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.
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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.
Saturday, March 23, 11:00 - 12:30 p.m.Insect Gall Walk: These alien-looking growths are found on plants around the world and are hiding tiny secrets: bugs! We will explore the common species of galling insects in Florida and the Tampa Bay area on a gall hunt together. Join Local expert, Christine Leonard to learn about the native galls of Brooker Creek and how they contribute to local biodiversity! Presented by Christine Leonard. Recommended for adults. This walk caps at 20 participants. Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve. Register today Sunday, March 24, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.Elizabeth Coachman – Art Reception & Talk: The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve are pleased to present Brooker Creek Preserved: In Paintings and Prints by Elizabeth Coachman. Enjoy thirty-two unique works inspired by Brooker Creek Preserve. The reception is free and open to the public. Come enjoy the art, on view March 23 – May 26. Register today Friday, March 29, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.Youth Program: Spring Bird Migration: Bird migration is a risky business! Explore the challenges affecting migration for many bird species and learn through hands-on activities what it’s like for a bird on this great journey. Targeted for elementary and middle school aged youth. Register today
Friday, April 5, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.Florida Forests Hike: Venture out along the Flatwoods Trail loop with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing...TREES! Get ready to look up and explore the world of trees. Lara tends to throw in some surprises on her hikes, so be ready when she asks for volunteers! Register today
Friday, April 5, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.Moth Night: After a brief lecture, we will venture into the night to find moths of many sizes and colors, all attracted to our artificial lights. This evening experience is best for adults and children over 12. Register today
Saturday, April 6, 10:30 - 12:00 p.m.Conserving Wildlife and Wildlands- Building a Career in Herpetology: This engaging presentation will examine how an independent wildlife biologist built a career focused on conserving wildlife and wildlands, with an emphasis on turtles. George L. Heinrich has had a lifelong passion for amphibians and reptiles, which began with salamanders and turtles observed in the local woods during his New England childhood. Over a half century later, he now works as a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles and focuses on projects that drive conservation. There will be plenty of entertaining stories from the field. This program is recommended for adults and children 7+. Register today
Saturday, April 6, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.Music in the Woods - Featuring 2AT: The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve invite you to enjoy some music in the woods in the Outdoor Music Pavilion. 2AT performs song genres ranging anywhere from the 60s to now, and originals, where each song is a testament to the melodies that have shaped their lives. 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. Questions? 727-924-2680 or info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org Register today
Sunday, April 7, 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
Friday, April 12, 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. This is a free hike; however, space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend. Register today
Friday, April 12, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.Stories & Songs with the East Lake Library: Children ages 0-5yo and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, and fun with our friends from The East Lake Community Library! Register today
Saturday, April 13, 9:00 - 12:00 p.m.Native Plant Sale: The Native Plant Sale is sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve. Experts will be available to answer questions. Near the main parking lot, while supplies last!
Saturday, April 13, 10:30 - 12:00 p.m.Budding Romances! Tales of Bug Love and Bloomer Boogie: Sex is a driving force that shapes the lives of all living things, so animals and plants have more in common than you might think. What is this force that unifies us all? How does it function? What are some of the astonishing, outrageous, and wildly bizarre ways that Nature gets the job done? Armed with his camera and thinking cap, John Lampkin has been photo-documenting some answers over the past 25 years in gardens far and wide. Including Brooker Creek. This program will amaze, entertain, and educate on mating like you've never seen it before! Geared towards adults. This program is recommended for an adult audience only. Register today
Tuesday's & Thursday's, April 16 - May 18, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.ONLINE - Pinellas Florida Waters Stewardship Program: The Florida Waters Stewardship Program will use expert presentations, online explorations, experiential learning, and communication skills training to foster a greater understanding of these interactions and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our water resources. During this 11-session online course, participants will explore state and local water resources, learn about emerging water issues, and meet local experts. This year's program will be taught online except for the in-person Graduation session. This program will be from 10am-12pm every Tuesday & Thursday from April 16- May 18 totaling 11 sessions. For more information about this course, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan at lara317@ufl.edu or 727-453-6905. Cost: $79 Register today
Saturday, April 20, 9:00 - 2:00 p.m.Earth Day Birthday: A Springtime Conservation Celebration: You are invited to a special celebration of the Environmental Education Center's 20th birthday and the Friends' 30th year providing support for the Preserve. Join staff, volunteers, and your fellow community members to explore the Education Center, hands-on activities, and the wonders of Our Wildest Place! This family friendly event will include activities such as guided hikes, touch-a-truck, workshops, green career expo, free tree giveaway, and so much more! Happy Birthday to us at 2pm in the Auditorium! Stay for cupcakes and celebrate with the County officials who work to keep the Preserve Wild! The event is free; however, some activities require pre-registration as space and materials are limited. Register for: Guided Hikes, Bio-Blitz, Native Bee Hunt, Bird Nest Box Workshop , Dish Gardens, & Architecture Tour. Register today
Saturday, April 20, 8:00 - 10:30 p.m.Night Hike in the Preserve: Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for a one-mile hiking experience along the Ed Center Trail…at night! These special hikes are open to the public and limited to 20 people per hike. A $3 per person donation is requested. Hikes are led by Preserve volunteers who are knowledgeable about nocturnal wildlife. The hike is about one-mile in length and will take about 1.5 hours. Space is limited, registration is required. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend. These hikes are for adults and families only. Children must be accompanied by parents. Meet at the main parking lot at Brooker Creek Preserve. Questions: info@FriendsOfBrookerCreekPreserve.org or 727-934-2680. Register today
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
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