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 Programs at Brooker Creek PreserveRegistration is required for all programs, hikes, events, and webinars. Register by using the links provided. For the most up to date information regarding a program, please call our front desk at 727-453-6800, or email us at brookercreek@pinellascounty.org
Sunday, March 1 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.Bird Hike: Come out for this "early morning" walk in the woods to seek out the resident and visiting birds of Brooker. All levels of birders welcome. Meet in the main parking lot at 8am.
EVERY Thursday 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.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, meet inside the Exhibit Hall! Registration is not required for Book Time, just show up with your kiddo! This program is led by Brooker Creek Volunteers.
Saturday, March 7 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Build Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs) to Help Tampa Bay! During this workshop, you will have the opportunity to drill oyster shells (adults only), build vertical oyster gardens, and help scientists weigh and contribute to community science. You also will have the chance to learn more about the VOG Citizen Science Program and how these VOGs will be distributed and monitored across the Tampa Bay region.
Friday, March 13 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. Led by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Specialist. 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. Meet in the Exhibit Hall
Saturday, March 14 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Let's Look at Lichen! Join us for a hands-on Lichen Workshop at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center and discover these fascinating organisms up close. We'll begin with a guided outdoor walk to observe lichens growing in their natural habitats, learning how to recognize different forms and where they thrive. Then, we'll move indoors for a lab-style experience, using identification tools and techniques to explore lichens in greater detail. This workshop is designed for adults and older youth who enjoy slowing down, observing nature, and learning something new-no prior experience required.
Saturday, March 14 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.Sleep in Saturday Hike: Sleep in on Saturday morning and join us for a family friendly walk in the Preserve with a volunteer hike guide!
Wednesday, March 18 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.From the Ground Up Lecture Series: The Life of Lichen- Weedon Webinar What is, or what are lichens? Not plants, not animals, not entirely fungi either! Somehow lichen are several different organisms working together in a nearly impossible arrangement that has stood the test of millions of years on Earth. Pinellas County is home to many of Florida's fascinating lichens. We will explore the life history of lichen, learn identification tips and interesting facts. These interactive presentations will be held online hosted by Weedon Island, so you can participate from wherever you are!
Friday, March 20 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.Stories & Songs with the East Lake Library: Join the East Lake Community Library for stories, songs, and fun! 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! **Registration is required!**
Saturday, March 21 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.Nature's Hidden Wonders 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, join us!
Saturday, March 21 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.Star Party: Join The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and St. Pete Astronomy Club for a Star Party! Observe the stars through telescopes and enjoy an evening at Brooker Creek Preserve after dark. Night hikes will be conducted as well along the .75 mile Ed Center Trail through the woods. Please bring a chair, water, insect repellent, and your own telescope if you have one. $5/person donation.
Sunday, March 22 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.Wreath Making Workshop: We will learn how to create the grapevine wreath base together, and our instructor will also share tips and tricks on how to decorate the base with extra foliage. Each participant will go home with a completed wreath "base" ready to decorate for your Spring flowers! Registration is required.
Friday, March 27 9:30 - 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.The East Lake Community Library! **Registration is required!**
Saturday, March 28 10:30 - 12:00 p.m.Raptors at Risk: A Global Assessment of Birds of Prey: Birds of prey are among the most powerful indicators of environmental health. From bald eagles and ospreys to kestrels and kites, raptors sit at the top of the food chain-meaning their survival reflects the condition of the ecosystems we all depend on. This program connects worldwide research with real-world rescue and rehabilitation efforts, highlighting how habitat loss, environmental contaminants, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict impact raptor populations across continents. Participants will also learn how education, wildlife rehabilitation, and community partnerships-like those led by Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue-play a critical role in protecting these species while inspiring future conservation leaders. Designed for students, educators, and lifelong learners, this presentation transforms global data into meaningful local action, showing how individuals and communities can help ensure that raptors continue to soar for generations to come. Join Barbara Walker of the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for this enlightening, photographic enriched program AND meet live raptors! Family friendly.
Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve ART GALLERY Plein Air
Exhibit on View: February 22nd, 2026 through April 26th, 2026. Saturday & Sunday 12-3pm, in the Auditorium.
Artists' Closing Reception: April 26th 1-3pm. More information: https://www.friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org/PAreg.pdf Questions: 727-934-2680 or info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org
Special Programs, Classes and Events:
For more information or questions:
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