Pinellas County, IFAS, and Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve hosted Wildlife Safari, one of the most popular children's events at Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs. The event was held this past Saturday, April 6.
"Wildlife Safari is our biggest event for kids," said Barbara Hoffman, Chairman of the Friends of Brooker Creek. "The goal is for kids to learn about some of the amazing animals that inhabit the Preserve."
The adventure included a one-mile walk where children viewed wildlife such as owls, snakes, baby raccoons, opossums and bats. Each child received a wildlife passport that was stamped at each station they visited on their walk. After completing their journey, participants received a free safari t-shirt.
Barbara Walker, a Board member from the Clearwater Audubon also gave a presentation on everything about owls with a live barred owl on display.
The award-winning Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center lies within Pinellas County’s largest natural area, Brooker Creek Preserve, and is operated by Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources department. Brooker Creek protects more than 8,700 acres of natural ecosystems.
Nestled among a wetland forest alongside Brooker Creek, the center is a beautiful, 25,000 square foot three building complex. It includes a 6000 square foot exhibit area, indoor and outdoor classrooms, and an auditorium capable of seating 200 people. Art exhibits by local artists are on display on a two month rotation.
The Center provides a look into Florida’s history through hikes, educational instruction, workshops, public outreach activities and other events.
The trails wind over creek crossings and through majestic pines, oaks, and cypress offering visitors a chance to experience the preserve’s many ecosystems.
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education offers a variety of educational and interpretive programs for the public. Most of the programs are free but registration is required.
"The Preserve is an island of wilderness in a sea of development" said Hoffman." "It is a living piece of natural history - it exists as a remnant of wildland that is a living example of what Pinellas County used to be."
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