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
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.
Sunday, January 4 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.
Wednesday, January 7 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.From the Ground Up Lecture Series: Introduction to Plant Identification - Weedon Webinar Join Pinellas County Environmental Educator, James Stevenson, in his new online lecture series "From the Ground Up" to explore the rich diversity of life that can be found right under our feet! The first installment of this digital series will be "An Introduction to Plant Identification." From the ground up, we will learn the basics of plant identification. What even IS a plant and how on Earth can you tell 400,000 different plants on Earth apart from one another? Don't worry, we will take it slowly and easily so you can explore the world of plants with confidence! These interactive presentations will be held online hosted by Weedon Island, so you can participate from wherever you are!
Friday, January 9 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, January 10, 17, 24 & 31 10:00 - 2:00 p.m.Advanced Plant Identification: This four-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants. 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.
During each 4-hour classroom event, participants will engage in a participatory lecture, and have plenty of time for Q & A. The final session will be a hands-on workshop that will include graduates from previous courses. Each session will build on the previous; attending the entire series is recommended. Classes are four consecutive Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Class fee: $35
Saturday, January 10 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!
Sunday, January 11 11:00 - 12:30 a.m.Connect to Nature Guided Walk An escape to rejuvenate and connect with Mother Nature (a cradle for wilderness). Take an extra step with 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.
Wednesday, January 14 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.Trees for Bees - Webinar To celebrate Florida Arbor Day, join us for a special informative webinar on the best trees to plant for bees! Not just any trees and not just any bees, either, we will introduce you to Florida native trees and the native bees they support! Did you know that honeybees are NOT native? See? You are already learning! Best for adults and youth over 12. Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor
Friday, January 16 9:00 - 3:00 p.m.Florida Arbor Day Activities: Florida Arbor Day is the 3rd Friday in January and was established to celebrate the importance of trees! This is the best time to plant a tree in Florida. We have a whole line-up of activities for Florida Arbor Day, there's something for everyone! Ongoing activities all day:
Register today
Friday, January 16 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.Florida Arbor Day Hike: Venture out along the Flatwoods Trail loop with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing...TREES! In honor of Florida Arbor Day, we are celebrating TREES! Join Lara on a hike to learn about all the amazing things these giant plants can do! Get ready to look up and explore the world of trees while exploring a 1.5 mile trail. Geared towards adults.
Friday, January 16 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!**
Friday, January 16 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.Nest Box Building Workshop: Join us for an in-person workshop to "make and take" a Screech Owl nest box for your yard!
Want to help our local cavity nesters? Learn how to build your very own nest box for an Eastern screech owl! In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the nesting habits of Eastern screech owls, and other fun facts about this species! We will be building a nest box for an Eastern screech owl. This nest box should be mounted at your home or that of a friend or family member. Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension. The workshop cost $25, which includes Eventbrite's processing fees.
Saturday, January 17 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.Hidden Wonders Nature 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, January 17 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.Night Hike: 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.
$3/person donation.
Friday, January 30 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.Introduction to Tree Identification: In honor of Florida Arbor Day, we are celebrating TREES! There are hundreds of tree species in Florida and identification can be overwhelming, but we have to start somewhere! Join your local Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan as she walks you through the basics you need to know to begin your tree identification journey. This will include a 45-minute presentation targeted for adults. Come ready to take notes! Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension
Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve Art Gallery Nature's Medicine Chest - An Exhibition of the Florida Circle of Nature Artists.
More information:https://www.friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org Questions: 727-934-2680 or info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org
Special Programs, Classes and Events:
For more information or questions:
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