Bats, Tortoises, Birds, Hiking and Wildflowers at Brooker Creek Preserve in October

Now that temperatures are cooler, you might want to spend more time outside.

We are lucky to have Brooker Creek Preserve just a short drive from Trinity; it offers lots of fun activities for you and your family. Here's a look at what's going on at the preserve in October.

Saturday, Oct. 6 (9 to 10:30 a.m.) 

Learn how gopher tortoises + prescribed fire = increased biodiversity. Brooker Creek is home to one of the three-largest remaining gopher tortoise populations in Pinellas County. During a 90-minute, family-oriented workshop and hike, George L. Heinrich of Heinrich Ecological Services will talk about the important role played by this keystone species. Beginning with a PowerPoint presentation, the first hour of the workshop is followed by a hike which will offer participants the opportunity to search for this threatened species, and view their burrows. 

Saturday, Oct. 6 (9 to 10:30 a.m.)

Brooker Creek Preserve’s popular hikes continue throughout the month. Participants will be able to see how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. These 90-minute hikes are best for ages 6 and older. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat are recommended.

Saturday, Oct. 13 (8 to 9:30 a.m.)

Learn how to identify the birds you see and hear during a hike along a one-mile trail. Be sure to bring water, and your binoculars will be helpful.

Saturday, Oct. 13 (1 to 2:30 p.m.) 

The preserve invites all those with children to discover nature with your child. An Extension naturalist will lead families through a fun, activity-based learning adventure designed by 4-H to help in understanding the wonders of the natural world. 

Saturday, Oct. 13 (10 to 11 a.m.)

Representatives will provide a class on energy-saving. Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project 2.0 is the opportunity to learn how much energy is wasted in the home every day, around the clock.  Participants will receive equipment and materials to help cut energy costs and save money each month.

Saturday Oct. 20 (9 to 10:30 a.m.)

Brooker Creek Preserve’s popular hikes continue throughout the month. Participants will be able to see how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. These 90-minute hikes are best for ages 6 and older. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat are recommended.

Saturday, Oct. 20 (10 to 11:30 a.m.)

Just in time for Halloween, a program debunks bat myths and introduces guests to the many important contributions these mammals make to ecosystems and human health. Learn the facts and protect bats in this 90-minute workshop. Discussion points include lifestyle, diet, disease and conservation efforts. At the conclusion, live Florida “amBATssadors” will be introduced.

Saturday Oct. 27 (9 to 10:30 a.m.)

Brooker Creek Preserve’s popular hikes continue throughout the month. Participants will be able to see how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. These 90-minute hikes are best for ages 6 and older. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat are recommended.

Saturday, Oct. 27 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

The Wildflower Festival celebrates the wildflowers in bloom at Brooker Creek Preserve with a honey beehive exhibit, wildflower scavenger hunt, wildflower presentations and wildflowers for sale. This event includes the opportunity for both children and adults to get up-close and personal with butterflies in a huge butterfly tent. Sponsored by The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.

Every Thursday (10:30 to 11:15 a.m.)

The book children program Book Time for Brooker continues every Thursday in the month.This  45-minute program designed for children ages 3 to 5 will connect them to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity.

Every Thursday through Saturday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

The ongoing exhibit, Windows to our Wildest Place, continues every Thursday through Saturday during regular center hours at Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center. These hands-on educational exhibits help visitors understand how natural Florida has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes.

About the preserve: Brooker Creek Preserve protects more than 8,700 acres of natural ecosystems and is located at 3940 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs. The preserve, the horse trails and the Friends Trail are open daily and holidays.

The Environmental Education Center in the preserve features interactive exhibits and 22 discovery-oriented experiences that are fun for the entire family. It is operated by the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department and is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Sunday through Wednesday and all Pinellas County holidays.