Common Questions

Management of Brooker Creek Preserve includes balancing ecological restoration and conservation with resource-based recreational use. Please help us manage this Preserve for your enjoyment and protection of its natural and cultural resources. Common questions are listed below. Feel free to contact us with any additional questions.

• Barred Owl

  Reticulate Pawpaw

  Dragonfly

  Common Yellow Tail Cornell

  Opossum

  Can I bring my dog to Brooker Creek Preserve?
  No... The Preserve is a refuge for many native species. Their continued health depends on the Preserve remaining in its natural state. Pets, including dogs, cats, and birds are not allowed in the Preserve. Native animals often view the family pet as a predator and will respond accordingly. This additional stress has a negative cumulative effect on our local wildlife populations. In addition, when we fail to clean up after domestic animals, this extra waste can contribute to excessive nutrient loading, introduction of invasive exotic plant species, and the spread of diseases. Horses are permitted in Brooker Creek Preserve only on designated horse trails.

• I found a cool plant on the Preserve.
  Is it OK to dig it up and take it home?
  No...All flora and fauna on the Preserve are protected and should not be disturbed per the Pinellas County Preserve Ordinance 08-29. Visitors interested in native landscaping are encouraged to visit local nurseries that stock native plant species. When in the Preserve, it is important to remember we are the visitors. It is OK to look and learn, but please do not disturb local species.

• Are there bicycle trails in the Preserve?
  No....public access to the Preserve is limited to resource-based recreation, and bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trail system. Visitors who wish to ride a bicycle to the Preserve may travel on the paved entrance and exit road. Please keep pedestrians safe by parking bicycles in designated racks adjacent to the parking lot rather than riding on sidewalks and boardwalks.

   

• Can I bring beer into the Preserve?
  No...alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any Pinellas County preserve or management area. 

• Why can’t I smoke or light up fireworks?
  The Preserve has many fire-adapted natural communities that can ignite quickly. A stray cigarette butt or poorly aimed bottle rocket can result in a wildfire. Consequently, smoking and fireworks are not allowed on any of our preserves and management areas.  This restriction is in place for the safety of the public visiting the Preserve as well as our neighbors.  Wildfires do not recognize property boundary lines!

   

• Can I hunt on the Preserve?
  No...consumptive wildlife activities are not allowed on the Preserve.

• I found an animal in my backyard. Can I let it go in the Preserve?
  No...healthy wild animals tend to keep their distance from humans.  If a wild animal allows you to approach and handle it, there is a good chance it is injured or sick. Pinellas County codes do not allow the public to release wild or non-native animals within Pinellas County because of the risk of spreading disease. Please contact Pinellas County Animal Services for more information on how to handle a sick or injured animal.

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