds begin their vocal greeting. Birds will be identified by their songs and calls by knowledgeable Preserve volunteer optimal enjoyment of the natural environment. You may want to stay for the Bird Hike at 8:00 a.m.! 5:30 a.m. start (MUST arrive no later than 5:15 a.m., gate closes at 5:30 a.m.) Register today
Saturday, July 16 from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.In person: Birds of Brooker Guided Hike Have you ever wondered what bird is singing in your backyard? Do you see and hear birds but don’t know what they are? If so, join us for a beginning bird hike to learn how to identify the county’s common birds as we meander along a one-mile trail. Meet in the parking lot. Register today
Saturday, July 16 from 10:30 - 12:00 p.m.In person: Harnessing the Rain Did you know Tampa Bay and the surrounding counties average 50- 60 inches of rain annually? Florida- Friendly Landscaping™ Educator, Melissa West to explore practical, low-cost approaches to prevent stormwater runoff, reduce pollution and harness our most precious resource. Join us to learn more about rainwater harvesting, rain gardens and how to make use of your rainwater. This is a free event. Rain barrels are available for purchase in advance. To purchase a Rain Barrel in addition, choose the $45 ticket option. Register today
Sunday, July 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.In person: Off the Beaten Path Hike – Central Wildlands This hike is a part of our nature-based fundraising hike series. This hike will take participants to parts of the Preserve so remote that cell phones won’t work, and areas so pretty you won’t believe you are in Pinellas County! See The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve website for registration and complete details. Register today
Tuesday, July 19 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.Webinar: Meet Florida's Moths! Did you know there are as many species of moths in Florida as there are species of snakes in the whole world? In this webinar, we will not only dive into the incredible diversity of moths that can be found in Florida, but we will also learn how they live their lives. We'll talk about how to tell them apart from their cousins the butterflies, and from other insects in general. Join us in celebration of these beautiful, mysterious, and often-fuzzy little critters! Presented by Brian Magnier. Register today
Wednesday, July 20 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.Webinar: Before They Were Native — A Brief History of Florida’s Flora Over millions of years, Florida’s geology and plant communities have undergone a myriad of changes. Driven by evolution, continental drift, ice ages and many more environmental pressures, today’s native plant communities are just a snapshot of the rich diversity spanning millennia. In this webinar, James Stevenson will explore a simplified timeline of the events that lead to today’s Florida native plants. Hosted by the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Register today
Friday, July 22 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.In person: Saving Water- Why and How Can I Make a Difference? (Youth Program) Did you know that not only we are surrounded by water in Florida, but we live on top of it too? Join Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Educator, Melissa West as we explore the water cycle, how to reduce pollution, and what you can do to protect our most precious resource, WATER! This youth program is geared toward ages 7 to 12. Registration is required. Space is limited and this program will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children). Register today
Saturday, July 23 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.Our Wildest Place Guided Hike Why is Brooker Creek Preserve “Our Wildest Place?” Nearly 9,000 acres of undeveloped land in our crowded county is a real treasure. Discover a bit of our native habitats & the plants & animals that call the preserve home. Register today
Saturday, July 23 from 10:30 - 12:00 p.m.Webinar: Conserving Remnant Populations of Gopher Tortoises Land Management Challenges at Urban Nature Preserves in Central Florida--Gopher tortoises are ecosystem engineers that create extensive burrow systems and disperse seeds, significantly contributing to upland biodiversity. The burrow systems provide important refugia from extreme temperatures, fire, and predators for the tortoises, as well as 364 other documented species rangewide. This presentation will examine habitat restoration and management efforts and discuss the challenges of managing a natural area bordered by urban interface. Presented by George L. Heinrich.
Friday, July 29 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.In person: Moth Night! Discover Denizens of the Dark at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. After a brief lecture and hands-on science experience, we will venture into the night to find moths of many sizes and colors, all attracted to our artificial lights. Registration is required and space is very limited. Once registered, please check your confirmation email for important details on where to meet. Register today
Special Programs, Classes and Events:
For more information or questions:
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