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. EVERY Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 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, October 3 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Wildflower & Pollinator Festival:
Celebrate the beauty of Florida's native wildflowers and discover the remarkable pollinators that keep our ecosystems thriving during the annual Wildflower & Pollinator Festival at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. 🌸The free festival will be held on Saturday, October 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is presented by the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department with generous support from the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve. 🍋Festival Highlights🍋Visitors of all ages can learn how native wildflowers support butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, moths, beetles, and countless other wildlife while discovering simple ways to create pollinator-friendly landscapes at home. Throughout the Education Center Campus you can discover: 🐝 Native Plant Sale featuring Florida-friendly native plants from regional growers (while supplies last) 🐝 Wildflower Quest along the Education Center Trail (last quest begins at 1:00 p.m.) 🐝 Educational encounters with naturalists and interactive learning stations 🐝 Kids' make-and-take nature crafts 🐝 Beeswax candle-making activity (while supplies last) 🐝 Honeybee observation hive 🐝 Educational information tables hosted by local conservation organizations and community partners 🐝 Temporary wildflower and pollinator tattoos courtesy of Kate Dolamore Art (while supplies last) The Exhibit Hall and Nature Store will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase, and naturalists will be stationed along the trails to answer questions about the preserve's plants, wildlife, and habitats. Whether you're an experienced gardener, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun family outing, the Fall Wildflower & Pollinator Festival offers something for everyone. Come rain or shine. Activities are subject to change. Event Location: Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
Sunday, October 4 8:00 a.m. - 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.
Sunday, October 4 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Florida Native Plant Sale: Join the FOBCP for a native plant sale.
Friday, October 9 9:30 a.m. - 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.
Saturday, October 10 1:00 p.m. - 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!
Friday, October 16 9:30 a.m. - 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!
Saturday, October 17 9:00 a.m. - 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, October 17 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Life of a Dead Tree: It's easy to think of a dead tree as the end of the story. Turns out that in nature, it's just the beginning of a new one! As a tree begins to decay, it becomes habitat and food for a remarkable succession of organisms, from fungi and bacteria to insects, birds, and other wildlife. Explore the fascinating process of decomposition and discover how a dead tree can become one of the most biologically active features in a forest-before ultimately returning its nutrients to the soil. Then we'll search through some decaying logs to see what we can find! Recommended for adults. Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Specialist
Sunday, October 18 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Botanical "Tea Time" with Sara: Join Education and Outreach Specialist Sara Ratza for a laid-back afternoon sipping experience as we dive into the Ethnobotanical background of our native plant of the month. In October, we will get to know Solidago, Goldenrod. Bring your favorite mug. Herbal tea and hot water will be offered or bring your own favorite blend.
Friday, October 23 10:00 a.m. - 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!
Friday, October 23 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.The Homeschool Hive: Join us for an educational gathering for Homeschoolers. We will present an environmental topic with a creative activity to learn about "Our Wildest Place"! Recommended ages 6 and up.
Saturday, October 24 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.Connect to Nature Guided Hike: Enjoy a family friendly nature hike! An escape to rejuvenate and connect with Mother Nature (a cradle for wilderness). Take an extra step with volunteer Anu to learn about habitat restoration and our resident species at BCP. Share some of your stories as a nature lover. This is a family friendly hike. We cover a loop of 0.75 mile trail observing the unique habitats of Brooker Creek.
Saturday, October 24 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Bat Box Building Workshop: Join us for an in-person workshop to "make and take" a bat box for your yard!
Want to help our local bats? Learn how to build your very own bat box!
In this workshop you will learn about proper bat box placement and mounting, additional information specific to our local bat species, and other fun facts about bats! This bat box should be mounted at your home or that of a friend or family member. Registration is required, SPACE IS LIMITED.
Cost: $25
Saturday, October 24 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Night Hike at the Preserve: At night, the world is full of sounds and smells very different from the daytime. Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for a one-mile hiking experience along the Ed Center Trail... at night! These special hikes are open to the public and limited to 20 people per hike. A $3 per person donation is requested. Hikes are led by Preserve volunteers who are knowledgeable about nocturnal wildlife. The hike is about one-mile in length and will take about 1.5 hours. Space is limited, registration is required. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend. These hikes are for adults and families only. Children must be accompanied by parents.
Friday, October 30 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Hiking the Hammock for Homeschoolers: Join us for a discovery-oriented youth walk through the woods of "Our Wildest Place"! We'll explore the native plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. All ages are welcome. This is not a drop-off program. Meet inside the Education Center.
Saturday, October 31 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.The Nature of Owls: This program focuses on the various species of owls that live in the Bay Area and what people can do to ensure their safety. We’ll discuss the vital role that owls play in the environment and their interaction with other birds. Plus, we’ll get to meet some LIVE OWLS from the Moccasin Lake Raptor Rescue!! Owl meet & greet photo opportunities will be available after the program. 🦉 This program is graciously sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve. Presented by Barb Walker of the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue
Special Programs, Classes and Events:
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