One of Pinellas Counties best kept secrets is the Brooker Creek Nature Preserve and Environmental Center. This natural, forested wetlands is home to gators, armadillos, woodpeckers, tortoises, hundreds of species of plants, over twenty species of amphibians, fifty species of reptiles, and forty species of mammals. It’s impossible to visit this wondrous place without discovering something new. From the moment you drive past the entrance sign, your adventure begins, as you drive along a road shared with everything that belongs to nature. Signs and speed bumps serve as a constant reminder that this trip was meant for you to slow down and enjoy your surroundings (did I mention this park is free?).
* There is a road that leads to an accessible parking lot that's closer to the center. It's the last right before the actual parking lot (signs are easy to spot). The paved boardwalk is a short distance to the center.
On one visit, during a walk along the Ed Center Trail, my son and I found a baby owl peeking out of its nested tree-hole. On another, we came across a family of turtles.
We waited patiently as this guy crossed the road.
The entrance to this pristine nature preserve begins on the Ed Center Trail Boardwalk that leads to many other activities:
Environmental Education Center: This building is your first stop at the end of the entrance board walk. You’ll find many hands-on exhibits that help with learning about Florida’s ecological and water systems, the animals, amphibians and insects that live in these systems, as well as how water connects us all. My son, Richie loves visiting the center. He enjoys exploring all of the interactive exhibits, and relaxing on the rocking chair, taking in the majestic views. Don’t forget to experience a short 15-minute film about the changing history of the land in the center’s interactive 4D Theater. This was fun for us, but it might not be fun for all children with sensory issues. The seats are backless, wooden benches that are set in four rows. The benches are not pinned to the floor, so if more space is needed for scooters or wheelchair users, space can easily be made. Lighting in the theater changes frequently, but it’s mainly dimly lit. There is thunder sounds, simulated winds and rain drops, but this is very short (less than a minute). A silhouette figure simulates a child standing behind a screen door as part of the show, and there are holograms of people speaking throughout the movie. What’s great about this place, is that anytime I’ve ever been there, it’s never been packed. Let’s put it this way, my son and I have watched this film alone in the theater for the past three times we’ve visited. So, if a simulated movie is something you’d like to try with your child, this would be the perfect place to test it out. Also, if your child wants to leave, you can – it’s free!
Hiking Trails: If you enjoy walking, there are five trails to choose from.
Ed Center Trail Loop: For beginner hikers, this 30 minute hike stretches out to 0.7 miles.
Flatwoods Trail Loop: For the moderate hiker, this 1 hour hike stretches out to 1.5 miles.
Blackwater Cutoff Loop: For nature explorers, this 2 hour hike stretches out to 2.8 miles.
Pine Needle Path Loop: For the serious hikers, this 4 hour hike stretches out to 4 miles.
Bird Path: This ten minute walk leads hikers to a viewing blind where they can spot various species of birds.
Tip: If you’re new to hiking, as we once were, you’ll want to begin with the Ed Center Trail Loop – This trail is great for the beginner hiker. It’s only about a half hour walk, and you’ll enjoy your stroll through the wetlands on the shaded boardwalk. The trail does extend onto firm sands, but you can decide to double back and remain on the elevated, paved boardwalk. People using wheelchairs or scooters will enjoy the views of the Ed Center Trail Loop. The Bird Path trail is only ten minutes long and it’s easily accessible from the parking lot as well, but it’s not paved and there are parts of the dirt path that are uneven. The other three trails, however, are for the moderate to seriously experienced hikers seeking more challenging pine-needle filled and uneven paths! The board walk leading to all trails will have signs to advise hiking explorers of the trails that are open or closed due to rising waters. If you’re going to venture out to the three more challenging trails, be sure to bring a hat, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
* There is a road that leads to an accessible parking lot that's closer to the center. It's the last right before the actual parking lot (signs are easy to spot). The paved boardwalk is a short distance to the center.
On one visit, during a walk along the Ed Center Trail, my son and I found a baby owl peeking out of its nested tree-hole. On another, we came across a family of turtles.
We waited patiently as this guy crossed the road.
The entrance to this pristine nature preserve begins on the Ed Center Trail Boardwalk that leads to many other activities:
Environmental Education Center: This building is your first stop at the end of the entrance board walk. You’ll find many hands-on exhibits that help with learning about Florida’s ecological and water systems, the animals, amphibians and insects that live in these systems, as well as how water connects us all. My son, Richie loves visiting the center. He enjoys exploring all of the interactive exhibits, and relaxing on the rocking chair, taking in the majestic views. Don’t forget to experience a short 15-minute film about the changing history of the land in the center’s interactive 4D Theater. This was fun for us, but it might not be fun for all children with sensory issues. The seats are backless, wooden benches that are set in four rows. The benches are not pinned to the floor, so if more space is needed for scooters or wheelchair users, space can easily be made. Lighting in the theater changes frequently, but it’s mainly dimly lit. There is thunder sounds, simulated winds and rain drops, but this is very short (less than a minute). A silhouette figure simulates a child standing behind a screen door as part of the show, and there are holograms of people speaking throughout the movie. What’s great about this place, is that anytime I’ve ever been there, it’s never been packed. Let’s put it this way, my son and I have watched this film alone in the theater for the past three times we’ve visited. So, if a simulated movie is something you’d like to try with your child, this would be the perfect place to test it out. Also, if your child wants to leave, you can – it’s free!
Hiking Trails: If you enjoy walking, there are five trails to choose from.
Ed Center Trail Loop: For beginner hikers, this 30 minute hike stretches out to 0.7 miles.
Flatwoods Trail Loop: For the moderate hiker, this 1 hour hike stretches out to 1.5 miles.
Blackwater Cutoff Loop: For nature explorers, this 2 hour hike stretches out to 2.8 miles.
Pine Needle Path Loop: For the serious hikers, this 4 hour hike stretches out to 4 miles.
Bird Path: This ten minute walk leads hikers to a viewing blind where they can spot various species of birds.
Tip: If you’re new to hiking, as we once were, you’ll want to begin with the Ed Center Trail Loop – This trail is great for the beginner hiker. It’s only about a half hour walk, and you’ll enjoy your stroll through the wetlands on the shaded boardwalk. The trail does extend onto firm sands, but you can decide to double back and remain on the elevated, paved boardwalk. People using wheelchairs or scooters will enjoy the views of the Ed Center Trail Loop. The Bird Path trail is only ten minutes long and it’s easily accessible from the parking lot as well, but it’s not paved and there are parts of the dirt path that are uneven. The other three trails, however, are for the moderate to seriously experienced hikers seeking more challenging pine-needle filled and uneven paths! The board walk leading to all trails will have signs to advise hiking explorers of the trails that are open or closed due to rising waters. If you’re going to venture out to the three more challenging trails, be sure to bring a hat, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Programs and Events:If you’re more interested in group activities, the park offers guided preserve and hike tours, Bird watching groups, annual book events for young ones, and other events. Click here for the program and events calendar.
This is a great place to visit and explore new things with your child and family. Tip: Be sure to call ahead as the hours are not typical. The center is open Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and closed from Sunday through Wednesdays and all county holidays. The Preserve is open daily beginning at 7:00 am and close at sunset, but hours may change, so be sure to call before you visit. |
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