Guided Preserve Tours & Nature Hikes

Brooker Creek Preserve Calendar

One of the best ways to experience and discover Brooker Creek Preserve is through the guided hike program offered by the Center. Each hike is designed to engage participants in a journey of discovery. Come visit “Our Wildest Place.”

A Center staff member or trained volunteer guide visitors on each hike. Guided tours are by reservation only and visitors are encouraged to register by noon on the day before the tour of choice. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Preserve trails are sometimes rugged and hikers may encounter standing water during the wet season. Therefore, we recommend hikers wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and have a pair of dry ones in their vehicle for when they return. Please inform the hike guide of any potential health issues prior to the hike so they can gauge the hike appropriately. During the summer months, the Preserve is home to a wide variety of insects. Insect repellent and light-weight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants allow hikers to share the Preserve with our natural residents.

• Trail Map
• Guided Hike Information
• Check our calendar for the next scheduled hike and to register. Whether you are interested in plants, mammals, birds, insects or history, there is a hike for you! Advance registration is required.

Birds of Brooker Hike

Second Saturday of the month - Free
Sponsored by our Volunteers
8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Have you wondered what bird is singing in your backyard?  Do you see and hear birds but don't know who they are? If so, join us for a Beginning Bird Hike to learn how to identify common birds as we meander along a one-mile trail. Bring water and binoculars if you have them. registration required

Brooker Creek Preserve Hike
Multiple Saturdays of the month - Free
Sponsored by our Volunteers/Staff
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Join our Volunteer Hike Guides on a walk through time each Saturday morning on a guided hike along the Education Center Trail. Join us for this 0.75-mile walk as we look at how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must, and water and a hat are recommended. All ages are welcome.  Children under the ages of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and those younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. registration required

Botany Hike:
Multiple Fridays a month - Free
Sponsored by our
Brooker Creek Naturalist
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
(hikes stop after August)

Join a Brooker Creek Naturalist to explore the fascinating plants found on the Preserve. We will identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants. Come prepared with your camera and questions! registration required

Forestry Hike

Multiple Fridays a month - Free
Sponsored by our Natural Resources Agent
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Join your local Natural Resources Agent as you hike along two miles of boardwalks and natural trails at Brooker Creek Preserve. This will be a learning experience for everyone! Come prepared with your binoculars, cameras, and questions! Any questions your hike guide cannot answer will be researched in the resource room upon return to the Education Center. registration required

Hike the Preserve in search of that perfect shot. This program provides opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. In a brief classroom session, local photographers and master naturalists Karl and Kathleen Nichter highlight the seasonal features that help participants capture the natural beauty of Brooker Creek Preserve. Then hike the boardwalk and trails looking for those shots that reflect the season. Please note, this hike has been extended to 10:30; feel free to stay an extra 30 minutes if you'd like to learn EVEN MORE!  Recommended for adults and children 12 and over.  registration required

Guided Hike Information:

Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Exhibit Hall 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom before we begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

• Pre-registration is required by 12:00 noon on the Friday before the hike.
• Guided hikes are under a mile in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.
• Hikes take about two (2) hours to complete.
• Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.
• Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.
• Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
• Pets are not permitted.
• No smoking is allowed.
• Trained volunteers will guide the hike.
• Need to cancel? Please call us by 12:00 noon on the Friday before your hike.

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