Summer
2008
Program Schedule
Saturday Guided Hikes
Saturday, July 5, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, July 12, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, July 19, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, July 26, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Education Services Volunteers,
Environmental Lands Division. 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.
Photography Hike
Sunday,
July 6, 2008
8:00 am 10:00
am
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. This
program is designed to provide great opportunities
for photographers of all levels. The first
Sunday of every month, visitors hike the
Preserve in search of that perfect shot.
Center staff members highlight seasonal features
of the Preserve, as well as specific wildlife
behaviors that help participants capture
the natural beauty of Weedon Island Preserve.
This event is free and open to the public.
Pre-registration is required. Recommended
for adults.
Wee-time at Weedon: Carolina 's
Story: Sea Turtles Get Sick Too!
Thursday,
July 10, 2008
10:30 am 11:30
am
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. 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 a variety
of stories and hands-on activities that connect
them to their environment. This week presents Carolina 's
Story: Sea Turtles Get Sick Too! by
Donna Rathmell. Follow critically ill loggerhead
sea turtle, Carolina , on her journey as
she is nursed back to health and released
into the open ocean. This event is free
and open to the public. Registration is
required, limited space is available. Recommended
ages: 3 - 5.
Guided Canoe Trip
Friday,
July 11, 2008
9:00 am 12:00
pm
Education Services Staff
and Volunteers, Environmental Lands Division. 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.
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.
Florida Coyotes
- Safely Coexisting with a Predator
Saturday,
July 12, 2008
2:00 pm 3:00
pm
Jeanne Murphy, Wildlife
Biologist, UF/IFAS Extension Service. Florida
has a relatively new resident - the coyote.
Pinellas County with its urban noises, roadways
and buildings does not deter our family dog's
distant cousin. Our human lifestyle often
helps this successful canine thrive. Learn
all about these intelligent and successful
nomads from wildlife expert, Jeanne Murphy.
Join us in discussing how we can generate
respect for these adaptive, wild animals
and promote their beneficial role in nature.
Find out how we can coexist with them and
avoid creating another predator problem in
our backyards. This event is free and open
to the public. Pre-registration is required. Recommended
for all ages.
Open Classroom Discovering Nature
with Your Child
Sunday,
July 13, 2008
11:00 am 3:00
pm
Saturday, July 26,
2008
11:00 am 3:00
pm
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. Who
lives in the estuary? What is the difference
between a carnivore and an herbivore? Whose
tracks are those? What attracts butterflies?
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 answer these questions and many more.
No registration required. Recommended
for families with children of all ages.
Barrier Island Ecology
Friday,
July 18, 2008
10:00 am 2:00
pm
Education Services Staff
and Volunteers, Environmental Lands Division. Join
us for an engaging field session on barrier
island ecology on site at Shell Key Preserve,
the third largest preserve managed by Pinellas
County 's Environmental Lands Division.
This field class addresses the diverse and
dynamic nature of barrier islands along Florida
's west-central coast. Undeveloped barrier
islands are rare in Florida and critical
to the survival of a number of wildlife species
that depend on them. Activities include a
beach hike, bird count, and sampling of seagrass
ecosystems. Participants can expect to get
wet and should wear sturdy water footwear.
Water, sunscreen, a hat and snacks are recommended.
The adventure begins with a boat trip via
the Shell Key Shuttle from Merry
Pier in Pass-A-Grille. A $2 parking pass
is available from Captain Alva. The cost
of the boat trip is $22 (plus tax) for
adults and $11 (plus tax) for children,
payable at the dock. An educational fee
of $10 ($9.35 + tax) per person is due
at pre-registration and guarantees your
adventure! Space is limited, so call now. Recommended
for adults children 12 year or older
welcome.
Guided Canoe Trip
Saturday,
July 19, 2008
9:00 am 12:00
pm
Education Services Staff
and Volunteers, Environmental Lands Division. 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.
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.
Animal Detectives
Saturday,
July 19, 2008
1:00 pm 2:30
pm
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. Follow
the clues left by some of the Preserve's
furred and feathered inhabitants in this
hands-on workshop. Participants learn valuable
outdoor skills in orienteering and animal
tracking as we explore some of the common
tracks found on the Preserve. We'll even
make plaster casts of some animal tracks.
All animals leave a trail that tells us
a story if we learn how to read it. Come
and learn more about the mammals and birds
that call Weedon Island Preserve home.
There is no charge for the program. Pre-registration
is required. Recommended for all
ages.
Wee-time at Weedon: Tiny Workers:
Ants in Your Backyard
Thursday,
July 24, 2008
10:30 am 11:30
am
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. 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 a variety
of stories and hands-on activities that connect
them to their environment. This week presents Tiny
Workers: Ants in Your Backyard by Nancy
Loewen. Although ants sometimes show up where
you least expect them, they are fascinating
creatures. They are social insects that
live together in groups called colonies
and accomplish amazing things by working
together as a team. This event is free
and open to the public. Registration is
required, limited space is available. Recommended
ages: 3 - 5.
The Great Weedon Bird Quest
Sunday,
July 27, 2008
8:00 am 9:30
am
Education Services Staff
and Volunteers, Environmental Lands Division. 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.
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 initiatives. This
exhibition highlights species and habitats
of special conservation concern in Florida.
The exhibit will be on display in the
auditorium through August 3, 2008.
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. |
Summer 2008
Program Schedule
Guided Hikes
Saturday, July 5, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, July 12, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, July 19, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Saturday, July 26, 2008
9:00 am 11:00 am
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. 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.
Meet the Artist Bottomlands
Sunday,
July 6, 2008
1:00 pm 4:00
pm
Kelly Adams, School of Art
, East Carolina University , Greenville ,
NC. Much of Kelly Adam's work over
the last 20 years revolves around estuary,
swamp and lowland waterway ecology. Using
charcoal and graphite, this East Carolina
University professor heightens our awareness
of the beauty and uniqueness of these ecosystems,
while cultivating an understanding of the
innate value they hold. Join us for a chance
to meet the artist and discuss her work.
Admission: Free. Recommended for
adults program suitable for children
12 and older.
Book Time at Brooker Creek - Fireflies!
Thursday,
July 10, 2008
10:30 am 11:15
am
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. 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 Fireflies! by
Julie Brinckloe. Fireflies blinking in the
backyard are the classic joy of childhood
summers. This beautifully presented tale
reflects the classic theme of setting something
free in order to keep it close to your
heart. This program also includes a craft,
game or other hands-on activity related
to the story. Pre-registration is required
for this program. Admission: Free. Spaces
are limited, so register early! Recommended
ages: 3 - 5.
Aquaculture: Is Fish Farming the
Answer?
Saturday, July
12, 2008
2:00 pm 3:00
pm
Robert Smyth Ocean
Conservancy. Around the world,
more people are choosing fish as a healthy
source of protein. To meet the rising
demand for seafood, people are raising
fish, shrimp and oysters just like farmers
raise chickens, cows and pigs. But is
fish farming the answer? Join us for
a short film and discussion about impacts
and benefits of aquaculture that will help
you make more informed decisions about
what's for dinner. Admission: Free. Pre-registration
required. Recommended for adults,
children under 12 may find this program
challenging.
Open Classroom Discovering Nature
with Your Child
Sunday,
July 13, 2008
11:00 am 3:00
pm
Sunday, July 27, 2008
11:00 am 3:00
pm
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. 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 answer
these questions and many more. Admission:
Free. Recommended for families
with children of all ages.
Movie Night at Brooker Creek Water's
Journey: The Hidden Rivers of Florida
Wednesday,
July 16, 2008
7:00 pm 8:30
pm
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. Where
does our water come from? This amazing, entertaining
documentary follows a team of daring divers
as they explore the connecting paths of the
Floridan aquifer. BYOP (bring your own popcorn)
for this fascinating 1-hour journey to discover
Florida 's hidden rivers. Participants can
pick up a handy tip sheet of practical ways
that individuals can help protect and preserve
Florida 's precious water supply. Pre-registration
is appreciated. Admission: Free. Recommended
for adults suitable for children 12 and
up.
Scales, Feathers and Spines
Saturday,
July 19, 2008
1:00 pm 2:00
pm
Lowry Park Zoo
Education Staff. How do animals
survive in different habitats? What special
traits keep them thriving from season to
season? Scales, feathers, spines and more!
Join us for a close up look at how animals
are adapted to survive and thrive in their
environment. Live animals attend and participate
in this program! Admission: Free. Pre-registration
is appreciated. Recommended
for families with children of all ages.
Book Time at Brooker Creek Tale
of a Tadpole
Thursday,
July 24, 2008
10:30 am 11:15
am
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. 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 Tale
of a Tadpole by
Karen Wallace. This story explores the
life cycle of a frog from egg to adult.
This program also includes a craft, game
or other hands-on activity related to the
story. Pre-registration is required for
this program. Admission: Free. Spaces are
limited, so register early! Recommended
ages: 3 5.
Brooker Basics Wetland Ecosystems
Saturday,
July 26, 2008
1:00 pm 3:30
pm
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. The
Brooker Basics Workshops give participants
a general overview of the variety of environments
and organisms that can be found at the
Brooker Creek Preserve. Each program consists
of two components - an indoor presentation
and a field session. The focus of this
workshop is on the wetland ecosystems found
in Brooker Creek Preserve including freshwater
marshes and cypress swamps. Sturdy closed-toe
shoes and long pants that can get wet and
muddy are required. Water, hat and insect
repellant are recommended. Pre-registration
is required and space is limited. Admission:
Free. Recommended for adults.
Movie Night at Brooker Creek Tampa Bay:
Living Legacy
Wednesday,
July 30, 2008
7:00 pm 8:00
pm
Education Services Staff,
Environmental Lands Division. Tampa
Bay is Florida 's largest open water estuary.
BYOP (bring your own popcorn) to discover
Tampa Bay 's evolution from a relatively
unspoiled paradise, to a waterway battered
by pollution, to the rejuvenated centerpiece
of the region. Funded by the Tampa Bay Estuary
Program and the Pinellas County Environmental
Fund, this 1-hour documentary features interviews
with scientists, elected officials and citizens.
Participants can pick up a handy tip sheet
of practical ways that individuals can help
maintain the progress made in restoring Tampa
Bay. Pre-registration is appreciated. Admission:
Free. Recommended for adults suitable
for children 12 and up.
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. |
