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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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. Saturday, March 2, 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 Saturday, March 2, 9:00 –12:00 p.m.BioBlitz @ Eagle Lake Park: You are invited to join others in the community for a fun, citizen-science effort to record as many species of plants and insects at Eagle Lake Park. We will be using the iNaturalist phone app (free) to give us an idea of the density and diversity of pollinators and the plants they depend on in one park in our county. Educators from the Brooker Creek and Weedon Island Environmental Education Centers will be on hand to get you started at the BioBlitz. Register today Saturday, March 2, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.Music in the Woods - Featuring 2PM: The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve invite you to enjoy some music in the woods in the Outdoor Music Pavilion. Please arrive no later than 6:00 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, March 3, 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 Sunday, March 3, 12:00 - 2:30 p.m.Watercolor Art Class | The Great Blue Heron: Create your own Great Blue Heron from scratch and learn how to paint with watercolors. Canvas of the Wild will provide you with all the materials for the class and artist, Kelly Quinn, will share her tips and techniques to guide you step-by-step through drawing and then painting your heron. Only 30 spots available! Price is $48 per ticket, and there are 30 spots available. Register today Friday, March 8, 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, March 8, 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 Saturdays, March 9, 16, 23, & 30, 10:00 – 2:00 p.m.Advanced Plant Identification – 4 part series: Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This four-part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist. Register today Saturday, March 9, 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 Friday, March 15, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.Scales & Trails Youth Hike: Join us on an educational adventure geared toward ages 7-11, as we explore the world of reptiles! From slithering snakes to sunbathing turtles, we will learn about the unique adaptations and behaviors that make reptiles so cool. This guided hike will leave participants with a newfound appreciation for our native reptile species. Register today Saturday, March 16, 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. As always, no pets, no smoking, & no alcohol. Meet at the main parking lot & please arrive between 7:00 and 7:30pm; as the gates will only be open during this time. A suggested donation of $3.00 per person is appreciated. Questions: info@FriendsOfBrookerCreekPreserve.org or 727-934-2680. Register today Sunday, March 17, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.Plein Air 2024 – Art Reception and Awards: Plein Air 2024 is sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve, Inc. to encourage the use of the Preserve as an inspiration for artists to create nature-inspired works of art. All artists (amateurs to professionals) are invited to participate in showing their talent and support for Brooker Creek Preserve by creating art inspired by the wildlife and natural landscape of the Preserve. Wednesday, March 20, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.Zoom Webinar: Pinellas’ Native Ferns Pinellas County is home to many of Florida's fabulous ferns. We will explore some modern species of this ancient group of plants, learn the natural history of ferns, and get some tips on identifying some of our native species. Recommended for adults and youth over 12. Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor. Register today 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
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