Entrance to Brooker Creek Preserve Education Center
Brooker Creek Preserve is an 8,500-acre wilderness area located in the northeastern corner of Pinellas County. Bordered by Pasco County to the north and Hillsborough County to the east, the Preserve is roughly seven miles long and one and one-half miles wide and lies within the rapidly developing East Lake region of Pinellas County. Brooker Creek Preserve is a wilderness island surrounded on all sides by urban development.
Brooker Creek Preserve is not a park, but a wilderness area. Responsibility for its management rests with Pinellas County's Department of Environmental Management which is under the direct supervision of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners.
The Preserve's namesake, Brooker Creek, is the only stream that enters Lake Tarpon and is a major influence on its water quality. The numerous channels of Brooker Creek enter the Preserve from wetlands in Hillsborough County and flow through a maze of swamps and uplands within the Preserve before combining into a single stream east of Lake Tarpon.
Ecologically, the Preserve is an interesting place and an important area to protect. The site supports populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, otter, gopher tortoise, bobcat, and coyote. Many of these species are abundant in the Preserve but are found nowhere else in the county. Likewise, many less common species such as the endangered Catesby lily, a variety of orchids, Bachman's sparrows, and the tiger swallowtail butterfly find refuge within the Preserve.
Hiking trails are open!
Visitors may now enjoy the Environmental Education Center ’s 4-miles of hiking trails daily from 7:00 am to one half-hour before sunset, including weekends and holidays. Note : Education Center hours remain the same - Wednesday, 9:00 am to 8:30 pm, Thursday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and holidays.
Guided Hikes
Sunday Guided Hikes originate at the Education Center. These hikes begin at 8:00 am and last about 2 hours. Pre-registration is required and admission is free. For more information or to register, please call 453-6800.
Friends' Nature Trail A self-guided hiking trail was opened at the preserve for public use. This 1 1/2 mile loop trail lies at the southern end of Lora Lane off of Keystone Rd., about one-half mile east of East Lake Road.
Brooker Creek Preserve
Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve
Recreation Info from SWFWMD
Brooker Creek Watershed Education website (SWFWMD)