link to Brooker Creek Preserve home page

Florida Botanical Gardens | Heritage Village | Brooker Creek Preserve | Weedon Island Preserve

Brooker Creek Preserve

Brooker 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 Preservels many ecosystems.

Free Admission! - Donations Welcome

Preserve Highlights

Environmental Education Center Exhibits, displays, programs and classes. more	Guided Tours & Nature Hikes Guided tours are by reservation only. more	Annual Events / Programs Yearly events sponsored by our partners. more	Management Plan Water supply, watershed, natural resources more

Boardwalks & Hiking Trails Scenic boardwalks, hiking and horse trails available. more	Preserve Wilderness Area Largest natural area in Pinellas County more	Exhibits & Trail Signs Help visitors understand natural Florida more	Preserve Ecosystem Four different ecosystems represented more

Brooker Creek Preserve Videos - Publications - Gift Shop - Visitor Map

Upcoming Webinars

Webinars 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 & a craft to follow! Geared toward 3 to 5 year olds.

Wednesday August 25 – November 17 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

In person Series: Pinellas Florida Waters Stewardship Program:
Become a water steward! To make a difference concerning the issues surrounding water quality and quantity in our communities, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with water. During this seven-session course, participants will travel to locations across Pinellas County to explore the natural beauty, learn about emerging water issues, and meet with local experts. Registration is now open, cost is $89.
See Eventbrite for more details.

Wednesday, September 8 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Zoom Webinar: What is Algae?
The right question is: What ARE Algae? Algae are photosynthetic organisms that have QUITE an impact to Life on Earth. From the Master Oxygen Producers to the deadly “toxifiers,” let’s explore this diverse group and look at their fascinating life histories. Recommended for adults and youth over 12.

Sunday, September 12 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

In person: Opening Reception: The Art of Jeff Nabors
Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve is honored to present the art of Jeff Nabors: Our Uncommon Ground as our first exhibition of the 2021-22 Auditorium Gallery season. With a generous application of paint applied to the canvas in short expressive strokes, he creates “a sculpted-like feel highly activated with bright contrasting color that add depth and richness to the image.” A short program and light refreshments are offered at this opening reception.

Thursday, September 16 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Zoom Webinar: More Than Mushrooms--The Unsung Heroes of the Fungus Kingdom
Fungus are neither plant nor animal but have characteristics of both! Meet some of the more unusual types that surround us every day. Splash cups, velvet blue spread, and stinkhorns are among those you will meet in this class for adults and youth over Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. Note: this class will NOT address edible wild mushrooms.

Saturday, September 18 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Zoom Webinar: Water-Wise Workshop: Wetland Wildflowers & Rainwater Harvesting
Florida’s freshwater wetlands are home to some amazing wildflowers. Let James Stevenson our UF/IFAS Extension specialist introduce you to these denizens of the swamp! We promise you won’t get your feet wet while meeting these beautiful and interesting plants. Then one of our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ educators will discuss how to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution. Participants will also learn how to use a simple rain harvesting system using a rain barrel.

Wednesday, September 22 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Zoom Webinar: Introduction to Plant Identification
Join a local Extension specialist and examine the basics of plant identification, from using simple keys to identifying critical characteristics that will help any would-be botanist in the field. An emphasis will be placed on flowering plants.

Tuesday, September 28 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Zoom Webinar: Evolutionary Biology
In this program, we will go through many of the terms associated with evolution - including the difference between “evolution” and “natural selection.” We will also cover how the process of evolution really works, and how things like mimicry arise in nature. This can be a complex topic, especially when you consider the incredibly long timescales we are dealing with. But don’t be intimidated! Together, we will break down this topic and make it both understandable and enjoyable. Using examples mostly from Florida, we will dive into these arcane processes and learn some of the terminology used in the field of evolutionary biology. Intended for adults and interested youth over 10. Presented by Brian Magnier.

Special Programs, Classes and Events:

Pinellas County Extension

Brooker Creek
Preserve Calendar

Offers a variety of educational and interpretive programs for the public. The goal of these programs is to empower citizens to make informed decisions about natural and cultural resources. Center programs interpret the natural and cultural history of the area in order to demonstrate the balance between our needs and the needs of natural Florida.