Spring
2008
Program Schedule
Saturday Guided Hikes
Saturday,
May 10, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, May 17, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, May 24, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, May 31, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Weedon Island
Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center
Volunteers. Guided hikes through
coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of
the Preserve are held each Saturday of the
month. Join us to learn about the coastal
environment and the early residents of Weedon
Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and
a snack for this two-hour hike. A hat and
closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Reserve
your space by 2 pm on the Friday prior to
the tour of choice. This event is free and
open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Recommended
ages: 6 and up.
Gopher Tortoise: Threatened Icon
of the Uplands
Saturday,
May 10, 2008
9:00 am 3:00
pm
George L. Heinrich, Heinrich
Ecological Services. Join George
L. Heinrich, field biologist and environmental
educator, in a classroom session and interpretive
hike about the gopher tortoise at Weedon
Island Preserve. A species in decline in
a vanishing habitat, the threatened gopher
tortoise plays a key role in upland ecosystems.
Registration fee: $50.00 ($46.73 + $3.27
tax). Pre-registration is required. Recommended
for adults.
Sunday Stroll
Sunday,
May 11, 2008
8:30 am 9:30
am
Weedon Island
Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center Staff. Join us for an early
morning nature walk at Weedon Island Preserve.
We'll look for birds and other wildlife as
we stroll through some of the Preserve's
ecosystems. This short outing is a great
way to explore some of Florida 's natural
areas as we take advantage of the learning
opportunities along the trails. A hat and
closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Reserve
your space by 2 pm on the Friday prior to
the event, which is free and open to the
public. Pre-registration is required. All
ages welcome. Children younger than 6 may
find this hike challenging.
Spring Butterfly Identification
Seminar
Thursday, May 15, 2008
7:00 pm - 8:00
pm
Weedon Island
Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center Staff. Pinellas County Department
of Environmental Management's Environmental
Lands Division is gearing up for the Spring
Butterfly Count at Weedon Island Preserve.
Volunteers are vital to this long-term monitoring
program, so we hope you can assist us this
season. This Butterfly Identification Seminar
teaches the skills needed to identify species
of butterfly that frequent the Preserve.
We encourage all volunteers to attend this
seminar held prior to the count. Admission
to the seminar is free; pre-registration
is required. Recommended for adults,
suitable for children ages 12 and up.
Spring Butterfly Count at Weedon
Island Preserve
Saturday, May 17, 2008
9:30 am - 1:00
pm
Pinellas County Department
of Environmental Management, Environmental
Lands Division. Each spring
butterfly count contributes data to the
important long-term monitoring program
through the North American Butterfly
Association. Volunteers will meet in
the main parking lot at the Weedon Island
Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center. Volunteers of ALL skill levels
are encouraged to attend the seminar
held on May 15. Closed-toe shoes are
required, and we strongly encourage wearing
long pants and a hat/visor. Also, please
bring water and a snack. Insect repellant,
field guides and binoculars are optional.
Participation is free. Recommended
for adults, suitable for children ages
12 and up.
Weetime at Weedon All Around
Me I See
Thursday,
May 22, 2008
10:30 am 11:30
am
Weedon Island
Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center Staff. This program is
designed to introduce pre-school children
to the wonders of the natural world.
Every second and fourth Thursday of each
month, children are treated to stories
and hands-on activities that connect
them to their environment. This week
features All Around Me I See by
Laya Steinberg. A child on a walk
discovers the natural world is a magical
place. When tired from her walk, she naps
and dreams she is a bird, a bee and other
things she has seen. This program includes
a hands-on craft and/or other games and
activities. Pre-registration is required
and space is limited. There is no fee for
this program. Recommended ages:
3 5.
Guided Canoe Trip
Saturday,
May 24, 2008
9:00 am 12:00
pm
Weedon Island
Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center Staff and Volunteers. Take
this opportunity to explore a portion of
the south canoe trail at Weedon Island Preserve.
This trail offers a rare look at some of
the aquatic ecosystems that make west-central
Florida so special. Trained canoe guides
lead you through mangrove stands and over
seagrass and oyster beds, while pointing
out various flora and fauna that live here.
During the winter months, manatees are often
sighted in the warmer inland waters. If you
have never explored the Preserve from the
water, this is an exciting opportunity you
don't want to miss! The cost for this unique
experience is $9.35 per person plus tax ($10
total) or $18.70 per canoe plus tax ($20
total) (maximum of 3 people per canoe). Spaces
fill quickly so call for more information
and pre-register today! Minimum
age: Children must be 6 years old or older
and all minors must be accompanied by an
adult.
Creating Family-Friendly Wildlife
Nesting Resources
Saturday,
May 24, 2008
2:00 pm 3:00
pm
Weedon Island
Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center Staff. Wildlife need
cover to escape from predators, weather,
and other dangers. However, this is only
one part of the story. Many species are
also attracted to areas that offer long-term
shelter to raise their young. Bird and
bat houses are some of the common structures
that you can add to your yard to make
it family-friendly for your feathered
and furred neighbors. This fun and educational
workshop presents valuable information
on how homeowners can welcome wildlife
to their yards by providing simple, low-cost
nesting resources. There is no fee for
this program; pre-registration is required. Recommended
for adults and children ages 8 and up.
The Great Weedon Bird Quest
Sunday,
May 25, 2008
8:00 am 9:30
am
Weedon Island
Preserve Cultural and Natural History
Center Staff and Volunteers. Come
and join us on a quest to find Weedon Island
Preserve birds! Learn the identifying marks
and behaviors of our feathered year-round
residents and seasonal visitors, while
helping us compile an annual checklist
of the Preserve's birds. These hikes are
designed to take advantage of all levels
of birding experience. Binoculars and bird
guides are available. Hikes are scheduled
for the last Sunday of each month. Please
join us for a relaxing morning outing led
by experienced birders. Call us for more
information and to register. This event
is free and open to the public. Recommended
for adults.
Featured Artist
Our
Florida Legacy
Christopher
Still Florida Artist,
Tarpon Springs , FL. This exhibit
of limited edition prints and reproductions
brings the incredible talents of nationally
recognized Florida artist Christopher Still
to Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural
History Center . On exhibit are 10 compositions
that connect multiple levels of symbolism
and historic references created for the Florida
House of Representatives. Still's recent
work in this collection captures the beauty
of our Florida waters in fine art. This exhibit
opened March 1 and will be on display through
May 31, 2008 during normal Center hours.
Monday - Friday Half-Day,
Self-guided
Tours
Launch Times: 11:30 am or 1:00 pm
Sweetwater Kayaks offers
half-day (4-hour long) self-guided tours
Monday through Friday. Reservations for
the 11:30 am or 1:00 pm launch times are
recommended. Please arrive at Sweetwater
Kayaks 30 minutes before your reservation.
Once payment and paperwork is complete,
follow our staff to the Preserve and park
your car in the main parking lot. Call
Sweetwater Kayaks at (727) 570-4844 to
reserve your kayak.
Single Half-day Fee $40
Double Half-day Fee $56
Saturday and Sunday Half-Day,
Self-guided
Tours
Launch Times: 9:00 am or 12:30 pm
On
weekends, Sweetwater Kayaks' self-guided,
half-day tours are 3.5-hours long and launch
at 11:30 am or 1:00 pm. Reservations are
recommended. Meet us at Weedon Island Preserve
at least 15 minutes before your reservation.
Please park in the main parking lot. Call
Sweetwater Kayaks at (727) 570-4844 to
reserve your kayak.
Single Half-day Fee: $40
Double Half-day Fee $56
Daily Rentals
Launch Anytime: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Are you dealing
with a busy schedule and only have time for a
short paddle around Riviera Bay? Perhaps
our hourly rentals is the best fit. Every
weekend, kayaks and canoes are on site
at the Preserve for rental by the hour. To
arrange a drop off during the week, call
Sweetwater Kayaks at (727) 570-4844.
Single Hourly Fee: $17
Double Hourly Fee: $25
Contact Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center (727) 453-6500 to learn more about these exciting upcoming programs and to register. |
Spring 2008
Program Schedule
Adult Ecology Workshop: Lichens
- Identification and Ecology
Friday,
May 9, 2008
9:00 am 3:00
pm
Dr. Dana Griffin Professor
of Botany (retired), University of Florida. The
Adult Ecology Workshop offers unique
opportunities to explore focused topics
in natural history under the guidance of
noted authorities. This workshop is an
introduction to lichens - their structure
and taxonomy, ecology, and emphasis on
how to identify common lichens of Florida
. After an introduction to morphology and
collection techniques in the morning, the
late morning and early afternoon activities
focus on collecting samples around the
Education Center . A late afternoon identification
workshop rounds out the day. This workshop
presents college-level instruction and
accommodates participants with a broad
range of experience. Amateur botanists
and those wanting to improve their current
skills are welcome. Space is limited to
25 participants. Admission:
$40 per person. Friends of Brooker Creek
Preserve, Inc. members receive a $10 discount. Recommended
for adults.
Teacher Training Workshop
Saturday,
May 10, 2008
8:30 am 3:30
pm
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. Brooker
Creek Preserve is the perfect place to connect
classroom concepts to the natural world.
This workshop provides teachers with the
training and materials necessary to design
and lead learning experiences tailored to
their classroom curriculum goals. Workshops
are intended for teachers willing to lead
their own field trips. They are required
of all teachers before using Center equipment
and facilities other than public trails and
the exhibit hall. Pre-registration is required.
Call and ask for the educator in charge of
this workshop for more information or to
register. Admission: Free. Recommended
for teachers.
International Migratory Bird Day
Walk
Saturday,
May 10, 2008
8:00
am 11:00 am
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. Join us
for a morning walk to enjoy the sights
and sounds of Brooker Creek Preserve's
bountiful birds. Birders with all
levels of experience will enjoy this walk
as we learn to identify the markings and
behaviors of our feathered residents and
seasonal visitors. The birds seen
during the walk will be recorded and added
to the official bird day count. Bring
your own binoculars or borrow a pair of
ours. Closed-toed shoes are a must
and water and a hat are recommended for
this walk. Pre-registration is required
and space is limited. Admission:
Free. Recommended for adults suitable
for children over 12.
Guided Hikes
Saturday,
May 10, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, May 17, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, May 24, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, May 31, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. Take a walk
through time each Saturday morning on a guided
hike along the Education Center Trail. Join
us for this 0.75 mile walk as we look at
how the land has changed over time and discuss
the ecological footprints left by those changes.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must, and water
and a hat are recommended. Pre-registration
is required and space is limited. Admission:
Free. All ages welcome - children
younger than 6 may find this hike challenging.
International Migratory Bird Day
Program Tundra to Tropics: Connecting
Birds, Habitat and People
Saturday,
May 10, 2008
2:00 pm 3:00
pm
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. International
Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) was created
in 1993 by visionaries at the Smithsonian
Migratory Bird Center and the Cornell
Laboratory of Ornithology. IMBD continues
to focus attention on one of the most
important and spectacular events in the
life of a migratory bird - the journey
between its summer and winter homes. We
invite you to join us as we explore the
connections among the birds that make these
fantastic journeys, the habitats on which
they depend, and the people who work for
the preservation of both. Pre-registration
is required. Admission: Free. Recommended
ages: 10 and up.
Sunday Morning Bird Walk
Sunday,
May 11, 2008
9:00 am 11:00
am
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. Join us
for a morning bird walk along the Center's
trails. We will learn to identify common
birds of the Preserve by sight, behavior
and sound. Bring your own binoculars or borrow
a pair of ours. Sturdy closed-toe shoes and
water are a must. A hat, sunscreen and insect
repellant are recommended. Pre-registration
is required and space is limited. Admission:
Free. Recommended ages: 10 and
up.
Cypress Swamp Café Make
an Eco-Fashion Statement
Wednesday,
May 14, 2008
7:00 pm 8:00
pm
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. You
don't have to sacrifice your sustainability
conscience to be fashionable today. Many
companies are creating beautiful, stylish
clothing and accessories from ecologically
friendly materials. Join us to learn more
about the ways you can make an eco-fashion
statement by getting a little green in
your wardrobe. Pre-registration is required.
Admission: Free. Recommended for
adults.
Eco-Fashion
Show
Saturday, May 17,
2008
1:00 pm 3:00
pm
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. Celebrate
Earth Day a new way by attending a green fashion
show. Come see the stylish clothing and
accessories that manufacturers are creating
from ecologically friendly materials.
Local high school students walk the runway
modeling the latest trends in Eco-Fashions.
Pre-registration is required. Admission:
Free. Recommended for
adults, suitable for children 12 and older.
Young Naturalist Walk
Sunday,
May 18, 2008,
10:30 am 12:00
pm
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. Children
are fascinated by the smallest of outdoor
wonders. Join us for a short walk along the
Center's trails to discover the nature of
Brooker Creek Preserve. We will use all of
our senses to bring out the naturalist in
children of every age. Sturdy closed-toe
shoes are necessary; water and a hat are
recommended. Pre-registration is required
and space is limited. Admission: Free. Recommended
for families with children of all ages.
Wednesday Evening Walks
Wednesday,
April 21, 2008
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Brooker Creek Preserve
Environmental Education Center Staff. Many
animals are most active at dawn and dusk,
the time when nature's day shift has ended
but the night shift has yet to begin. Join
us for a pleasant evening stroll as we discuss
the ways many living things are adapted to
make the best use of the twilight hours.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must; water
and insect repellant are optional. Pre-registration
is required and space is limited. Admission:
Free. Recommended for families with
children age 10 and up.
Spring Butterfly Identification
Seminar
Wednesday, May
21, 2008
7:00 pm 8:30
pm
Pinellas County Department
of Environmental Management, Environmental
Lands Division. Pinellas County
Department of Environmental Management's
Environmental Lands Division is gearing
up for another Spring Butterfly Count
at Brooker Creek Preserve. Volunteers
are vital to this long-term monitoring
program, so we hope you can assist us this
season. This Butterfly Identification Seminar
teaches the skills needed to identify species
of butterfly that frequent the Preserve.
We encourage all volunteers to attend this
seminar held prior to the count. Call (727)
453-6900 for information and directions.
Pre-registration is required. Admission:
Free. Recommended for adults, suitable
for children 12 and up.
Book Time at Brooker Creek: Where
Does the Wind Blow?
Thursday,
May 22, 2008
10:30 am 11:15
am
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. This
program is designed to introduce pre-school
children to the wonders of the natural
world. Twice each month, children are
treated to a variety of stories that
connect them to their environment . This
week features Where Does the Wind Blow? by
Cynthia Rink. Where does the wind come
from? Where does it go? This beautifully
illustrated story reminds us that there
are experiences that connect all of us
who call this planet home. This program
also includes a craft, game or other hands-on
activity related to the story. Pre-registration
is required for this program. Spaces are
limited so register early! Recommended
ages: 3 - 5.
Spring Butterfly Identification
Count
Saturday, May 24,
2008
9:30 am 2:00
pm
Pinellas County Department
of Environmental Management, Environmental
Lands Division. Each Spring
Butterfly Count at Brooker Creek Preserve
contributes data to the important long-term
monitoring program through the North
American Butterfly Association. Volunteers
will meet at the Pinellas County Biological
Field Station for route assignments.
Volunteers of ALL skill levels are encouraged
to attend the seminar held on May 21. Closed-toe
shoes are required, and we strongly encourage
wearing long pants and a hat/visor. Also,
please bring water and a snack. Insect
repellant, field guides and binoculars
are optional. Participation is free and
pre-registration is required. Call (727)
453-6900 for information, directions, and
registration. Admission: Free. Recommended
ages for adults, suitable for children
12 and up.
Home Invaders Creatures That
Live in Your House
Saturday,
May 24, 2008
1:00 pm 2:00
pm
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. Spiders,
roaches and mice, oh my! These are just
a few of the creatures that can be found
sharing your home. Most humans consider
these uninvited house mates pests. However,
each has taken advantage of a special
niche provided by our homes and our habits.
Join us to learn and appreciate these
common home invaders. Admission: Free. Recommended
for families with children 10 and up.
Open Classroom Discovering Nature
with Your Child
Sunday,
May 25, 2008
11:00 am 3:00
pm
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. Who
lives in that skin? What is the difference
between a carnivore and an herbivore? Whose
tracks are those? Stop by our classroom
anytime between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm to
participate in a variety of self-guided
nature games and activities that will answer
these questions and many more. Admission:
Free. Recommended for families
with children of all ages.
Decomposers - Breaking It Down
and Cleaning It Up
Saturday,
May 31, 2008
1:00
pm 2:00 pm
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center Staff. Have you
ever wondered what happens to all the plants
and animals when they die? Where
do they go? Come learn about the three
main types of decomposers in the environment
and get a chance to thank them in person
for the job they do. If it weren't for decomposers,
we'd be up to our armpits in dead things!
Admission: Free. R ecommended
for ages 10 and up.
Art Exhibition - Exposing Florida:
Through the Lens of Conservation
Florida Conservation Photographers. Members
of the Florida Conservation Photographers
are a group of passionate photographers who
aim to spread awareness of, and raise funds
for, local conservation issues. This exhibition
highlights species and ecosystems of special
conservation concern in Florida. Visitors
may view this collection during normal Center
hours through May 25, 2008.
Brooker Creek Preserve
Environmental Education Center
3940 Keystone Rd. Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
Members of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve receive a discount on admission fees. |
