Interconnections
Touch a hand to watch a short, silent film clip. Many
complex interconnections within our environment include
links between people and nature. See if you can
spot how living and non-living things are connected
in each short film clip.
Object Theater – Brooker Barn
This fictitious tale highlights Florida’s history
of land use. From Florida’s early people
to its modern residents, all have left their mark
on the land. Because there are more people
today, our impact is greater. The choices that
each individual makes can impact the environment
today and in the future.
Video Length: 12 minutes
Above and Below
This exhibit features four (4) different water-related
themes to help you learn about water above and
below the surface: the water cycle, salt water
intrusion, groundwater hydrology, and the Floridan
aquifer.
Aerial Photos
See how Brooker Creek Preserve and the surrounding
area have changed through time. Compare four
(4) aerial photos to see how choices made over
the past decades shaped how the region appears
today.
Watershed Boundaries
No matter where you live, you are in a watershed. A
watershed is an area of land where all of the ground
water and surface water drains to the same water
body. This exhibit features several ways to discover
the Brooker Creek Watershed. “Postcards” show
historic and modern photos of specific points of
interest. Track the “Human Changes” that
have altered the appearance and hydrology of the
watershed. Watch the “Historic Flow” of
Brooker Creek from its headwaters to Lake Tarpon. Press
and hold the “Boundaries” button to see
roads and county lines. Do you live in the
Brooker Creek Watershed? If not, visit our
Resource Center to find out in which watershed you
reside.
Palmetto Exhibit
In the natural world of complex interconnected relationships,
some species play a giant role. These organisms
provide many services to other species. Discover
what eats palmetto berries, what lives under the
leaves, what uses the leaves for nesting material,
and much more.
World Underfoot
Zoom into the world under your feet in four (4) different
communities: sandhill, pine flatwoods, hydric
hammock, and the creek. There is an amazing
diversity of life on and below the ground. If
you look closely, you may discover many interesting
creatures.
Gopher Tortoise Burrow
Crawl through the burrow to see and hear some of
the other animal species that depend on the gopher
tortoise. The gopher tortoise is connected
to plants, animals, insects and even the soil in
its habitat. Protecting gopher tortoises
ensures the survival of many other species – more
than 350 species altogether!
Eco Transect
Stroll down one side of this diorama to see a sample
of the natural neighborhoods found in Florida. Then
walk down the opposite side to see the human communities
that often arise in or near these natural areas. Discover
interesting facts about the natural ecosystems
and helpful tips for ways you can find a balance
between human needs and nature’s needs.
Florida-Friendly Yard
A Florida-Friendly yard is beautiful, great for wildlife,
and better for the environment. Turn the
three-sided puzzle pieces to build a traditionally
landscaped yard, and then turn them again to light
up your Florida-Friendly yard. Turn each
piece one more time to see what wildlife may visit
a Florida-Friendly Yard. Don’t forget
to check out the cart to see some live examples
of Florida’s friendly visitors.
Cyclorama
Seasonal changes in Florida can be so subtle that
often long time residents don’t even recognize
them. As you walk around this exhibit, note
the months of the year engraved on the tree trunks
and the seasons on the screen behind. Viewers,
panels, buttons, and doors reveal important aspects
of each season of the year. Fire and water
are dominant forces that shape natural systems. Watch
two (2) short videos on Wet and Wild and Firey
Florida.
Video Length: 3 minutes each
Creek Cross Section
Brooker Creek changes dramatically throughout the
year from completely dry at times to a flowing
stream. Change is an important part of the
natural world, and plants and animals have unique
adaptations to survive these changing conditions. Follow
six (6) creek characters as they illustrate how
they’ve adapted to the changes in water level.
Vultures
Vultures are fascinating but often under appreciated creatures
that play an important ecological role. Vulture characters
narrate five (5) animated videos about vulture habits and life
history. Reading panels provide interesting facts about
vultures. Step too close to the vulture sculpture and it
will hiss at you!
Video Length: 3 minutes each |
