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  Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center Events

November 2009

Guided Hikes
Saturday, November 7, 2009   9:00 am – 11:00 am
Saturday, November 14, 2009   9:00 am – 11:00 am
Saturday, November 21, 2009   9:00 am – 11:00 am
Saturday, November 28, 2009   9:00 am – 11:00 am
Education Services Volunteers, Environmental Lands Division

Take a walk through time each Saturday morning on a guided hike along the Education Center Trail.  Join us for this 0.7-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 by 12:00 noon on the Friday before the hike.   Admission: Free.  All ages welcome - children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging.

Amazing Osprey
Saturday, November 7, 2009 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Barbara Walker, Clearwater Audubon Society

Join us for a look at one of Florida’s most amazing birds, the Osprey. Pinellas County has the largest urban population of ospreys of any county in Florida. This talk explores some unusual nesting habits, migration patterns, and how biologists use satellite tracking to help understand this magnificent creature.  Following the talk and over refreshments, we’ll share Oswald, an American Osprey, a delightful story written by Carol Hemingway.  Admission: Free.  Pre-registration is required. Recommended for all ages.

Book Time at Brooker Creek: Leaf Man
Thursday, November 12, 2009  10:30 am – 11:15 am
Education Services Staff, Environmental Lands Division

This program is designed to connect pre-school children to the wonders of the natural world.  Children are treated to a variety of stories that connect them to their environment.  This week features Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert.  Those aren’t ordinary leaves piled high in the front yard. This brightly illustrated tale follows the journey of the leaf man as the wind picks him up and carries him across the land.  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!  Admission: Free.  Recommended ages: 3 – 5.

Open Classroom – Discovering Nature with Your Child
Saturday, November 14, 2009   12:00 pm – 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 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to participate in a variety of self-guided nature games and activities that answer these questions and many more.  Pre-registration is not required for this open activity.  Admission: Free. Recommended for families with children of all ages.

Open Reception – “Florida’s Living Heritage”
Sunday, November 15, 2009 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Carlton Ward, Photographer and Author, Clearwater, FL

Carlton Ward is an environmental photojournalist and author with graduate training in ecology and anthropology. Through his photographs, he promotes the conservation of natural environments and associated cultural legacies. This exciting exhibit combines the stories of the Florida landscape with the cultural heritage of the legendary Florida cowboy. Carlton Ward’s new book, Florida Cowboys: Keepers of the Last Frontier, relates both his passion and perspective into Florida’s diminishing history. Come join us as we meet with the artist to discuss his work. This free exhibit is on display during normal Center hours through January 2, 2010.  Admission: Free.  Pre-registration appreciated.  Recommended for adults – suitable for children 12 and older.

Cracker Country Kids
Saturday, November 21, 2009 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Harry Gurr, Harry’s Fix It Shop, Odessa, FL

Join our long-time Preserve neighbor for a fun day of hands-on pioneer activities.  Kids have an opportunity to make a jump rope and turn corn cobs into cracked corn with old-fashioned tools.  Pre-registration is requested.  Admission: Free. Recommended for age 6 and up.

Talking Turkey
Saturday, November 28, 2009 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Education Services Staff, Environmental Lands Division

A turkey is more than the focus of your Thanksgiving meal.  Florida’s wild turkeys are fascinating and complex creatures.  Join us to learn how they communicate and raise their young.  You might even get a chance to practice walking and talking like a turkey.  Pre-registration is required.  Admission: Free.  Recommended for families with children age 5 and up.

Brooker Creek Preserve
Environmental Education Center
3940 Keystone Rd. Tarpon Springs, FL 34688

Call (727) 453-6800 to learn more about these exciting events and to register.
Members of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve receive a discount on admission fees.