County To Celebrate 25th Birthday Of Brooker Creek Preserve

TARPON SPRINGS, FL -- Pinellas County will celebrate the 25th birthday of the Brooker Creek Preserve on Saturday, Feb. 23 with guided hikes, kids' crafts, presentations and birthday cake starting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents are invited to the free event celebrating the 25th birthday of the 8,700-acre preserve and the 15th birthday of the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs.

Speakers will be on hand from 10 a.m. to noon to talk about the history and importance of the preserve, offerings at the education center, the education center architecture and the art inspirations at the preserve. There will be birthday cake and entertainment from noon to 1 p.m. And the following activities will be available from 1 to 3 p.m.:

* Activities for kids: Children will be able to take part in making beeswax candles, decorating tree cookies and a craft station.

* Pop-up exhibit: An exhibit featuring wildlife found at Brooker Creek Preserve will take place in the exhibit hall.

* Guided hikes: Excursions of various distances (ranging from 0.75 miles to 4 miles) will be offered for guests interested in exploring the preserve.

The mission of the Friends of Brooker Creek is to provide public support for the 8,700-acre preserve through fundraising, volunteer programs and education to ensure the area remains for future generations.

Brooker Creek Preserve is open daily from 7 a.m. to one hour before sunset.

The Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center is open Thursday-Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information about the birthday celebration, call Brooker Creek Preserve at (727) 453-6800.

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